Memphis, TN Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Sit-Lie Rules (2026)

Memphis Code Chapter 6-56 regulates panhandling citywide. Section 6-56-5, "Place of panhandling," makes it a misdemeanor to panhandle in a list of specific places and postures once the panhandler is outside the Downtown Panhandling Prohibited Zone (a defined area bounded roughly by the Mississippi River, Interstate 40, Beale Street and North Lauderdale, where panhandling is banned outright under Section 6-56-3). Item 4 of Section 6-56-5 makes it unlawful to panhandle while seated on or leaning against any public bench, planter, monument, or other public property, and item 5 extends the same prohibition to sitting or leaning against privately owned property without the owner's or tenant's permission.

The same section separately bars panhandling within set distances of ATMs, banks, health facilities, religious assembly entrances, bus stops, crosswalks, outdoor dining areas and vendor locations. m. Section 6-56-6 separately criminalizes aggressive manner of solicitation, including blocking a person's path or panhandling in a group of two or more. Section 6-56-1 clarifies the ordinance targets the act of panhandling, not homelessness status, and exempts a person who passively sits with a sign without addressing anyone. 00 under the city's penalty schedule unless the judge waives it.