How Cheyenne Handles Homelessness & Encampment Rules: A Practical Guide
If you live in Cheyenne or are thinking about moving there, homelessness & encampment rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Cheyenne has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of homelessness & encampment rules, and some of them might surprise you.
Sit-Lie Rules
Cheyenne outright bans sleeping on any public sidewalk, street, alleyway, or doorway entrance, with violators facing a $50 misdemeanor fine and immediate removal from the premises under the city's camping-on-public-property chapter.
Key details: Fine: $50 misdemeanor fine per violation. Where banned: Sidewalks, streets, alleys, doorway entrances. Enforcement: Immediate removal from the premises. Adopted: Ord. No. 4606, December 23, 2024. Mitigation: Service engagement considered at sentencing.
Sleeping on a public sidewalk, street, alleyway, or adjoining entrance is a misdemeanor: a $50 fine, on-the-spot removal, and a possible sentencing credit for engaging homeless services before the court hearing.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Cheyenne actively enforces its sit-lie rules requirements.
Encampment Sanitation
Cheyenne outlaws campsites on any public property citywide and directs its compliance department to abate them, following a 48-hour posted notice unless the site poses an imminent health, safety, or flood risk.
Key details: Governing chapter: City Code Ch. 8.68. Camping fine: Up to $50, misdemeanor. Abatement notice: 48 hours, written/posted. Enforcing agency: City compliance department. Permit option: City clerk issues camping permits.
Camping on public property without a permit: misdemeanor, fine up to $50 per section 8.68.030(C); unpermitted camping under 8.68.035 is a separate $50 misdemeanor for each day it continues.
Compared to other cities, Cheyenne takes a harder line on encampment sanitation. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
The Bottom Line
Cheyenne is tougher than many cities when it comes to homelessness & encampment rules. Out of the 2 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Cheyenne, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
These rules come from Cheyenne's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.