Puyallup, WA Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Sit-Lie Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- PMC § 9.20.217
- Restricted zone
- CBD-Core and CBD zones only
- Restricted hours
- 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- First-offense penalty
- Civil infraction, fine up to $250
- Repeat-offense penalty
- Misdemeanor after 2 priors
Summary
Puyallup bars sitting or lying on public sidewalks in its central business district zones from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Exceptions cover medical emergencies, disability devices, permitted commercial or event use, and waiting at a bus stop.
No person shall sit or lie down upon a public sidewalk, or upon a blanket, chair, stool, or any other object placed upon a public sidewalk, during the hours between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. in the following zones: (a) The central business district core or central business district, which terms mean all areas presently or hereafter designated in the central business district core (CBD-Core) zone or central business district (CBD) zone. ... No person shall be cited under this section unless the person has been notified by a law enforcement officer that their conduct is prohibited by this section.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4985225; v6 updated 2026-07-21; through 07-21-2026).
Full Breakdown
within the central business district core (CBD-Core) zone or the central business district (CBD) zone. Subsection (2) exempts a person sitting or lying due to a medical emergency; a person who, as a result of disability, uses a wheelchair, walker or similar device; a person operating or patronizing a commercial establishment on the sidewalk under a street use permit, or attending a parade, festival, performance, rally, demonstration or meeting under a street use or other permit; a person sitting on a chair or bench supplied by a public agency or the abutting property owner; and a person sitting within a bus stop zone while waiting for transportation.
The code states none of these exceptions authorize conduct otherwise prohibited by this or any other chapter of the Puyallup Municipal Code. Under subsection (3), no person may be cited under the section unless a law enforcement officer has first notified them that their conduct is prohibited.
Violations & Fines
A first violation of PMC § 9.20.217 is a civil infraction under subsection (4), carrying a fine of up to $250 plus statutory assessment, with a default community-service option of $100 if the person cannot pay. Subsection (5) makes a violation a misdemeanor, punishable by up to $1,000 in fines and/or 90 days in jail, once the offender has at least two prior violations of the section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where in Puyallup is it illegal to sit on the sidewalk?
Can someone with a disability be cited for sitting on a Puyallup sidewalk?
Do I get a warning before being cited for sitting on a downtown Puyallup sidewalk?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Puyallup
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Sit-Lie Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle sit-lie rules.