Raleigh, NC Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Sit-Lie Rules (2026)

Sec. 13-2031(a)(3) of the Code of Ordinances defines the conduct at the heart of Raleigh's sit-lie rule: to obstruct pedestrian traffic or vehicular traffic means to walk, stand, sit, lie, or place an object in such a manner as to block passage by another person or vehicle, or to require another person or a driver of a vehicle to take evasive action to avoid physical contact, with an express carve-out for conduct authorized under the City's picketing and parade ordinances. Subsection (b) then creates the offense itself: a person is guilty of pedestrian interference if, in a public place, that person intentionally obstructs pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

'Public place' is defined broadly in (a)(4) to include alleys, bridges, driveways, parking lots, parks, plazas, sidewalks, and streets open to the general public, plus the doorways and entrances to buildings and their grounds. Unlike a location-based sit-lie ban, this ordinance is conduct-based, sitting or lying is only unlawful when it actually blocks passage or forces evasive action, not merely because someone is present on a sidewalk. The offense is a misdemeanor under subsection (d), punishable per North Carolina General Statutes with a fine not to exceed $500 and imprisonment not to exceed 30 days.

The section was most recently amended by Ord. No. (2025) 768 on July 1, 2025, and traces back through amendments in 1994, 2001, 2011, and 2012.