Boston, MA Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Encampment Sanitation (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 16-66, Ord. 2023 c. 9
- Where banned
- streets, sidewalks, parks, schools, all public property
- Exception
- when no emergency shelter space is available
- Required before removal
- offer of shelter + property storage
- Removal notice
- 48 hours after shelter becomes available
- Enforcing agency
- Boston Police Department
Summary
Boston bans camping or maintaining a campsite on any public property or right-of-way, streets, sidewalks, schools, parks, under Code of Ordinances § 16-66.3, unless authorized or during a period when shelter is unavailable. The city must first offer shelter and store belongings before removing a campsite.
It is unlawful for any person to camp or maintain a campsite or camp materials in or on any public property or in the public right-of-way, including, but not limited to, any street, sidewalk, school or public park, unless specifically authorized or during a period when shelter is unavailable.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-2: Current through Ordinance 2025 C. 14, passed 11-5-2025).
Full Breakdown
Section 16-66, adopted by Ordinance 2023 c. 9, defines a CAMPSITE as any place where a tent, tarp or other temporary structure is set up for outdoor shelter, and CAMP MATERIALS as tents, tarps, large furniture, stoves and cooking equipment. 1 as any stretch when the city has no emergency shelter space meeting ADA accommodation standards. City officials keep a daily shelter list shared with the Boston Police Department. 6 requires storage of eligible personal property, identification, valuables, clothing, hygiene items and basic necessities, under the City Storage Program Policy, at no fee for filing a claim.
7. Property posing an immediate health or safety risk may be disposed of immediately. Boston must also post weather-resistant signs and distribute leaflets describing the law and storage policy in every language meeting the city's language-access need.
Violations & Fines
Individuals who refuse to remove a campsite after being offered shelter and storage, or who re-establish one after removal, face enforcement under § 16-66.9 by the Boston Police Department or any sworn agency with jurisdiction in the city, including warnings and the noncriminal disposition process of M.G.L. c. 40, § 21, or arrest authority under M.G.L. c. 272, § 59 for violations occurring in an officer's presence. Once shelter is deemed available again, an individual has 48 hours to remove camp materials before enforcement resumes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Boston Police remove a homeless encampment without warning?
Is camping ever legal on Boston public property?
What happens to my belongings if my campsite is removed?
What's the penalty for refusing to leave after an offer of shelter?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Boston
Compare Boston to another location·View the Massachusetts homelessness & encampment rules overview
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