Conroe, TX Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Sit-Lie Rules (2026)

City Code § 46-8, adopted by Ordinance No. 2241-15 in 2015 and amended by Ordinance No. 2465-19 in 2019, states the council's purpose as preserving a pedestrian-friendly environment, promoting business and tourism, protecting pedestrians from intimidating behavior, and encouraging walking. The council's findings recite that people sitting or lying in pedestrian pathways block free passage, disrupt businesses, contribute to a sense of fear and disorder, and reduce enjoyment of public places. The offense itself requires two elements: a law enforcement officer must first notify the person that the conduct violates the section, and only after that notice does sleeping outdoors, or sitting or lying on a public sidewalk, street right-of-way, or an object placed in that right-of-way, become chargeable.

Six exceptions are written in: a medical emergency, patronizing outdoor seating at a commercial establishment, participating in or watching a permitted parade, festival or rally, sitting on a chair or bench placed by a public entity or abutting owner, waiting at a bus stop, or waiting in a line for goods, services or an event. A separate affirmative defense covers a person who sits or lies down because of a physical manifestation of a disability, defined as a physical or mental impairment substantially limiting a major life activity. No culpable mental state is required for the offense.