Article 9-5 Health and Sanitation

9-5-8 Camping

A. Definitions
"Camp" or "Camping," as used in this article, means to use any real property or space as a temporary place of dwelling, lodging, residence, or living accommodation. Indications of camping may include but are not limited to:

1. Sleeping, preparing to sleep, or storing personal belongings.

2. Engaging in activities such as laying down bedding, using sleeping bags, or setting up any form of shelter.

3. Making a place habitable by carrying out activities such as making a fire, cooking, or using tents, tarps, vehicles, or other structures for shelter.

4. Establishing an area with a sense of permanence ore semi-permanence, such as setting up a camp with multiple items indicating a stay longer than temporary resting.

5. Such activities constitute camping when it reasonably appears, under the circumstances, that a person is using the area as a living accommodation, no matter how temporary. This applies regardless of the intent of the participants or the nature of any other activities they may also be engaging in.

B. Camping Prohibited, Private Property. In addition to prohibitions outlined in subsection 9-8-5 (K) and 9-5-8 (C), camping is prohibited on private property:

1. Where it is conducted in such a manner as to constitute a nuisance because of noise, inadequate sanitation, or other matters offensive to a reasonable person.

2. Where the camping is of such frequency, intensity, or duration as to constitute a use of land prohibited by any provision of the Town's Zoning Ordinance or this code.

3. Where prohibited under any provision of this code concerning the use of a mobile home, a recreational vehicle, a bus, a hauler, a camping trailer, or any other conveyances.

4. Where, unless authorized by the Town, any fee, charge, or other monetary consideration is collected for the privilege of camping.

5. In the parking lot of any religious, educational, healthcare, park, lodging, retail, industrial, office, business, commercial, or other similar establishment, regardless of the permission of the owner, lessee, occupant, or person having legal control of such property, unless such property has been specifically zoned to permit camping and has approved water and wastewater disposal facilities and other utilities for camping purposes.

C. Camping Prohibited, Other Public Property. In addition to prohibitions outlined in subsections 9-8-5 (K) and 9-5-8 (B), camping is prohibited on public property owned by the United States Government, the State of Arizona, or any political subdivision thereof, where the United States, the State or its political subdivisions have not provided facilities for camping or have elected not to permit camping.

D. Camping; Violations; Penalties.

1. A violation of this Section (9-5-8) is a class 3 misdemeanor.

2. The court may impose restitution for any economic losses or expenses incurred to remove all litter, debris, garbage, trash, and any other material from the site placed by that person without the consent of the lawful owner of the property.

E. Camping; Violations; Public Nuisance; Notice.

1. Any campsite established in the town on private property in violation of this Section (9-5-8) is declared to be a public nuisance, and upon a determination that such a campsite constitutes and immediate threat to the health, safety, or welfare of persons in the Town, including persons using the campsite, the Police Department is authorized and empowered to remove any such campsite, including camping paraphernalia, personal property, litter, debris, garbage, trash, or other associated materials and dispose of the items in accordance with Article 4-4.

2. If persons are occupying the campsite at the time, then before removing the campsite, the Police Department shall warn the person or persons occupying the campsite that they are in violation of this Chapter and shall give them a reasonable opportunity to remove the campsite including any camping paraphernalia, personal property, litter, debris, garbage, trash, or other associated materials.

3. If any property or materials used for camping are left unattended, unclaimed, or abandoned on town property, the Town may remove and dispose of the items in accordance with Article 4-4.

Article 9-8 Town Property, Parks, and Recreation

9-8-5 Town Property 

A. Except as specifically authorized by the Town, it is unlawful for any person or organization in a Town Property to:

1. Glass containers. Have in their possession or custody a glass container of any kind or description.

2. Disfiguration or Removal of Town Property Improvements. Deface, disfigure, injure, tamper with, displace, or remove any turf grass, landscape material, playground equipment, picnic table, bench, fire pit, grill, paving, water fountain, public utility line or part or appurtenance thereof, sign, monument, marker, fencing, restroom fixtures, or any other equipment, facility, property, structure, or improvement of any kind whatsoever in Town Properties.

