Richardson, TX Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Encampment Sanitation (2026)

Section 13-52, headed 'Sleeping in public places,' states flatly that it is unlawful for any person to be found asleep upon the sidewalks, streets, alleys, public thoroughfares or in any park of the city. The provision traces to section 13-14 of the 1966 Code and sits in chapter 13's article on offenses involving public safety, alongside the disorderly-conduct-style rules against fighting, public intoxication and vehicle racing in parking areas. 03. 05, separately makes it a Class C misdemeanor to camp in a public place without consent statewide and pushes cities to designate lawful camping areas; Richardson's local sleeping ban predates that statute and operates alongside it rather than replacing it.

Because section 13-52 does not require any bedding, tent or shelter, an officer can cite a person simply for being found asleep in a public right-of-way, whether or not camping gear is involved, which functionally covers the sanitation and encampment concerns other cities address through separate camping ordinances. Richardson police, rather than a code compliance unit, enforce section 13-52 given its placement among criminal offenses.