Meridian, ID Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Encampment Sanitation (2026)
Key Facts
- Penalty
- $100 fine per infraction
- Scope
- public property, grounds, and rights-of-way
- Adopted
- Ordinance No. 26-2116, March 3, 2026
- Exception
- commercial vehicle drivers legally parked
Summary
Meridian makes it unlawful to camp or sleep on public property, public building grounds, or the public right-of-way citywide, with narrow exceptions for authorized events, designated recreation sites, and commercial drivers resting in their vehicles.
Public camping or sleeping prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person to publicly camp or sleep on any public property, public building grounds, or public right-of-way.C.Exceptions. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the following:1.Use of a sidewalk or roadway in accordance with written authorization from the City or roadway authority.2.Camping for recreational or educational purposes on property designated by the City for such purposes.3.Authorized temporary events or activities that are conducted in compliance with Meridian City Code and any other applicable laws and policies.4.Drivers of commercial vehicles resting or sleeping in such vehicles, so long as such vehicles are parked in compliance with Meridian City Code and any other applicable laws and regulations.D.Penalty. A violation of any provision of this section shall be an infraction, punishable by a fine of one hundred dollars ($100.00). In addition to such penalty, any person violating any provision of this section shall be subject to any and all other applicable administrative, criminal, and/or civil penalties. Each day upon which a violation of this section continues or occurs may be deemed a separate and distinct violation. (Ord. No. 26-2116, § 1, 3-3-2026)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 14).
Full Breakdown
Meridian City Code § 6-3-1, adopted March 2026, prohibits publicly camping or sleeping on public property, public building grounds, or public rights-of-way: defined broadly to include pitching a tent or living in a vehicle, keeping bedding or cooking gear, or digging in the ground for a prolonged stay. Exceptions cover sidewalk or roadway use with written city authorization, camping at sites the city designates for recreation or education, permitted temporary events, and commercial-vehicle drivers legally parked and resting. A violation is an infraction carrying a $100 fine, and each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense, alongside any other applicable penalties.
Violations & Fines
Publicly camping or sleeping on city property is an infraction punishable by a $100 fine; each day the violation continues is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Meridian's camping ban apply to sleeping in a parked car?
Is camping ever allowed on Meridian public land?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Meridian
Compare Meridian to another location·View the Idaho homelessness & encampment rules overview
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Encampment Sanitation in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle encampment sanitation.