Fort Worth City Code Chapter 23 prohibits camping, sleeping, and storing personal property in public rights-of-way, parks, and underpasses, paired with Coordinated Entry referrals through the Tarrant County Homeless Coalition and outreach by True Worth Place to connect unhoused residents with shelter and services.
Fort Worth's anti-camping rules in Chapter 23 prohibit erecting tents, sleeping in vehicles overnight in public spaces without permission, and storing personal property on sidewalks, in parks, or under bridges. Texas state law adopted in 2021 also bars unauthorized public camping statewide. FWPD HOPE (Homeless Outreach Program Enforcement) team and Code Compliance prioritize voluntary engagement, posting written notices before enforcement and referring residents through the Tarrant County Homeless Coalition Coordinated Entry system to shelters such as Presbyterian Night Shelter, the Salvation Army Mabee Center, and the Day Resource Center at True Worth Place. Repeat refusals can lead to citations, but the city emphasizes housing-first solutions including permanent supportive housing.
Erecting tents in public spaces, sleeping overnight in parks or rights-of-way after warnings, storing belongings on sidewalks, or refusing Coordinated Entry referrals after notice triggers Class C citations under both state and Fort Worth law.
See how Fort Worth's lamc §41.18 encampment rule rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.