Roswell, GA Public Conduct: Aggressive Panhandling (2026)
Key Facts
- Aggressive panhandling
- Banned citywide in public areas
- No-solicit zone
- 15 ft of banks, ATMs
- After refusal
- 5 ft cooling-off zone
- Default penalty
- Up to $2,000, 180 days
Summary
Roswell, Georgia bans aggressive panhandling citywide and prohibits all solicitation within 15 feet of banks, ATMs, and check-cashing businesses, plus repeated solicitation within 5 feet of anyone who has already refused.
(b)Prohibitions. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, organization, or corporation to aggressively panhandle within any public area in the city or panhandle or solicit funds for the sole benefit of the solicitor:(1)In any public transportation vehicle, or bus or subway station or stop;(2)Within fifteen (15) feet of any entrance or exit of any bank or check cashing business or within fifteen (15) feet of any automated teller machine during the hours of operation of such bank, automated teller machine or check cashing business without the consent of the owner or other person legally in possession of such facilities. Provided, however, that when an automated teller machine is located within an automated teller machine facility, such distance shall be measured from the entrance or exit of the automated teller machine facility;(3)On private property if the owner, tenant, or lawful occupant has asked the person not to solicit on the property, or has posted a sign clearly indicating that solicitations are not welcome on the property
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 17 | Unified Development Code: Supplement 5).
Full Breakdown
Roswell, Georgia Code of Ordinances § 13.1.5 defines aggressive panhandling as touching a person without consent, blocking their path, following them, or using threatening words or gestures meant to intimidate a response, and bans that conduct anywhere in a public area of the city. Even calm solicitation is barred within 15 feet of a bank, ATM, or check-cashing business entrance during business hours, within 5 feet of someone who already refused, from drivers stopped in traffic, and on private property once the owner has objected or posted a no-soliciting sign.
Violations & Fines
No specific fine is listed in § 13.1.5; violations default to the Code's general penalty, § 1.1.3: up to $2,000, up to 180 days imprisonment, or both, at the municipal judge's discretion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is all panhandling illegal in Roswell, Georgia?
How close can someone panhandle to a Roswell ATM?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Roswell
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Aggressive Panhandling in Nearby Cities
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