Columbus, GA Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Encampment Sanitation (2026)

Sec. 14-13 makes it unlawful to camp, sleep, store belongings, pitch a tent, cook, or use a vehicle for habitation, or to store personal property on any public street, sidewalk, park, or land, or under a bridge, anywhere in Columbus, Georgia/Muscogee County. Before enforcing the camping ban, police must give written or oral notice and allow eight calendar days to vacate; unattended stored property is hauled to the public landfill after the same eight-day window. Exceptions cover permitted parks programs, licensed campgrounds, permitted outdoor events, and city, state, or county officials and contractors performing official duties. The section was substantially rewritten by Ord. No. 25-040, adopted August 12, 2025.