Manitou Springs, CO Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Sit-Lie Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Restricted hours
- 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily, plus 10 p.m.-3 a.m. Fri/Sat
- Location
- Designated downtown right-of-way only
- First offense fine
- $50; up to $499 by 4th offense
- Exceptions
- Medical emergency, disability device, permitted events
- Adopted
- Ord. No. 0323 §1, effective 4-4-2023
Summary
Sitting, kneeling, reclining or lying on the sidewalk or other public right-of-way in downtown Manitou Springs is banned from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, and from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, under Section 9.46.030. Medical emergencies, mobility devices and permitted events are exempt.
The following activities shall be unlawful between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. daily and between the additional hours of 10:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. commencing on Friday and Saturday nights. A.For any person to sit, kneel, recline, or lie down in the downtown area upon the surface of any public right-of-way.B.For any person to sit, kneel, recline, or lie down upon any blanket, clothing, bedding, chair, stool, or any other object placed upon the surface of the public right-of-way.
Full Breakdown
46, Conduct in the Downtown Area, adopted by Ordinance No. 010 as balancing pedestrian and vehicular traffic against free-speech activity. 030 bans three things during the restricted hours: sitting, kneeling, reclining or lying on the surface of any public right-of-way in the downtown area; doing the same on a blanket, chair, stool or other object placed on that surface; and placing or arranging items for sale or display on the right-of-way or on public benches or seating within it. the following morning. 050; and any of the covered conduct by a person aged thirteen or younger.
070: fifty dollars for a first offense, one hundred dollars for a second, two hundred fifty dollars for a third, and four hundred ninety-nine dollars for each offense after that.
Violations & Fines
Section 9.46.070 sets a graduated fine schedule specific to this chapter rather than the citywide default: $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second, $250 for a third, and $499 for each subsequent offense, capped just under the $500 threshold that would otherwise trigger a more serious classification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sit on the sidewalk downtown during the day in Manitou Springs?
Are the rules stricter on weekend nights?
Is there an exception if I have a disability?
What does a first offense cost?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Manitou Springs
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Sit-Lie Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in El Paso County handle sit-lie rules.