Homelessness & Encampment Rules in Alabama (2026)
4 rules on the books across Alabama, 4 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Sit-Lie Rules
Citywide rules against sitting or lying on public sidewalks during specified daytime hours in commercial corridors, including how courts have constrained enforcement.
Encampment Sanitation
How cities provide trash, hygiene, and bulky-item pickup at encampments, the CARE/CARE+ cleanups in LA, and the storage-of-belongings rules from Lavan v. LA.
Decatur
Significant RestrictionsIn the City of Decatur, Alabama, § 16-3 makes it unlawful to camp or to erect a tent, shelter, trailer or wagon on city…
Read full rule →Dothan
Significant RestrictionsThe City of Dothan bans camping on all public property under City Code Sec. 62-138, including sleeping outdoors in a…
Read full rule →Vestavia Hills
Significant RestrictionsVestavia Hills bans camping, open fires and dumping inside its city parks, including Wald Park and Liberty Park Sports…
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