Homelessness & Encampment Rules in Richmond, VA (2026)
2 verified homelessness & encampment rules for Richmond, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Sit-Lie Rules
Richmond City Code § 19-110 defines "loiter" to include standing, sitting or lying upon any public street, sidewalk, crosswalk or other public place, and makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor to loiter in a way that unreasonably hinders free passage, blocks an entrance, or threatens public safety.
Richmond Bans Sitting or Lying to Block Sidewalks
Some RestrictionsRichmond City Code § 19-110
Loiter means to stand around or remain at, to sit or lie upon, or to park or remain parked in a motor vehicle at any public place or any place open to the public and to engage in any conduct prohibited under this section... Public place means any public street, road, highway, bridge, curb, alley, alleyway, sidewalk, crosswalk, walkway area, or other public way... (1)No person shall loiter at an...
Encampment Sanitation
Richmond City Code § 8-273 makes it unlawful to camp, tent, encamp or quarter on any public grounds, park, playfield, playground, or other city-owned property, and separately bars lying on public benches there. The ban is citywide and applies to every category of city-owned land, not just designated parks.
Richmond Bans Camping on Public Property
Heavy RestrictionsRichmond City Code § 8-273
It shall be unlawful for any person to camp, tent, encamp or quarter upon any public grounds, parks, playfields, playgrounds or any public property owned or maintained by the City or lie upon any benches located within any such public property.