Flagstaff officials have declined to amend or repeal an ordinance that bans camping on public property in the city.
The Arizona Daily Sun reports the city council decided Tuesday to not alter the ordinance, which classifies sleeping in public areas and in parked cars as a low-level misdemeanor.
City attorney Marianne Sullivan says officers are required to issue warnings for first offenses and provide a list of resources for people experiencing homelessness.
Police officials say the measure helps officers reduce the danger of fires.
According to the police department, 23 people have been arrested and cited in the last five years through the ordinance. 266 warnings have been issued.
Residents opposed to the ordinance say it places more of a burden on the most vulnerable members of the community.
