Birmingham Council Drafts Camping Ban

Birmingham City Council members approved a draft ordinance to ban public camping on Wednesday.

The proposal targets encampments on municipal land. It pairs this restriction with a new outreach strategy for people without permanent housing. The city aims to balance enforcement with social support.

Alanah Melton, the director of unhoused strategies, outlined the operational plan. She described the process as prohibit, respond, remove, and protect. Melton stated that sidewalks are not adequate for living. She added that the city intends to secure shelter and housing opportunities for those affected.

The move follows a large encampment on Palisades Boulevard near Stone Ridge Apartments. That incident occurred months before this special meeting. Councilmember Hunter Williams of District 2 raised concerns about the scope of the bill. He argued the draft does not address encampments on private property. Williams cited a specific case at a local church. He described a woman using two Walmart grocery carts to store belongings in that location.

The draft now proceeds to the full council. It must pass a final vote there to become law. No timeline for that vote was announced at the Wednesday meeting.