DeKalb County votes 5-2 to ban 'urban camping'

DeKalb County commissioners voted 5-2 on Tuesday to adopt a new ordinance banning what the measure terms 'urban camping.' The decision adds DeKalb to a list of dozens of local governments in Georgia that have enacted laws restricting outdoor sleeping, even as the state faces a shortage of shelter space for people experiencing homelessness.

Commissioner Michelle Long Spears, representing a district that includes Brookhaven, Decatur, and parts of Atlanta, voted against the measure. She joined Commissioner Ted Terry, whose super district covers the western half of the county, in opposing the ordinance. Terry cited data showing DeKalb's homelessness rate is 17.5 percent higher than the national average, arguing the county needs to be a leader in addressing the crisis.

Supporters of the ordinance focused on specific behaviors rather than the status of being homeless. Commissioner Aileen Brown, chair of the County Commission, said the ordinance targets harassing behavior, such as aggressive panhandling, and safety concerns. She noted that many residents have complained about noise, trash, and the general impact of encampments on their neighborhoods.

Commissioner Kaycee Moore, who voted for the ordinance, emphasized the need for clear language. She told reporters the commission wanted to avoid using outdated terms that might confuse the public. The ordinance prohibits camping in public spaces, on private property without permission, or in any area where a sign is posted.

The ordinance also includes a provision that allows the county to notify people in individual media or through direct mail at least 48 hours before enforcement. This notice requirement is designed to give residents and businesses time to prepare for the changes. The law also specifies that the county can post signs in areas where camping is prohibited.

Opponents argued that the ordinance effectively criminalizes homelessness. They pointed to the fact that DeKalb County has limited shelter space and that the new law could force people to sleep in areas that are harder to find, such as under overpasses or in wooded areas. Commissioner Long Spears said the ordinance would create a two-tier system, where some areas are allowed to have encampments while others are not.

The ordinance takes effect immediately after the vote. The DeKalb County Commission will now work with local agencies to implement the law and determine where signs will be posted. The decision is expected to be a contentious one, with both supporters and opponents watching closely to see how the new rules are enforced.