Lawton, OK Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Encampment Sanitation (2026)

Adopted as Ordinance No. 25-53 on September 23, 2025, Division 16-3-2 flatly prohibits camping on any public property within the city limits, around the clock, with 'camping' defined to include erecting tents or other temporary shelters and sleeping or preparing to sleep in areas not designated for overnight accommodation. Camping on someone else's private property is also barred unless the camper carries written permission naming the property, the authorized dates and a signature no older than thirty days. Storing personal property on public property is separately regulated: items left unattended for more than twenty-four hours may be removed and disposed of, and anything creating a health hazard or blocking pedestrian or vehicle traffic can be removed immediately.

Before a routine removal the city must post written notice at the site, wait twenty-four hours for the owner to reclaim the property, and photograph it beforehand; removed property is held at a city facility for a minimum of thirty days, reclaimable on payment of a council-set storage fee, before unclaimed items are donated or discarded. Enforcement runs through the Lawton Police Department and code enforcement officers. 00 or the jurisdictional jail limit for a fourth or later violation, with each day a violation continues counted as a separate offense.

Anyone aggrieved by a property-removal action can appeal in writing to the city clerk within ten days, with the city manager hearing the appeal within thirty days.