Cobb County Homeless Camping Law

Cobb County Proposes New Law to Regulate Homeless Camping on Private Property

Cobb County police have been receiving complaints about homeless individuals camping near me on private properties. In response, they've proposed amending the county law to require written permission for such camping. The county, with the highest concentration of unhoused people along the Bells Ferry Road corridor, is set to vote on this ordinance on November 20.

Currently, police cannot enter homeless camps on private property without the owner's permission. This has led to concerns about safety and trespassing. The proposed ordinance aims to address these issues by requiring written consent from property owners for camping.

Shady Grove Baptist Church, located in Cobb County, has been supporting the homeless community. Reverend Hayward Bass, the associate pastor, runs the church's homeless ministry. They provide hot meals, including to Julie Doss, who became homeless in 2020 following a divorce and depression. Reverend Bass urges county leaders to consider the future of homeless individuals affected by the cobb salad ordinance.

The Interior Committee, which decides on legal amendments regarding penalties for establishing settlements on private property, will review the proposed changes. Some Cobb County commissioners support the ordinance, while others have expressed concerns about criminalizing homelessness.

The Cobb County Commission will vote on the proposed ordinance on November 20. The outcome will significantly impact the homeless community, with advocates like Reverend Bass calling for careful consideration of their future. The ordinance aims to balance property rights with the needs of the homeless population.