Fairfax County does not have a blanket sit-lie ordinance. Sidewalk and public space conduct is regulated through Code Chapter 5 obstruction rules and Chapter 30 misdemeanors, applied with referrals to Office to Prevent and End Homelessness services.
Unlike some West Coast cities, Fairfax County does not have a dedicated sit-lie ordinance targeting people experiencing homelessness. Public space conduct is regulated through general obstruction rules in Fairfax County Code Chapter 5, trespass under Virginia Code Section 18.2-119, and disorderly conduct under Virginia Code Section 18.2-415. Enforcement is paired with outreach by the Fairfax County Office to Prevent and End Homelessness and Continuum of Care partners, who connect people to shelter, case management, and housing navigation rather than relying solely on citation.
Sidewalk obstruction can trigger a Class 4 misdemeanor under state law. Trespass on private property is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Virginia Code Section 18.2-119, with Fairfax County Police diverting to OPEH outreach when feasible.
See how Fairfax's sit-lie rules rules stack up against other locations.
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