Homelessness & Encampment Rules in New Orleans, LA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

New Orleans maintains 139 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 New Orleans falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Encampment Sanitation

New Orleans Code §§82-693–82-703 lets the Department of Health inspect and remediate homeless encampments on public property, generally requiring 24-hour written notice before personal property is removed, with an emergency exception for encampments deemed obstructions or immediate hazards.

Key details: Notice before removal: 24 hours minimum (Sec. 82-696). Inspection deadline: 2 business days after report (Sec. 82-695). Property storage period: At least 30 days (Sec. 82-701). Post-remediation notice: Posted 3+ days (Sec. 82-698). Emergency removal: No notice for obstructions/immediate hazards (Sec. 82-700).

The department documents each removal (date, notice type, number of tents/structures noticed, individuals contacted) under Sec. 82-703 rather than issuing fines to campers. Non-personal-property items, garbage, debris, hazardous materials, building scraps, and abandoned property, may be discarded immediately during remediation. Personal property not reclaimed within the 30-day storage window under Sec. 82-701 may be disposed of; obstructions and immediate hazards can be cleared on the spot under the city's emergency police powers with no advance notice.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. New Orleans actively enforces its encampment sanitation requirements.

Sit-Lie Rules

New Orleans Code § 146-493 bars anyone from depositing, storing or placing tents, household furniture or other semi-permanent structures on streets, sidewalks or other public rights-of-way. The Health Department enforces removal under a 2015 council-approved obstruction protocol.

Key details: Governing section: City Code § 146-493. Enforcing agency (tents/furniture): Dept. of Health or designee. Enforcing agency (bikes/scooters): Dept. of Public Works. Protocol adopted: June 17, 2015 by city council. Exception: Small-scale portable equipment at permitted events.

Violations are processed through the city's administrative adjudication process under Chapter 6 of the Code rather than criminal court. The Health Department (for tents/furniture) or Public Works (for bicycles/scooters) can order items removed and impounded without prior notice once an obstruction is identified, and repeat or uncorrected obstructions can be referred for administrative hearing under Chapter 6, Article II.

This is one of the stricter rules in New Orleans's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

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

This guide is based on New Orleans's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.