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

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing law
Metro Code § 13.08.040(B)(1)
Covers
Sidewalks, alleys, roadways, streets countywide
Max fine
$50.00 per violation
Passive sitting
Not itself illegal (§ 11.12.090)
Enforced by
NDOT, police, traffic and parking commission

Summary

Metro Nashville has no sit-lie ordinance banning people from simply sitting or lying on a sidewalk. Metropolitan Code § 13.08.040(B)(1) instead bars obstructing any public right-of-way, sidewalks included, but only when passage, access, or safety is actually impaired.

It is unlawful for any person to obstruct any public right-of-way, including alleys, roadways, sidewalks and streets... except as authorized by law. ... 'To obstruct' means to so occupy the public rights-of-way that the free use and enjoyment thereof by the public is in any way interrupted or interfered with, or such that the free ingress and egress to or from any building fronting on any public thoroughfare is impaired, or such that any unsafe condition results.

Source: Metropolitan Code of Nashville and Davidson CountyView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 53 | Charter: Republication 9).

Full Breakdown

Metro's rule is a general obstruction law, not a targeted sit-lie ban. Metropolitan Code § 13.08.040(B)(1) makes it unlawful to obstruct any public right-of-way, alleys, roadways, sidewalks and streets, except as authorized by law. Subsection (B)(2)(b) defines 'obstruct' as occupying the right-of-way so that free use by the public, or ingress/egress to an adjoining building, is interrupted, or an unsafe condition results. Separately, the aggressive-panhandling ordinance at § 11.12.090 expressly excludes passively standing or sitting from the definition of panhandling, so sitting alone on a sidewalk without blocking anyone is not itself a violation anywhere in Davidson County.

Violations & Fines

Obstructing a public right-of-way is punishable by a fine up to $50.00 under § 13.08.040(E)(1), or under the general Code penalty at § 1.01.030; NDOT, police, or the traffic and parking commission may cite the obstruction or order it cleared.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Nashville ban sitting or lying on sidewalks?
No. Metro has no sit-lie ordinance. It only bars obstructing a public right-of-way under § 13.08.040(B)(1), and only when passage, building access, or safety is actually impaired.
Is sitting while panhandling illegal in Nashville?
No. Metropolitan Code § 11.12.090 defines panhandling to exclude passively standing or sitting, even with a sign asking for donations, as long as it's not aggressive or blocking.

Sources & Official References

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