Casa Grande staff present draft ordinance to limit camping in public spaces, set park ramada time limits

City staff presented a draft ordinance at a study session proposing new limits on camping and abandoned property in public places across Casa Grande and asked the council for feedback on outreach and implementation.

The proposal would make camping in fountains, splash pads and lakes subject to a new prohibition, authorize the director of community services and the city manager to issue permits for camps connected to youth organizations or special events, and allow the city to remove abandoned items from parks after notice. Steven, a staff member, told the council that "There is a 24 hour notice. And if removed, the city will store the belongings for 10 days before disposing of them." He added, "This really is the last step that we plan to use. We want to use other things."

Why it matters: Council members and staff said parks use and safety motivated the draft. Staff framed the ordinance as one tool among outreach, nonprofit coordination and services rather than immediate citation. The city plans a public information campaign and a possible delayed effective date so residents and service providers can…