Lafayette Parish, LA Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Sit-Lie Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Code § 78-3
- Applies in
- City of Lafayette and parish
- Enforcement (city)
- Lafayette Police Department
- Enforcement (unincorporated)
- Lafayette Parish Sheriff
- Violation class
- Misdemeanor
Summary
Lafayette City-Parish bans crowds or activities that block sidewalks, alleys or rights-of-way; police can order people to disperse or move on.
It shall be unlawful for any person to obstruct or cause to be obstructed any public space parallel to any sidewalk including linear streets, public rights of way, public alleys or any entrance or window of any building so as to prevent the free and proper use thereof in the manner or to the extent stated in subsection (b). ... the "enforcement officer having jurisdiction" shall mean the Lafayette Police Department in the City of Lafayette and the Lafayette Sheriff's Office in the unincorporated areas of the Parish of Lafayette.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 65).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 78-3 makes it unlawful to obstruct any public space parallel to a sidewalk, including rights-of-way, alleys or building entrances. If a gathering blocks pedestrian passage, the enforcement officer can order the person to stop or leave, and refusal to obey is arrestable. Lafayette Police enforce this in the city; the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office enforces it in unincorporated areas: the rule covers both.
Violations & Fines
Refusing an officer's dispersal order is a misdemeanor arrest; installing unauthorized sports equipment or apparatus on the right-of-way is separately barred under the same section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Lafayette police order someone off a sidewalk?
Does this rule cover the whole parish?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lafayette Parish
Compare Lafayette Parish to another location·View the Louisiana homelessness & encampment rules overview
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