Sit-Lie Rules: Phoenix vs Tempe
How do sit-lie rules rules compare between Phoenix, AZ and Tempe, AZ?
Phoenix and Tempe have similar restriction levels.
Phoenix, AZ
Maricopa County
Phoenix Chapter 23 bans obstructing sidewalks but the Ninth Circuit's Martin v. Boise decision prohibits punishing involuntary sitting or lying when no shelter is available, shaping how police enforce sit-lie rules across the city.
View full Phoenix rules →Tempe, AZ
Maricopa County
Maricopa County Title XIII restricts camping and obstruction in unincorporated public spaces, but Martin v. Boise (9th Cir. 2018) bars enforcement against unsheltered residents when no shelter beds are available. Cities like Phoenix face similar federal injunctions.
View full Tempe rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Phoenix | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Code chapter | Phoenix Code Chapter 23 | - |
| Ninth Circuit case | Martin v. Boise 2018 | - |
| 2024 SCOTUS ruling | Grants Pass narrowed protections | - |
| Class 3 misdemeanor | Up to $500 fine | - |
| County rule | - | Title XIII Chapter 4 |
| Key ruling | - | Grants Pass 2024 |
| Penalty | - | Class 2 misdemeanor |
| Notice for property | - | 72 hours typical |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Phoenix FAQ
Can Phoenix ticket me for sitting on a sidewalk?
Only if you actually obstruct pedestrian flow or violate a specific buffer-zone rule. Mere presence is not enough; officers must articulate the obstruction and, before the 2024 SCOTUS ruling, offer shelter.
Did Grants Pass change Phoenix enforcement?
Legally yes, the Supreme Court in 2024 said the Eighth Amendment does not bar camping-ban enforcement. Phoenix policy still emphasizes outreach and shelter referrals before citation.
Tempe FAQ
Can sheriff cite someone sleeping in an unincorporated wash?
After Grants Pass v. Johnson (2024), yes. Cities and counties may enforce camping bans even without available shelter. MCSO prioritizes sanitation and fire-risk areas first with shelter referrals.
What happens to belongings during a county sweep?
Personal property stored in rights-of-way may be removed after 72-hour posted notice. Items are bagged and stored 30 to 90 days before disposal under county procedure.
Compare other topics
See how Phoenix and Tempe compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool