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Fountain Hills council asks attorney to draft tougher rules on urban camping, debates contracted shelter funding
Summary
Council directed staff to investigate legal options to strengthen the town’s code on urban camping after deputies and residents described recurring encampments. Members also discussed a contracted bed program the town pays for; council was told the contract was renegotiated to $15,000 for the coming year and has not been widely used.
Fountain Hills — The town council on Wednesday opened a discussion on stronger local rules to address "urban camping" after deputies and residents described repeat encampments on town property and private benches near Fountain Lake.
Planning and public-safety staff told the council recent court decisions have reduced the town's ability to require a bed or shelter placement as a condition of enforcement, and that law enforcement sometimes lacks clear tools to compel movement when people refuse services. "Their hands are tied in many cases," a council member said, urging changes to town code chapter 11.
Council members debated penalties, whether to add aggravated violations (for example, when animals are endangered or stolen shopping carts are involved) and how to incent individuals to accept shelter offers. Capt. Thomas of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office reported that officers addressed several repeat calls for encampments earlier this year; he said responses vary and outcomes depend on whether subjects accept services or shelter options.
Councilwoman Gail Earl asked how often the town has used its contracted bed program; staff said the town renegotiated the contract and paid $15,000 for the current fiscal year but could not identify recent use of those beds. Council members said it would be appropriate to consider the program’s utility during the budget process and to explore alternatives within MCSO's resources.
The council's direction was limited: staff and the town attorney were asked to review legal options and prepare draft code changes that would give law enforcement and code enforcement additional tools while respecting constitutional limits and recent court rulings.
Why it matters: Urban camping affects parks, public safety and tourism. The council’s next steps — legal review and possible ordinance language — will determine the town’s enforcement capability and budget choices for shelter alternatives.
