Dunwoody, GA Public Conduct: Aggressive Panhandling (2026)

Section 10-117 of the Dunwoody Code of Ordinances defines aggressive panhandling to include intentionally or recklessly touching a person or their vehicle while soliciting without consent; following a person in a way intended or likely to make a reasonable person fear imminent bodily harm; continuing to solicit within five feet of someone after a negative response, under the same fear standard; blocking a person's safe passage or forcing evasive action; using obscene or abusive language or gestures meant to intimidate; and approaching in a manner intended to cause fear of imminent harm.

Section 10-118 then prohibits aggressive panhandling or soliciting funds for the solicitor's sole benefit anywhere in a public area of the city, defined to include streets, sidewalks, parks, parking lots and similar publicly accessible places. The section also bars solicitation, aggressive or not, inside any public transportation vehicle, station or stop; within 15 feet of the entrance or exit of a bank, check-cashing business, or an automated teller machine during its hours of operation, absent the owner's consent; on private property once the owner, tenant or occupant has asked the person not to solicit or posted a no-solicitation sign; and from the operator of a vehicle stopped in traffic, whether in exchange for washing the windshield or for reserving a parking space, except for genuine emergency repairs. Section 10-119 preserves constitutionally protected picketing and protest activity from the ordinance's reach.