Meridian, ID Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Sit-Lie Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Citation
- Meridian City Code § 6-3-1
- Fine
- $100 infraction, per-day violations
- Scope
- All public property citywide
- Includes
- Sitting or lying for prolonged time
- Adopted
- March 3, 2026 (Ord. 26-2116)
Summary
Meridian outright bans camping or sleeping on public property, including sitting or lying for a prolonged time on sidewalks, parks, or rights-of-way, with a $100 infraction fine.
3.Publicly camping or sleeping means lodging or residing in a temporary outdoor habitation used as a dwelling, lodging, or living space, which includes sitting, lying, or sleeping for a prolonged amount of time, and may be evidenced by the erection of a tent or other temporary shelter, including a motor vehicle or a recreational vehicle, and may include, but is not limited to, the presence of bedding, pillows, cooking appliances, heat sources, the storage of personal belongings or food, or digging or earth breaking.4.Recreational vehicle shall be defined as set forth in I.C. 49-199(6).B.Public camping or sleeping prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person to publicly camp or sleep on any public property, public building grounds, or public right-of-way.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 14).
Full Breakdown
Meridian City Code § 6-3-1 defines 'publicly camping or sleeping' to include sitting, lying, or sleeping for a prolonged amount of time in a temporary outdoor habitation, evidenced by tents, vehicles, bedding, or stored belongings. The ordinance flatly prohibits camping or sleeping on any public property, public building grounds, or public right-of-way anywhere in the city. Narrow exceptions cover city-authorized sidewalk or roadway use, city-designated recreational camping, permitted temporary events, and commercial vehicle drivers resting in compliance with parking rules. Violations are infractions carrying a $100 fine, with each day of continued violation charged as a separate offense.
Violations & Fines
Violating the public camping/sleeping ban is an infraction punishable by a $100 fine; each day the violation continues counts as a separate offense, plus possible additional civil or criminal penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to sit or lie on a Meridian sidewalk?
Are there exceptions to Meridian's public camping ban?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Meridian
Compare Meridian to another location·View the Idaho homelessness & encampment rules overview
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Sit-Lie Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle sit-lie rules.