Twin Falls, ID Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Sit-Lie Rules (2026)

Twin Falls City Code § 6-14-2 is the City of Twin Falls rule on assembling in public spaces, and it is the closest thing in the code to a sit-lie ordinance. Subsection (A) makes it unlawful for any person or group to assemble in a public space, or a space open to the public, without lawful and legitimate business with the adjacent property owner, business or occupant, if the assembly meets any one of seven listed conditions. The list covers a hazardous or physically offensive condition, significant disruption of a property owner, occupant or resident, substantial interference with pedestrian or vehicular traffic, excessive noise from amplified music, chanting, yelling, clatter or vehicle use, the creation and discard of excess garbage, waste, debris, trash or litter, and a substantial risk of injury, alarm or serious disruption.

Item 7 is the sidewalk clause: blocking sidewalks with lawn chairs, tables or other obstacles without a business license or special events permit allowing for the general use of the property by the public. Subsection (B) sets the penalty at an infraction with a $300.00 fine. Subsection (C) exempts any special event, festival, sale or other public activity organized and operated under a special event permit. The stated purpose in § 6-14-1 is to maintain public safety, ensure the free flow of commerce, and protect business owners and the public.

Section 6-14-3 adds a separate failure-to-disperse rule: when two or more people congregate in a public place and create a substantial risk of injury, alarm or serious inconvenience, or hinder free passage on a public right-of-way, a peace officer or other public official is authorized to order them to disperse. Section 6-14-5 carves out lawful demonstrations, protests, rallies and gatherings protected by the First Amendment, so long as they do not create hazardous or physically offensive conditions, and it protects news reporters recording events unless they physically obstruct an officer's lawful efforts.

Two other sections cover related ground. Section 6-2-9(A) bars anyone from obstructing a sidewalk, street, alley or other public place without applying for and obtaining permission. Section 8-3-7(E) bars standing, sitting or lying in a manner that blocks or restricts the passage of others in a city park.