Fall River, MA Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Sit-Lie Rules (2026)

Sleeping on sidewalks, streets, or public ways. It is unlawful for any person, with or without camping materials, to lie down or sleep on a public street, sidewalk, bike path, or public way.

E. Public urination and defecation. It is unlawful to urinate or defecate in any place open to the public and while exposed to public view.

F. Fuel tanks and open fires. It is unlawful to use a fuel tank (propane, kerosene, etc.) or have an open fire at an unauthorized campsite on public property. Notwithstanding the above, portable propane tanks may be used within designated picnic areas during regular park hours.

G. Removal of personal property at unauthorized campsites. Camping materials and other personal property located at an unauthorized campsite on public property may be removed and destroyed. The City, its agents, and/or employees will not be liable for any loss or damage of any kind associated with the removal and/or destruction of personal property at an unauthorized campsite.

H. Penalties. Any person found to be in violation of any provision of § 46-16 shall be subject to the noncriminal procedure set forth in §§ 2-1021 through 2-1025 of the Code of the City of Fall River; however, the imposition of a fine shall not be imposed if:

(1) The person is homeless;

(2) Shelter is unavailable; and

(3) The homeless person is willing to immediately go to a shelter if/when space becomes available. [1]