The Casa Grande City Council unanimously approved two ordinances on June 16, 2025, that will restrict camping on public and private property and regulate the use of park ramadas, with both measures taking effect October 1, 2025.
Council Approves Dual Ordinances
The council passed two separate ordinances during Monday’s meeting. Ordinance 1397.19 establishes new Chapter 12.08 of the Casa Grande Municipal Code regarding urban camping and storage of personal belongings. Ordinance 1397.20 amends Chapter 12.04 to address park use regulations, specifically ramada usage and unattended property.
Both ordinances received unanimous approval from all council members present.
Key Provisions of the Ordinances
The urban camping ordinance prohibits camping on public and private property without express permission from the city. The measure establishes a 500-foot buffer zone around schools, childcare facilities, shelters, and parks where camping is forbidden. The ordinance also prohibits washing one’s body or belongings in fountains, splash pads, or lakes.
Under the new rules, camping equipment and personal belongings must be removed from public areas within 24 hours of a citation or warning, unless the city provides a longer notice period. Property remaining after this period shall be deemed abandoned. The city may then seize and destroy hazardous and bulky items, debris, and trash, while storing remaining property for 10 days before disposal
The park regulations ordinance limits the use of ramadas without permits to two consecutive hours and prohibits leaving personal property unattended in parks for more than two hours, with provisions allowing immediate removal of property that interferes with park operations.
Both ordinances include provisions allowing the Community Services Director to issue permits for youth and school camps in open spaces, while the City Manager may issue permits for camp facilities connected to special events or grant temporary permits.
Background and Development
The ordinances stem from ongoing issues with camping on public property that city officials say have impacted public safety and park usage. The city held study sessions on February 18, 2025, and May 19, 2025, to review current codes and discuss potential solutions.
City staff researched similar ordinances adopted by other municipalities. The mayor and staff then held a meeting with stakeholders to review the draft ordinance, including representatives from Seeds of Hope, Casa Grande Alliance, Horizon Health & Wellness, CAHRA/CG Helps, CHIP, Salvation Army, and Casa Grande Police, who city officials reported were supportive of the proposed measures.
At previous meetings, local nonprofit leader Jerry Scheiber noted a 200-400% growth in food assistance demand over five years, highlighting the growing crisis in the community.
Compassionate Enforcement Approach
Deputy City Manager Weaver emphasized that the ordinances are not intended for aggressive enforcement.
“We want to treat people with dignity and respect. And really the point of it is, there are certain areas that people are camping in that are kind of disruptions and that we need to be able to move those people out of there when needed. But really, we’re going to try to help people, and that’s why we’re dealing with all of our partners in this process,” Weaver said.
The city has partnered with various organizations including the CG HELPS Coalition and other nonprofits. Mayor Fitzgibbons noted that the city is working with these groups to explore solutions beyond enforcement.
“We are really working on a coordinated effort. We’re working with the CG HELPS Coalition, with the non-profits. We’ve been trying to be proactive, come up with solutions. We’re looking into the possibility of having a day [center], somewhere for people to go during the daytime at least until a shelter becomes available, though who knows when a shelter will ever be here,” the mayor said.
Public Testimony Highlights Homeless Challenges
Two speakers addressed the council during public comments, providing firsthand perspectives on homelessness in Casa Grande.
Barbara Sundust, who runs Laundry Love for homeless individuals, reported serving 82 people and completing 505 loads of wash during the January 11th session, part of Laundry Love’s bi-monthly outreach that cost $1,731. She described conversations with homeless women living in tents and cars, including one woman who was driving for Uber but could only deliver food because she was living in her car and couldn’t take passengers.
“I just can see such a need for women to have a shelter. And I know that in my head, I make it simple, so I think, ‘Okay, the pavilion’s there. It’s pretty much empty, so okay, let these women there.’ They could get help, they could have people, food, they would help with the money,” Sundust said. She also expressed concern about the summer heat, asking, “Can you imagine living in your car, even in the daytime and then trying to sleep in it, and it’s all overheated?”
Charles William Ellis, who identified himself as an unsheltered person, urged the council to delay implementation of the ordinance so he could provide specific locations and data about safe places for homeless individuals.
“I know where you can put them. You just got to give me a chance to prove it to you. So, that’s all I’m asking, is just table it for a couple of months,” Ellis said.
Ellis warned that pushing homeless individuals to outlying areas could increase violence and theft among the homeless population.
Response to Public Input
Following the public comments, Mayor Fitzgibbons directed Ellis to work with Deputy City Manager Weaver on potential solutions and concerns about ordinance implementation.
“Charles, if you can get with our Deputy City Manager maybe, Steven. Can you talk to him about that?” the mayor said.
Community Resources and Support
The mayor highlighted existing cooling and hydration stations around the city where people can access water and shelter from heat, noting that she had provided council members with information from CAHRA about these resources. She noted that the library serves as one of these cooling stations.
The city plans to continue working with nonprofit partners and stakeholders as the October 1 effective date approaches. Officials indicated they will maintain collaborative efforts to address homelessness comprehensively while implementing the new regulations to ensure public spaces remain accessible to all residents.
