Birmingham Approves Rules for Clearing Public Encampments

Birmingham has approved an ordinance prohibiting unauthorized encampments on city-owned property, citing public health and sanitation, safety, access to shared spaces, and protection of infrastructure. It establishes a process for clearing camps while directing the city to connect people experiencing homelessness with outreach, shelter, and other services. Notice periods vary by circumstances: two hours for emergencies or imminent threats and certain event-related situations, 24 hours for designated priority locations, and 48 hours in other cases. When possible, trained outreach teams will contact residents before a camp is removed; the rules also provide for written notice and procedures for handling personal belongings.