Cobb County considers trespass and "no camping" ordinance; commissioners debate enforcement and resources for unhoused residents

Deputy Chief Ben Cohen presented proposed language for Chapter 86 to clarify and expand prohibitions on unauthorized entry, camping and littering on private or public property. The proposed text would make it unlawful to camp, sleep, reside, store personal property or otherwise occupy private property without written permission from the owner, lessee or lawful occupant; it also would prohibit throwing debris on public or private property.

Cohen told the Board the language is modeled on ordinances in peer cities and is intended to give law enforcement a clear process that begins with notice and may lead to citations or removal if an authorized notice is not heeded. He described common practice that includes giving an individual a civil warning and, for camping on private property, a 72-hour notice in many cases before escalating enforcement.

Commissioners and staff engaged in an extended, fact-based discussion about practical evidentiary standards, when an officer may take enforcement action, how notice is given (verbal warning by an officer versus posted signage), whether owners should be required to erect no-trespass signage, and how the county will verify owner authorization when someone claims permission to occupy private property.

Officials stressed the county will prioritize offering services and shelter options for unhoused individuals before enforcement, but they acknowledged service capacity is insufficient for all needs. Commissioners asked for data on historical 911 or code-enforcement calls in hotspots (e.g., Bells Ferry corridor and Veterans Memorial Highway), and asked staff to continue coordinating with neighboring municipalities to align ordinances so enforcement does not simply displace encampments.

No vote occurred; staff said the wording would be refined and returned for public hearing as part of the code-amendment package.