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Casa Grande staff outline model ordinance to restrict camping on public property, seek council feedback
Summary
City staff presented a study-session briefing on unhoused encampments, park impacts and legal changes after the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2024 decision; staff asked the City Council for direction on drafting an anti‑camping ordinance and engaging service providers, but no formal action was taken.
City staff told the Casa Grande City Council during a study session that they will prepare options for an ordinance restricting camping and camping‑related activities on city property, after a 2024 U.S. Supreme Court ruling changed the legal landscape for enforcement.
The presentation, led by staff and department directors, focused on how camping in parks, on sidewalks and other city property has affected maintenance, public use and safety. Steven (staff member) opened the session by reminding the council, “this is a study session, so there’ll be no official decisions tonight.”
The issue has drawn repeated resident complaints, officials said. Danny Gallegos, community services director, described frequent park impacts including trash, needles, mattresses and damaged barbecue areas. Gallegos said staff sometimes must clear Ramadas and other areas ahead of scheduled events and that keeping restrooms open is limited by recurrent property damage.
Paul Tice, planning and development director, told the council the zoning code already bans living in tents or…
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