Homelessness & Encampment Rules in Richmond, VA (2026)
3 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 regulates sitting, lying, and obstructing public sidewalks and rights-of-way under RVA Ch. 38 (Streets) and Ch. 24 (Offenses), balancing public passage requirements against constitutional concerns about criminalizing homelessness.
Sitting and Lying on Public Rights-of-Way
Some RestrictionsEncampment Sanitation
Richmond addresses unsanctioned encampments through coordinated outreach and cleanup operations led by the Department of Public Works alongside Homeward Continuum of Care, balancing public health duties with notice protections for residents.
Encampment Sanitation and Cleanups
Some RestrictionsBridge Housing Siting
Richmond's bridge housing and emergency shelter system operates under the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care led by Homeward, providing coordinated entry, shelter beds, rapid rehousing, and permanent supportive housing for households experiencing homelessness.