Dothan, AL Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Encampment Sanitation (2026)

Sec. 62-138, adopted by Ordinance No. 2024-345 and effective January 1, 2025, defines 'camping' to include sleeping or otherwise being in a temporary shelter out-of-doors, erecting a tent or similar structure, cooking over an open flame outdoors, or storing personal items on public property. Camping is prohibited on all public property in the City of Dothan except where specifically authorized, and it is also prohibited on private residential property unless the property owner or person in control consents. The ordinance carves out narrow exceptions: lying down for a medical emergency, napping at a festival or concert, waiting in an orderly ticket or service line, an approved organized camping event, or a short picnic or outing in a public park.

Public assembly and expressive conduct activity are exempt entirely, and the ordinance states it is not meant to deter anyone from exercising free speech or other constitutional rights. Before any enforcement, officers who find someone illegally camping must inform them of the ordinance, document the person's name and location if possible, issue a written warning, direct the person to stop and leave, and provide a list of available services. No one may be cited or arrested until they have already received a written warning and failed to comply with it, even if they relocate.