ATHENS, Ga. — The Athens-Clarke County Commission voted to change rules for public spaces, banning camping on sidewalks, streets or other public areas, including under bridges and in other rights of way.
The vote was split, with two members of the commission against the change.
As written, the update prohibits using public spaces for sleeping activities or making preparations to sleep. The text of the amended ordinance says this includes “the laying down of bedding for the purpose of sleeping” or storing personal property and other belongings.
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Making fires to cook with or using a tent or other habitation structure is also banned in public areas.
“These activities constitute camping if, in light of all the circumstances, it reasonably appears that in conducting one or more of these activities, the person is in fact using the area as a living accommodation, regardless of the intent of the person or the nature of any other activities in which the person may also be engaging,” the approved measure says.
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Additionally, if people standing, sitting, lying down, using personal property, or performing other activities in areas that prevent coming or going in a public area will also count as violations, regardless of whether the area is owned by the local government or is private property.
However, if those participating in these otherwise banned activities have express prior written permission of the property owner, it is permitted.
As for what happens to violators, there will be a warning for a first offense, and citations for those first-offense violations will not be issued.
If those individuals given warnings repeatedly violate the rule, they will be given citations and, depending on the situation, their belongings may be confiscated.
The ordinance also has a section that bans prowling, when a person is in a place at a time or in a manner that is unusual for law-abiding individuals under circumstances that would cause justified and reasonable concern or alarm.
The text of the legislation says prowling activities include running away when law enforcement arrives, refusal to identify themselves, or trying to conceal themselves or objects they are in possession of.
The new rule takes effect on Jan. 6, 2027, according to officials.
While the rules are changing, the Athens-Clarke County Commission is also providing new ways to assist the unhoused.
Officials said $1 million will be used to develop temporary emergency housing, and one of the police department’s behavioral co-responder units will be based out of downtown Athens.
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