The city of Tempe is implementing strict enforcement of its urban camping ordinance as a result of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Grants Pass decision and the passage of Proposition 312.

The Grants Pass decision specifically states that citing people for urban camping is not cruel and unusual punishment, a city release explained, and Prop. 312 allows for property owners to apply for a refund from cities and counties for costs related to urban camping if a city does not enforce its ordinances. 

Tempe City Code 23-90 was originally passed in 1997 and updated in 2018, prohibiting anyone from using public property as housing. 

This includes pitching tents or building shelters in places such as city parks, preserves, alleys, bus stops, schools or rights of way. It also bans activities such as making fires, storing personal belongings in public spaces and laying down bedding for sleeping, according to the release.

Those violating the ordinance will be offered outreach services and given a warning that urban camping is not allowed in the city of Tempe public spaces. 

If after the warning those individuals continue to violate the ordinance, they will be cited. As a class 1 misdemeanor, the penalty for an urban camping violation is a fine up to $2,500 or up to six months imprisonment.

It is hoped that those in need of assistance will take the opportunity to get help, the release stated.

People may call the city of Tempe CARE & HOPE Line at 480-350-8004 to help someone in need and also to report encampments. Find additional resources through Tempe's Community Health and Human Services Department.