Homelessness & Encampment Rules, Wichita Falls

Wichita Falls maintains 56 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 Wichita Falls falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Encampment Sanitation

Camping in any undesignated public area is a criminal offense under § 94-7, enacted to implement the Texas public-camping ban.

Key details: Governing section: City Code § 94-7. Adopted: Ordinance 42-2025, 8/19/2025. Pre-citation step: Officer advises of available shelter. State driver: TX Penal Code § 48.05 (HB 1925). Exemption: Permitted park camping/cooking.

Class C misdemeanor citation; officer must first attempt to advise the person of available shelter before citing.

Sit-Lie Rules

Wichita Falls bans sitting, lying, or sleeping outdoors in designated pedestrian zones after a police warning, under an ordinance adopted August 2025.

Key details: Governing section: City Code § 94-7.1. Adopted: Ordinance 42-2025, 8/19/2025. Trigger: Warning required before citation. Where it applies: CBD, parks, trails, school zones. Mental state: Not required for conviction.

Class C misdemeanor citation after a warning; no intent required to prove; fines set under the city's general penalty provision.

The Bottom Line

Wichita Falls's homelessness & encampment rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Wichita Falls is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Wichita Falls 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.