Harrisburg, PA Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Sit-Lie Rules (2026)

The closest provisions in the Codified Ordinances of the City of Harrisburg sit in Chapter 3-341, Disturbing the Peace (Ord. No. 51-1969). Section 3-341.2 prohibits conduct when, with intent to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk thereof, a person commits one of the listed acts. Subsection E covers a person who, having no legal privilege to do so, intentionally or recklessly obstructs any highway or other public passage, alone or with others. Under § 3-341.1, to obstruct is to render impassable without unreasonable inconvenience or hazard, so the test is whether passage is blocked, not whether someone is sitting or lying down. Subsection E adds that no one is guilty solely because people have gathered to hear that person speak or otherwise communicate, or because the person belongs to such a gathering.

Subsection F covers refusal of a reasonable official request or order to move, either to prevent obstruction of a highway, sidewalk or other public passage, or to maintain public safety by dispersing people gathered in dangerous proximity to a fire or other hazard. The order must come from an official and be reasonable, and the first purpose is the one tied to sidewalks.

Section 3-357.7 is a separate rule about objects. It prohibits any permanent or temporary structure, encroachment, advertising sign or obstruction on or over a sidewalk other than those allowed by the Building Code and the Zoning Code. Abutting owners can place temporary obstructions such as tables and display racks if the public can still traverse the sidewalk safely and conveniently, and a permit from the Bureau of Codes Enforcement is needed for sidewalk tables and chairs serving food and beverage. The Codes Administrator can order removal, and the Chief of Police is directed to remove an obstruction that stays.

Chapter 3-339 bars maliciously loitering or prowling in a public place, which includes any sidewalk. It defines loitering as lingering, staying, remaining or waiting at one location, and an officer must first give the person an opportunity to identify himself or herself and explain his or her presence and conduct.