Roswell's Homelessness & Encampment Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles homelessness & encampment rules a little differently. In Roswell, Georgia, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Sit-Lie Rules

Roswell, Georgia bans sitting, lying or sleeping on any public street, sidewalk, alley or crosswalk under § 8.5.3, with a narrow exception for people who cannot avoid it due to physical disability. The section sets no penalty of its own, so violators face the code's citywide default fine and jail exposure under § 1.1.3.

Key details: Governing section: § 8.5.3. Covers: Highways, alleys, sidewalks, crosswalks. Exception: Physical disability only. Penalty: General § 1.1.3, up to $2,000 / 180 days. Warning required: No (unlike urban camping § 8.5.4).

Sitting, lying or sleeping on a Roswell street, alley, sidewalk or crosswalk without a qualifying physical disability is a Code of Ordinances violation. Because § 8.5.3 sets no penalty of its own, § 1.1.3's general penalty applies: up to a $2,000.00 fine, up to 180 days in jail, up to 180 days of community service, or any combination, with each day of continuing violation treated as a separate offense.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Roswell actively enforces its sit-lie rules requirements.

Encampment Sanitation

Roswell bans camping or storing personal property in any city park and bans camping, sleeping, or blocking building entrances on other public property, with a required warning before any arrest.

Key details: Covers: city parks and other public property. Warning: required before any arrest. Private property: camping unlawful without owner's permission. Exemptions: medical emergencies, parades, sidewalk cafes.

A first violation draws a warning to stop the conduct; failing to comply after that warning is an arrestable offense for urban camping under Section 8.5.4.

Compared to other cities, Roswell takes a harder line on encampment sanitation. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Roswell is tougher than many cities when it comes to homelessness & encampment rules. Out of the 2 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Roswell, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Roswell can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.