NC H781

Local governments in North Carolina are prohibited from authorizing or allowing regular public camping or sleeping on public property, including buildings, grounds, and rights-of-way

Local governments may designate their own property for public camping for up to one year at a time, but must provide restrooms, running water, behavioral health services, and enforce prohibitions on illegal substances and alcohol

Designated camping sites require certification from the NC Department of Health and Human Services, which must verify insufficient homeless shelter beds exist, the site is not adjacent to residential zones, and would not harm nearby property values or child safety

Residents, business owners, or the Attorney General may sue local governments for violations and recover attorneys' fees and court costs if they prevail, after providing five business days' notice to cure

The law does not apply during state or local emergency declarations, and becomes effective October 1, 2025