Hennepin County itself has no sit-lie ordinance. Minneapolis prohibits lying or obstructing public sidewalks under MCO 385.65, applied selectively. Suburban cities such as Bloomington and Edina enforce general loitering and obstruction rules but no sit-lie-specific bans.
Minneapolis Code 385.65 makes it unlawful to obstruct pedestrian travel on a sidewalk, often cited near Nicollet Mall, downtown light rail stations, and US Bank Stadium. The ordinance is enforced selectively after warnings; violators are referred to outreach teams from St. Stephen's Human Services or Avivo. Suburban Hennepin County cities lack dedicated sit-lie laws but use general nuisance, loitering, and trespass codes. Hennepin County itself does not enact sit-lie rules; the county Sheriff enforces unincorporated area rules along with member-city ordinances on contracted patrols.
Violators receive warnings or citations of $50-$200 plus possible misdemeanor charges. Most enforcement aims to connect individuals to outreach rather than prosecute, especially in winter months.
See how Bloomington's sit-lie rules rules stack up against other locations.
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