Knoxville, TN Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Sit-Lie Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Restricted hours
- 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Restricted zones
- CBID and Downtown North Corridor
- Medical exception
- Sidewalk sitting during emergencies allowed
- Disability exception
- Wheelchair/walker users exempted
- Enacted by
- Ord. No. O-109-09, 7-14-09
Summary
Knoxville bans sitting or lying on public sidewalks from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Central Business Improvement District and the Downtown North Corridor, with exceptions for medical emergencies, disabilities, permitted sidewalk businesses, and permitted events.
In addition to the prohibitions set forth in subsection (a), no person shall sit or lie down upon a public sidewalk, or upon any object placed upon a public sidewalk, during the hours between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. in the following zones: (1) The Central Business Improvement District as defined in section 2-1073; and (2) The Downtown North Corridor, defined as the area bounded by Depot Avenue to the south, Interstate 275 to the west, Woodland Avenue to the north and Hall of Fame Drive to the east.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 80).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 19-63(b) makes it unlawful to sit or lie down on a public sidewalk, or on anything placed on one, between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. inside two mapped zones: the Central Business Improvement District (§ 2-1073) and the Downtown North Corridor between Depot Avenue, Interstate 275, Woodland Avenue and Hall of Fame Drive. Subsection (c) exempts medical emergencies, wheelchair or walker users, permitted sidewalk businesses, seating provided by a public agency or abutting property owner, and people watching or participating in a permitted parade or event. For the first ninety days after the ordinance took effect, officers had to warn a person before citing them under subsection (b).
Violations & Fines
Violating the sit-lie prohibition is a misdemeanor punished under City Code § 1-9; officers had to first warn violators during the ordinance's initial ninety-day grace period after adoption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where in Knoxville is it illegal to sit or lie on the sidewalk?
Are there exceptions to Knoxville's sidewalk sit-lie rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Knoxville
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