Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Reno

Reno, NV Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Sit-Lie Rules (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
RMC § 8.12.011
Scope
All Reno public places
Warning required first
Yes, before citation
Penalty
Misdemeanor
Effective
Amended Jan. 22, 2025

Summary

Reno bans sitting, lying, sleeping or camping on any sidewalk, street, alley or other public place citywide, with camping defined broadly to include storing belongings or pitching a tent.

No person may sit, lie, sleep or camp on a public place at any time. "Camp" shall be defined to include, but not be limited to; sitting, lying, storing belongings, placing a tent or other structure or furniture, making a fire, carrying on cooking activities, doing any digging or earth breaking on a public place.

Source: City of Reno Homelessness ResponseView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Administrative Code: Supplement 64 | Land Development Code: Supplement 5 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

Reno Municipal Code § 8.12.011 makes it unlawful to sit, lie, sleep or camp on any public place, including sidewalks, streets, alleys and doorways. "Camp" covers sitting, lying, storing belongings, placing a tent or furniture, building a fire, cooking, or digging in a public place. The ban also reaches designated sensitive-use properties -- schools, childcare facilities, hospitals, parks, libraries, city facilities, shelters and the Truckee River -- and bars camping in a vehicle on a public place unless the spot is specifically designated for it. Officers must first warn a person that their conduct violates the section before any citation issues.

Violations & Fines

First violation requires a warning from a city employee or designee before enforcement; continued conduct is a misdemeanor, and violators may be removed from the premises immediately. Officers may divert an individual to mental health, housing or substance-abuse services instead of jail, and courts are encouraged to grant diversion or probation over a fine or jail sentence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can police cite someone for sitting on a Reno sidewalk immediately?
No. RMC § 8.12.011(f) requires a city employee or designee to first notify the person that the conduct violates the section before any citation.
Does Reno's camping ban apply to vehicles?
Yes. Section 8.12.011(d) bars using a motor vehicle on a public place for camping unless that spot is specifically designated for it.
Are there exceptions to Reno's sit-lie rule?
Yes -- medical emergencies, wheelchair or walker users, permitted vendors and events, agency-supplied benches, and people waiting at a bus stop are exempt under § 8.12.011(e).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Reno

Encampment SanitationSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsHeavy RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome Restrictions

All Reno rules

Compare Reno to another location·View the Nevada homelessness & encampment rules overview

Get notified when Sit-Lie Rules in Reno, NV changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.