Fort Wayne, IN Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Sit-Lie Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code § 99.020
- Enforcing board
- Board of Public Safety
- Max fine
- $2,500 per violation
- Continuing violation
- Each day is separate offense
Summary
Fort Wayne bans placing anything on a street or sidewalk that blocks free passage, with the Board of Public Safety controlling any exemption permits.
It shall be unlawful for any person to obstruct the free passage along and upon any street, sidewalk, space between sidewalk and curbing, or commonly traveled portion of a street or other public place, and to place or permit to be placed upon such street, sidewalk, space between sidewalk and curbing, or commonly traveled portion of a street or any other public place, any thing or object whatsoever so as to obstruct or block the use thereof, or so to endanger the life or limb, or property of other using such passage.
(B) The city by and through its Board of Public Safety, may grant a permit to exempt any person or organization from the prohibitions set out in the preceding paragraph.
(C) The city by and through its Board of Public Safety, shall enact rules and regulations governing the use of it rights-of-way by those persons or organizations granted a permit pursuant to paragraph (B) of this section. The rules and regulations may include:
(1) The price of the permit.
(2) Limitation on the size, location and duration of any structure placed on the city's rights-of-way.
(3) A requirement that the permittee indemnify the city against any loss arising out of the use of the permit.
(4) Any other matter affecting the public health, safety and welfare.
(D) The rules and regulations enacted by the Board of Public Safety shall be subject to subsequent ratification by resolution of the Common Council.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-60: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. G-19-26, passed 7-14-26, and Res. 83-19, passed 12-17-19 State legislation current through Legislative Service, 2025 Acts, Pamphlet No. 3).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 99.020 makes it unlawful to obstruct free passage along any street, sidewalk, or the space between sidewalk and curb, or to place any object there that blocks use of the passage or endangers people or property using it. Only the Board of Public Safety can issue a permit exempting someone from this ban, and it sets the permit price, size/location/duration limits, and an indemnification requirement. There's no separate 'sit-lie' statute naming people who sit or lie down, but blocking a sidewalk with your body or belongings falls under this general obstruction ban, which is broad enough to reach camping gear, furniture, or a person's own presence if it blocks the passable width.
Violations & Fines
General penalty under § 99.999: up to $2,500 per violation, with each day of continued obstruction a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Fort Wayne law specifically against sitting or lying on sidewalks?
Can someone get a permit to occupy a sidewalk?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Wayne
Compare Fort Wayne to another location·View the Indiana homelessness & encampment rules overview
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