Denver, CO Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Sit-Lie Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Restricted hours
- 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Where it applies
- Downtown Denver Business Improvement District only
- Penalty
- Up to 60 days jail, no fine
- Before enforcement
- Oral then written warning required
Summary
Denver prohibits sitting or lying on the public right-of-way in the Downtown Business Improvement District from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., with exceptions for disability, medical emergencies, and permitted events.
It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly sit or lie down in the Downtown Denver Business Improvement District upon the surface of any public right-of-way or upon any bedding, chair, stool, or any other object placed upon the surface of the public right-of-way between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 147 Update 3).
Full Breakdown
Denver's sit-lie ordinance makes it unlawful to knowingly sit or lie on the public right-of-way within the Downtown Denver Business Improvement District, including on bedding, chairs, or other objects, between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Affirmative defenses cover medical emergencies, wheelchair or walker use, permitted commercial activity, permitted events, city-furnished benches, and waiting for transit off the 16th Street Mall. Before enforcing, officers must give an oral warning followed by a written warning, and must try to connect the person with a designated human service outreach worker. Violation is a Class 2 offense: up to 60 days in jail, no fine.
Violations & Fines
Class 2 offense under DRMC § 1-14(b): up to 60 days in jail, no fine allowed. Requires oral then written warning before citation or arrest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Denver's sit-lie law apply citywide?
Can police cite someone the first time they see a violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denver
Compare Denver to another location·View the Colorado homelessness & encampment rules overview
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