Murfreesboro, TN Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Encampment Sanitation (2026)
Key Facts
- Covered locations
- Sidewalks, lots, parks, Greenway, Civic Plaza
- Park exception
- Only where specifically authorized
- Penalty basis
- Code § 1-8, general penalty
Summary
Murfreesboro makes it unlawful to camp or store personal property on public sidewalks, parking garages, lots, parks, the Greenway, Cannonsburgh, Civic Plaza, or the courthouse yard under City Code § 21-8.
It shall be unlawful for any person to camp and store personal property on public sidewalks, City parking garage, City parking lot, City park (except where specifically authorized), City Greenway trail, Cannonsburgh, Civic Plaza, or courthouse yard.
(Ord. of 04-15-43 § 1; Ord. of 04-08-60 § 3; Ord. No. 01-O-45 § 11, 09-20-01)
Cross reference— Ch. 28, streets and sidewalks.
Section 21-8.1 - Targeted residential picketing—City objective. The City has an interest in the protection of residential privacy within the City and protecting the well-being, tranquility and privacy of the home which is certainly of the highest order in a free and civilized society. The City further finds that, without resorting to targeted residential picketing, ample opportunities exist for those otherwise engaged in targeted residential picketing to exercise constitutionally protected freedom of speech and expression.
(Ord. No. 97-O-24 § 2, 05-29-97)
Section 21-8.2 - Targeted residential picketing prohibited.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 18 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 21-8 flatly bans camping and storing personal property across a named list of City-owned public spaces: sidewalks, City parking garages, City parking lots, City parks (unless a park specifically authorizes it), the City Greenway trail, Cannonsburgh, Civic Plaza, and the courthouse yard. The section carries the historical caption 'Loitering and obstructing street or streets, etc.,' but its current, operative text addresses only camping and property storage, not general loitering or street obstruction. Violations fall under the general penalty in Code § 1-8, and enforcement is cross-referenced to Chapter 28 (streets and sidewalks).
Violations & Fines
Camping or storing personal property on the listed public properties is punishable under the general penalty in Code § 1-8; each site is separately actionable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I camp in a Murfreesboro city park?
Does Murfreesboro's camping ban cover the Greenway?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Murfreesboro
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