[1]
Editor's note–See Texas Penal Code, section 48.05.
As used in this article, the following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meaning ascribed to them in this section, where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Camp
shall mean to reside temporarily in a place, with shelter.
Public place
shall mean any place to which the public or a substantial group of the public has access and includes, but is not limited to, streets, pedestrian ways, parking lots, highways, and the common areas of schools, hospitals, apartment houses, office buildings, transport facilities, and shops.
Shelter
shall mean a tent, tarpaulin, lean-to, sleeping bag, bedroll, blankets, vehicle or any form of temporary, semipermanent, or permanent shelter, other than clothing or any handheld device, designed to protect a person from weather conditions that threaten personal health and safety.
(Ordinance 25-741-16 adopted 11/6/2025)
It is the purpose of this article to establish rules and regulations governing the prohibition of camping in public places.
(Ordinance 25-741-16 adopted 11/6/2025)
(a) 
It shall be unlawful for any person to camp in a public place within the limits of the City.
(b) 
Evidence of camping may include:
(1) 
Presence of a shelter;
(2) 
Cooking;
(3) 
Making a fire;
(4) 
Storing personal belongings for an extended period;
(5) 
Digging and earth breaking activities; or
(6) 
Sleeping.
(c) 
Unless a Law Enforcement Officer determines that there is an imminent health or safety threat, a Law Enforcement Officer shall, before citing a person for violation of this article, make a reasonable effort to:
(1) 
Advise the person of a lawful alternative place to camp, if available;
(2) 
Advise the person, to the best of the Law Enforcement Officer's knowledge, of available shelter or housing; and
(3) 
Contact, if reasonable and appropriate, a nonprofit organization operating within the city, and request the organization to provide the person with any information known or resources available by that organization that would reduce the likelihood of the person suspected of committing the offense continuing to camp in the public place.
(Ordinance 25-741-16 adopted 11/6/2025)
The provisions of this article shall not apply to activities granted by permit by the City for the use of Public Parks.
(Ordinance 25-741-16 adopted 11/6/2025)
Any person who intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence violates any provision of this article shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction, shall be subject to a fine in the amount not to exceed $2,000.00 for any violation hereof, with each day being a separate violation.
(Ordinance 25-741-16 adopted 11/6/2025)