Floyd County Commissioners approved an urban camping and improper use of public areas ordinance this week.

The ordinance was approved following weeks of discussion of the homeless community in the county.

According to Floyd County Manager Jamie McCord, for a first offense, the ordinance will issue a warning, as long as the person complies and leaves the location.

If a citation is later issued then it allows for the removal of the person’s belongings.

The ordinance prohibits camping in a public area and if it interferes with the ingress and egress of any building, private property or public area, including a property owner’s access to the right away. It allows designated campgrounds, when otherwise authorized by county and allows county to authorize these activities.