The Allen City Council approves a new ordinance that prohibits sleeping or camping in most public and semi-public spaces across the city.
The measure applies to streets, sidewalks, parking lots and garages, and common areas of apartment buildings and offices, and also makes it illegal to sleep inside vehicles parked in those locations.
City officials say the ordinance is aimed at addressing public safety, sanitation, and access concerns in shared spaces. Enforcement is expected to focus on moving people out of restricted areas rather than immediate punishment, with outreach and referrals to services emphasized before citations.
The new rule places Allen among a growing number of North Texas cities tightening regulations on public sleeping and camping. Similar ordinances already exist in Dallas and other municipalities, often following state-level guidance that limits unauthorized camping on public property.
Advocacy groups have raised concerns that such ordinances can disproportionately affect people experiencing homelessness, while city leaders argue they are balancing compassion with safety and quality-of-life issues for residents and businesses.
The ordinance takes effect following final approval and publication, with city officials encouraging residents to review the full language for details on enforcement and exemptions.
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