3. Disfiguration or Removal of Town Property Resources. Disfigure, displace, remove, or excavate, as applicable, any soil, rock, stone, sand, street, shrubs, cactus, plant material, or other natural resource of any description.

4. Animals. 

a. Remove from or release into any Town Property any animals, fish, birds, reptiles or other wildlife except as authorized by subsection 9-8-3(G) or with prior authorization from the Town.

b. Feed, touch, hunt, molest, harm, frighten, kill, trap, pursue, chase, tease, shoot or throw objects at any animals, fish, birds, reptiles, or other wildlife (including eggs or nests) except as authorized by subsection 9-8-3(G) or with prior authorization from the Town.

5. Fires. Start or sustain a fire, except in fire pits, grills, or other areas, as designated and approved for such use by the Town.

6. Interference with Persons or Activities. Unreasonably disturb or interfere with any person or party occupying any area or participating in any activity organized or authorized by the Town.

7. Vending, Advertising and Signage. Expose or offer for sale or hire any service or article, including food, beverages and confectionary articles; announce, advertise or call the public attention to any service or article for sale or hire; or paste, glue, track or otherwise post any sign, placard or advertisement.

8. Vehicle Repair. Undertake mechanical repair or maintenance of any vehicle, including but not limited to, automobile oil changes or engine tune-ups, except in the case of any emergency where the vehicle is not operable.

9. Parking. Park any vehicle in any area not specifically designated for parking or in violation of Article 9-7 of the Town Code.

10. Regulations. Violate the Town of Queen Creek Public Park Regulations adopted pursuant to Article 15-2 of the Town Code.

11. Camping. Camp on town property except where specifically authorized by the Town.

a. Nothing in this subsection shall be interpreted to prohibit camping or overnight parking sponsored or approved by the Town.

b. This subsection does not apply to temporary structures set up by a governmental agency or relief workers during a disaster or emergency.

c. A violation of this subsection (9-8-5(K)) is a class 3 misdemeanor.

d. The Police Department is authorized and empowered to remove any such campsite, including camping paraphernalia, personal property, litter, debris, garbage, trash, or other associated materials and dispose of the items in accordance with Article 4-4.

e. If persons are occupying the campsite at the time, then before removing the campsite, the Police Department shall warn the person or persons occupying the campsite that they are in violation of this Chapter and shall give them a reasonable opportunity to remove the campsite including any camping paraphernalia, personal property, litter, debris, garbage, trash, or other associated materials.

f. If any property or materials used for camping are left unattended, unclaimed, or abandoned on town property, the Town may remove and dispose of the items in accordance with Article 4-4.

g. The court may impose restitution for any economic losses or expenses incurred to remove all litter, debris, garbage, trash, and any other material from the campsite.

B. Violation.

1. Any violation of this Section (90805) authorizes the Town or authorized enforcement agent to order the person to leave the property. Refusal to leave the property or a return to the property in which the violation occurred the same day subsequent to an oral or written order under this Section (9-8-5) is a class 3 misdemeanor

2. Violation of subsection B, C, and D(2) is a class 1 misdemeanor.

Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre 

38 acre facility that hosts a wide range of equestrian and community events throughout the year. The facility features:

• 77 RV spaces with water and electric hook-up
• 2 RV dump stations, located at the NW corner of the RV lot

Visit Queen Creek

• Hotels
• The Cozy Peach at Schnepf Farms

A New Leaf: nonprofit organization providing a broad spectrum of support service to help individuals & families in need.

Housing & Shelter Services:

• Family Housing Hub: (602) 595-8700
• Individual Services: (877) 211-8661

Services available for Maricopa and Pinal Counties (info sheet)

Community Bridges Inc: provides a full continuum of the highest quality substance use and mental health services. 

Housing Services:

• 24-Hour Access to Care Line: (877) 931-9142

Additional information on available services

Southeast Valley Community Alliance: a coalition serving Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, and Florence. 

Assistance with housing, food, healthcare, transportation and more:

• Dial 211 (within AZ) or (877) 211-8661