Columbia's Homelessness & Encampment Rules: The Rules That Matter

Columbia maintains 132 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with homelessness & encampment rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Columbia falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Sit-Lie Rules

Columbia bans sitting, lying down, sleeping or storing property on public streets, sidewalks, benches and medians, and bans the same conduct on any public property when it blocks building entrances. Eleven listed activities, from parade-watching to medical emergencies, are exempted from enforcement.

Key details: Governing section: Code of Ordinances § 14-105(c)-(d). Covers: streets, sidewalks, benches, parking lots, medians. Pre-arrest requirement: oral/written warning or posted signage. Building-access rule: bans blocking ingress/egress, § 14-105(d). Last rewritten: Ord. No. 2023-079, 8-1-23.

Sitting, lying down or sleeping on a public street or sidewalk, or blocking a building's ingress or egress on any public property, violates § 14-105(c)-(d) only after the person has ignored a required oral or written (including posted-sign) warning; a subsequent violation is enforceable by arrest and prosecuted under § 1-5 in Columbia Municipal Court.

Compared to other cities, Columbia takes a harder line on sit-lie rules. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Encampment Sanitation

Columbia bans camping and storing personal property in any city-owned park, defining camping as erecting tents or shelters, sleeping in one spot for a substantial period, or regularly cooking meals. A warning must be given before arrest, and eleven listed activities are carved out as exceptions.

Key details: Governing section: Code of Ordinances § 14-105(a)-(b). Last amended: Ord. No. 2023-079, 8-1-23. Pre-arrest requirement: oral/written warning or posted signage. Exceptions listed: 11 categories in § 14-105(g). Covered property: all city-owned parks, playgrounds, plazas, monuments.

A person may not be arrested for camping or improperly storing property in a park until they receive an oral or written warning (including posted signage) and then fail to comply, at which point they become subject to arrest under § 14-105 and prosecution in Columbia Municipal Court under § 1-5.

Compared to other cities, Columbia takes a harder line on encampment sanitation. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Columbia 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 Columbia, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Columbia can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.