(a) Terms defined. In this section:
AUTHORIZATION. Express written permission given by the property owner or the owner's agent.
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION. Any private school, including a parochial school that offers a course of instruction for students in one or more grades from kindergarten through grade 12, or a private college or university.
CAMP. To reside, dwell, or otherwise remain temporarily in a place, using transitory shelter.
GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY. Any federal, state or local government, including, but not limited to, a municipality, county, unit of state government, public school district, junior college district or special purpose district.
NON-RESIDENTIAL. Any property or area within the territorial limits of the city that is not included in a residential district as defined in the zoning ordinance or that is used for a commercial or industrial use.
PRIVATE PROPERTY. Property or an area that is owned by an entity or individual that is not a governmental entity or educational institution.
RESIDENTIAL. Any property or area within the territorial limits of the city that is located in a residential district as defined in the zoning ordinance including vacant residentially-zoned lots.
TRANSITORY SHELTER. Without limitation, any vehicle or motor vehicle, including recreational vehicles and truck-tractors, any tent, tarpaulin, lean-to, sleeping bag, bedroll, blankets, or any form of cover or protection from the elements other than clothing. A recreational vehicle, semi-truck, or tractor trailer lawfully parked at a truck stop with fuel and accessory services shall not be considered transitory shelter for the purpose of this section.
(b) Prohibition. It shall be unlawful for any person to camp upon any:
(1) Non-residential private property without possessing authorization of the property owner or the owner's agent;
(2) Residential private property that has no permanent dwelling, or that is lacking a potable water source and toilet facilities, without possessing authorization of the property owner or the owner's agent; or
(3) Residential private property that has a permanent dwelling and both potable water source and toilet facilities, without possessing authorization of the property owner or the owner's agent.
(c) Defenses. It is an affirmative defense to prosecution that a person charged with violation of this section owns the property.
(d) Penalty. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $500.
(e) Any property on which camping occurs shall be subject to all other ordinances of the City of Fort Worth, including those related to zoning and health and safety.
(Ord. 23839-09-2019, § 1, passed 9-17-2019, eff. 9-25-2019)