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Homelessness & Encampment Rules in Nashville, TN (2026)

1 verified homelessness & encampment rules for Nashville, Tennessee, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Sit-Lie Rules

Metro Nashville has no sit-lie ordinance banning people from simply sitting or lying on a sidewalk. Metropolitan Code § 13.08.040(B)(1) instead bars obstructing any public right-of-way, sidewalks included, but only when passage, access, or safety is actually impaired.

Nashville Sidewalk Obstruction Law

Light Restrictions

Metropolitan Code of Laws § 13.08.040(B)(1), (B)(2)(b)

It is unlawful for any person to obstruct any public right-of-way, including alleys, roadways, sidewalks and streets... except as authorized by law. ... 'To obstruct' means to so occupy the public rights-of-way that the free use and enjoyment thereof by the public is in any way interrupted or interfered with, or such that the free ingress and egress to or from any building fronting on any publi...