Mayor Peter Carlisle this afternoon signed Bill 54 into law, a measure that would prohibit storing personal items, including furniture and clothing, in public areas such as sidewalks and parks.

Bill 54 was passed Wednesday by the City Council by an 8-1 vote.

The Carlisle administration has consistently supported Bill 54 as a means to make public spaces accessible to all users and establish a process for dealing with property that is stored in public space.

City administrators say the bill would apply to anyone who is noncompliant, but that enforcement would largely be complaint-driven. It would not apply to groups that obtain camping permits at city parks.

Critics say the measure targets the homeless and could wind up being an added financial burden on the city.

Under Bill 54, people found in violation would be given a written notice and 24 hours to remove their property. After that, the property would be impounded and stored by the city. Owners would be given at least 30 days’ notice to recover it before it would be discarded or sold at auction.

The city has said it would work within its existing budget this fiscal year to implement the program.