Houston Code Chapter 28 prohibits camping or storing personal property on public property, sidewalks, or rights-of-way. Enforcement narrowed by Martin v. Boise constitutional limits when shelter is unavailable.
Houston Code Chapter 28 bars erecting tents, sleeping bags, or makeshift shelters on city property, sidewalks, parks, and underpasses. The Houston Police Department's Homeless Outreach Team typically warns and offers shelter referrals before citing. Following Martin v. Boise (9th Cir. 2018) and consistent federal due-process limits, Houston cannot criminalize sleeping outdoors when adequate shelter beds are unavailable. The ordinance is paired with sanitation cleanups coordinated by Houston Solutions Inc and the Coalition for the Homeless. Critics argue enforcement displaces rather than houses people. Houston has reduced unsheltered counts dramatically through housing-first investment.
Class C misdemeanor citation up to 500 dollars; officers prioritize warnings, shelter offers, and outreach referrals before issuing citations or arresting violators.
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