Danbury, CT Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Sit-Lie Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Max fine
- $90 per offense
- Covers
- streets, sidewalks, public places
- Includes
- sleeping, lounging, loitering
- Police may
- order person to move on
- Private lots
- covered if owner posts notice
Summary
Danbury makes it unlawful to idly assemble, loiter, lounge, or sleep on any street, sidewalk, or public place, or to block passage through public buildings, streets, or parks, punishable by a fine up to $90.
(b)Prohibited.(1)It shall be unlawful for any person to idly assemble, loiter, lounge or sleep in or upon any street, sidewalk or public place or in any public buildings, or in a park during those hours it is closed to the public, or obstruct the access to any public building or any part thereof, or obstruct passage through or upon any public street or park.(2)It shall be unlawful for any person to idly assemble, loiter, lounge or sleep in other public places, as hereinafter defined, if the owner thereof has posted a sign in such a place and in such a manner as is reasonably calculated to afford notice of the prohibition to all interested parties.(c)Penalty for violation. Any person violating any of the provisions of this section shall be fined in an amount not exceeding ninety dollars ($90.00). (Code 1925, § 144; Code 1961, § 12-13; Ord. No. 247, §§ 1—3, 8-16-1979; Ord. No. 521, 12-3-1996)
State Law reference— Authority to prohibit loitering, C.G.S. § 7-148(c)(7)(F)(i), (c)(7)(F)(ii).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 2).
Full Breakdown
Danbury Code § 28-52 bans loitering broadly: idly assembling, loitering, lounging, or sleeping on any street, sidewalk, or public place, in public buildings, or in a park while closed, plus obstructing access to buildings or passage on streets and parks. 'Loiter' includes obstructing pedestrians or vehicles, remaining idle without a legitimate purpose, or refusing to move on when a police officer reasonably requests it. Officers must first give a person a chance to explain their presence unless flight makes that impractical. Violations carry a fine up to $90, and the rule also reaches privately owned 'other public places' once the owner posts a notice.
Violations & Fines
Fine not exceeding $90 per offense; police must first attempt to identify the person and hear an explanation before arrest, except when flight or concealment makes that impractical.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Danbury police make someone leave a sidewalk for loitering?
Is sleeping on a Danbury sidewalk illegal?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Danbury
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