Jonesboro, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – The Jonesboro City Council on Thursday approved an ordinance designed to crack down on unauthorized camping in city parks and parking lots.

According to the ordinance, no person will be allowed to camp in a city parking lot or city park unless they are in a designated area. “Camping” is defined as erecting a shelter/tent of natural or synthetic material or preparing a sleeping bag/bedding material for the “apparent purpose of overnight occupancy.”

Violating the ordinance would be punishable by a fine of no less than $100 upon first violation. The ordinance notes that special permit can be granted for those wishing to camp in a restricted area during a “special event.”

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All members present voted to approve the ordinance with no discussion. Councilmembers John Street and Dr. Anthony Coleman were absent, so it was approved 10-0. The council’s meeting was rescheduled from its usual meeting day of Tuesday to Thursday due to the general election.

When the ordinance was first considered in the Public Services Council Committee in mid-September, city attorney Carol Duncan told committee members it also applied to RV camping, and is intended to serve as a “jumping off” point to ensure people stay in designated camping areas as the city expands its parks.

For more information about camping in Jonesboro, click here.

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