GREENVILLE, S.C. —

The city of Greenville is moving forward on an ordinance that bans camping and sleeping in public spaces, but leaders said it will not go into effect until intervention resources are established.

The city passed the new rule in a vote of 4-3 Monday night, which prevents people from using sites within city limits to set up a camp for sleep or sleeping there longer than two hours without permission. The decision comes after months of debate between city officials, Upstate agencies and nonprofits, and the community.

Occupying those spaces would be considered a violation and a misdemeanor, resulting in fines or jail time. The city said this would be a "last resort" response if the person violating the ordinance is not complying.

City Council member John DeWorken authored

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