Chapter 8.08
CAMPGROUNDS AND CAMPERS
Sections:
8.08.020 Grounds requirements.
8.08.010 Prohibited camping.
A. As used in this section:
1. "To camp" means to set up or to remain in or at a campsite.
2. "Campsite" means any place where any bedding, sleeping bag, or other material used for bedding purposes, or any stove or fire is placed, established or maintained for the purpose of maintaining a temporary place to live, whether or not such place incorporates the use of any tent, lean-to, shack, or any other structure, or any vehicle or part thereof.
B. It is found and declared that:
1. From time to time persons establish campsites on sidewalks, public rights-of-way, under bridges, and so forth;
2. Such persons, by such actions create unsafe and unsanitary living conditions which pose a threat to the peace, health and safety of themselves and the community; and
3. The enactment of this provision is necessary to protect the peace, health and safety of the city and its inhabitants.
C. No person shall camp in or upon any sidewalk, street, alley, lane, public right-of-way, park or any other publicly-owned property or under any bridge or viaduct, unless otherwise specifically authorized by this code or by declaration of the mayor in emergency circumstances.
D. Prior to removing homeless individuals from an established camping site, law enforcement officials shall post a notice, written in English and Spanish, twenty-four hours in advance.
1. At the time the notice is posted, law enforcement officials shall inform the local agency that delivers social services to homeless individuals that the notice has been posted. Any local agency, providing service within the city limits of Phoenix, desiring to be on this notification list must provide its name, address, telephone number, and contact person to the Phoenix police department, in writing, requesting notification.
2. The local agency may arrange for outreach workers to visit the camping site where a notice has been posted to assess the need for social service assistance in arranging shelter and other assistance.
E. All unclaimed personal property shall be given to law enforcement officials whether twenty-four-hour notice is required or not. To the extent practicable, property shall be stored for thirty days during which it will be reasonably available to any individual claiming ownership. Any personal property that remains unclaimed for thirty days may be disposed of. For purposes of this subsection, personal property means any item that is reasonably recognizable as belonging to a person and that has apparent utility. Items that have no apparent utility or are in an unsanitary condition may be immediately discarded upon removal of the homeless individuals from the camping site. Weapons, drug paraphernalia and items that appear to be either stolen or evidence of a crime shall be given to law enforcement officials.
F. The twenty-four-hour notice required under subsection D of this section shall not apply:
1. When there are grounds for law enforcement officials to believe that illegal activities other than camping are occurring.
2. In the event of an exceptional emergency such as possible site contamination by hazardous materials or when there is immediate danger to human life or safety.
G. A person authorized to issue a citation for unlawful camping may not issue the citation if the citation would be issued within two hundred feet of the notice described in this section and within two hours before or after the notice was posted.
(Ord. 877, 2007: Ord. 40 § 1, 1925)
8.08.020 Grounds requirements.
There shall be erected, on a lot, in the city, to be used as a campground, as many closets for the use of the traveling public, as the health committee may in their judgment deem sufficient to supply their needs. A stove shall be furnished in which to burn paper and such refuse that can be burnt. Sacks shall be hung up in which to put all tin cans. Closed containers shall be placed where they, the campers, can put all refuse that cannot be burned and which draw flies and endanger public health. One water tap is to be placed on the ground. A cesspool shall be built, in which soap suds, dish water, and all waste water shall be poured, the expense of the above improvements to be borne by the city.
(Ord. 40 § 2, 1925)
8.08.030 Fees.
All persons who may use the camp shall pay a fee in advance of twenty-five cents per car per night, and give the collecting officer their right name and address, and inform him how long they expect to stay. They shall use every precaution to keep the grounds clean and sanitary. They shall not scatter paper and garbage over the ground, but shall burn all that can be burnt, shall put tin cans in the sacks provided, and other refuse in the covered containers, and keep the lid closed. They shall be required to take good care of all city property on the ground, shall demean themselves as good citizens and become subject to the laws and ordinances of the city, in which they are temporarily residing.
(Ord. 40 § 3, 1925)
8.08.040 Violation--Penalty.
Those breaking the rules of the State Board of Health, or the laws and ordinances of the city, or refusing to comply with their requirements, shall be subject to a fine of from five to ten dollars, or from two to five days imprisonment, or to both such fine and imprisonment, as the court may adjudge.
(Ord. 40 § 4, 1925)