Phoenix City Council approves ban on camping near parks, schools

PHOENIX — The Phoenix City Council passed an ordinance Wednesday banning encampments near schools and public parks.

In an 8-0 vote, the council approved a policy that makes it illegal to camp within 500 feet of a local school, daycare, transitional shelter or park. A violation of the ordinance could result in a Class 3 misdemeanor charge and a $100 fine.

“Camping” is defined in the ordinance as the use of property for sleeping, storage, making a fire, cooking or pitching tents.

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said it is not safe for individuals to live in these areas and the city will continue to help homeless people with social services. Other council members emphasized that the ordinance was not intended to criminalize the homeless population.

The order takes effect in September 2024.

Wednesday's action is the latest development in the city's ongoing struggle as it tries to determine how to help people living on the city's streets.

Phoenix was sued by the ACLU in 2022 for emptying encampments downtown. In that court case, a judge said the city couldn't impose camping or sleeping bans on homeless people if Phoenix didn't have enough shelter space.

Councilwoman Betty Guardado, who opposed the policy when it was considered at a previous subcommittee meeting, was not present during Wednesday's vote.