Sleeping in Nonresidential University Buildings and Spaces

Policy Title: Restrictions Related to Sleeping in Nonresidential University Buildings and Spaces

Responsible Executive: Katie Callow-Wright 

Responsible Offices: Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), Department of Public Safety (DPS)

Contacts: EHS, HR, Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Students (ODUS), Graduate School, Fire Marshal

Effective Date: 1/1/2025 

I.    Policy Statement

This policy establishes restrictions related to sleeping in university buildings not intended to be residential, public/common areas within residential buildings, and outdoor spaces on Princeton University property. This policy prohibits individuals from sleeping in these areas except in limited cases where there is an operational need reviewed and approved by the University. 

II.    Who Is Affected by This Policy

This policy applies to all students, faculty, staff, visitors, and other affiliates.

III.    Definitions

Approved Nonresidential Sleeping Areas – Specific areas that have been identified and approved by university administration and approved by Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) and the Department of Public Safety (DPS) for temporary overnight residency; e.g., essential services employees during a weather emergency. 

Dwelling – A building or space within a building designated for residential purposes. 

Essential Services Employee – Staff that perform jobs that are necessary and required to maintain basic University operations during scheduled closures or unscheduled suspension of normal operations due to emergencies, events, or other situations.

New Jersey Fire Code - The NJ Department of Community Affairs - Division of Fire Safety is responsible for developing and enforcing the State Uniform Fire Code. The State Uniform Fire Code includes International Fire Code (IFC) 2015 edition, adopted as the State Fire Prevention Code for New Jersey (NJAC §5:70-3.1); and the State Fire Safety Code (NJAC § 5:70-4.1). 

Nonresidential Building – A building designation assigned to space not intended to serve as a dwelling (see definition above). Some examples include office, research, and administrative buildings.

Outdoor Space – Any outdoor area, lawn, green, patio, plaza or similar University property.

Sleeping Area – Building spaces identified and designated for overnight sleep/residency. 

IV.    Policy

Overnight sleeping is prohibited in nonresidential University buildings that are not considered dwellings. This is a strictly enforced fire law for which exceptions must be expressly granted. Note also that overnight sleeping is not permitted outdoors on University grounds, including camping in vehicles and setting up tents or other temporary structures for sleeping purposes. See additional guidance here: conferences.princeton.edu/guidelines

Additionally, furniture and other surfaces made available by the University in public areas are to be used exclusively for seating and cannot be used for sleeping or lying down. Public areas include, but are not limited to, benches, office lounge areas, steps/stairs on University-owned or leased property, academic and non-academic facilities (including lecture halls, classrooms, and libraries), atria, waiting areas, hallways, stairways, university yards or plazas, athletic facilities, and/or dining facilities.

In limited circumstances, permission for overnight stays in non-residential buildings may be granted following formal review to ensure the space selected meets the requirements for residential use outlined in fire and other building codes. Any use of nonresidential building spaces for overnight residence must be approved by the cabinet officer responsible for the affected area or population and the University Fire Marshal and requires an Overnight Stay Permit issued by the Town of Princeton Office of Fire Safety, coordinated through the University Fire Marshal.

V.    Policy Enforcement

  1. Students found to be in violation of this policy may be subject to discipline in accordance with Rules, Rights, and Responsibilities and other applicable University policies. 
  2. Faculty and Staff found to be in violation of this policy may be subject to discipline in accordance with appropriate University policy. 
  3. Campus visitors found to be in violation of this policy may be subject to university sanctions including being banned from campus.

VI.    Roles and Responsibilities

All members of the University community and visitors are expected to abide by this policy.

Persons found sleeping in nonresidential buildings/spaces or other locations covered herein including private office areas, will be instructed to leave the space immediately. Those who refuse to comply may be removed and subject to arrest for trespassing

VII.    Related Policies

  1. Rights, Rules, Responsibilities
  2. Workplace Health and Safety Policies and Responsibilities

VIII.    Update Log

ENDORSED BY ESRM on 10/3/2024