Homelessness & Encampment Rules in Memphis, TN (2026)
1 verified homelessness & encampment rules for Memphis, Tennessee, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Sit-Lie Rules
Memphis makes it a misdemeanor to panhandle while seated on or leaning against a public bench, planter, monument, or other public property, or against private property without permission. The rule sits inside the city's broader panhandling code, which also bars solicitation entirely downtown and after dark.
Memphis Bans Seated Panhandling in Public
Significant RestrictionsMemphis Code of Ordinances § 6-56-5
Sec. 6-56-5. - Place of panhandling. Outside the boundaries of the panhandling prohibited zone, any person who panhandles when the person solicited is in any of the following places is guilty of a misdemeanor: ... 4. While seated on or leaning against any public bench, planter, monument or other public property; 5. While seated on or leaning against any privately owned property without the prop...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Memphis city rules.
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