The Menlo City Council has approved a new ordinance prohibiting camping and certain other activities on public property within the city limits.

Council members unanimously approved the ordinance on its second reading during Tuesday evening’s meeting, following a first reading last week.

Mayor Kris Willis said the ordinance was developed in response to concerns about homeless individuals living in the city’s park. Willis told council members that, on two occasions, the city had to deal with overnight guests using the park. He said he believes those individuals were from outside Menlo.

The new ordinance, titled the Camping and Improper Use of Public Areas Ordinance, makes it unlawful for anyone within the city limits to camp in a public area or interfere with others entering or leaving buildings, private property or public areas.

The ordinance defines camping broadly, including sleeping or preparing to sleep, laying down bedding, storing personal belongings, making a fire, cooking or using a tent or other structure for habitation.

Public areas covered by the ordinance include streets, sidewalks, parking lots, parks, playgrounds, schools, transportation facilities and other city-owned property. The ordinance also applies to other property where the public regularly gathers or meets.

Violators may be cited or arrested after receiving a verbal or written warning to stop the prohibited activity. Anyone who fails to promptly comply with the warning may face additional enforcement action.

Personal property left behind in violation of the ordinance may be considered abandoned and confiscated by the city without prior warning. The ordinance requires the city to retain confiscated property in the same manner as other property confiscated or abandoned.

The ordinance includes exceptions for people attending public events, festivals or other activities authorized by the city, as well as city employees and agencies performing their official duties.

The ordinance takes effect immediately.