Homelessness & Encampment Rules in Boston, MA (2026)
1 verified homelessness & encampment rules for Boston, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Encampment Sanitation
Boston bans camping or maintaining a campsite on any public property or right-of-way, streets, sidewalks, schools, parks, under Code of Ordinances § 16-66.3, unless authorized or during a period when shelter is unavailable. The city must first offer shelter and store belongings before removing a campsite.
Boston Unlawful Camping Ban & Cleanup Rules
Significant RestrictionsBoston Code of Ordinances § 16-66.3
It is unlawful for any person to camp or maintain a campsite or camp materials in or on any public property or in the public right-of-way, including, but not limited to, any street, sidewalk, school or public park, unless specifically authorized or during a period when shelter is unavailable.