Homelessness & Encampment Rules in Chelsea, MA (2026)
1 verified homelessness & encampment rules for Chelsea, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Sit-Lie Rules
Chelsea bars anyone from standing on a sidewalk or public way in a manner that blocks free passage for pedestrians or vehicles. City Code § 24-6 lets any police officer arrest a violator on the spot, without a warrant, under the state obstruction statute rather than issuing a routine citation.
Chelsea Sidewalk Obstruction Ordinance
Significant RestrictionsChelsea Code of Ordinances § 24-6
Sec. 24-6. - Obstructing sidewalks and public ways. No person shall stand on any sidewalk or public way in such a manner as to obstruct free passage for pedestrians or vehicles. Individuals violating this section shall be subject to arrest without warrant by any police officer of the city, pursuant to M.G.L. c. 272, § 59.