Georgetown, TX Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)

030 of the Georgetown Code applies only in the Downtown Overlay District and does not create a blanket sit-lie ban. Subsection B makes it unlawful to sit or lie down on a public sidewalk, street, alleyway or property only if after having been notified by a law enforcement officer within the previous 12 months that the conduct violates this Section, meaning a first-time sitter must be warned before any citation can follow. Subsection C lists six exceptions: a medical emergency; operating or patronizing a sidewalk business; participating in or watching a parade, festival, performance, rally, demonstration or similar event; sitting on a chair or bench a public agency or the abutting property owner supplied; waiting in a bus stop zone; or waiting in line for goods, services or an event.

Subsection D adds an affirmative defense for a person sitting or lying down as the result of a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. 035, separately bars sleeping or lying down at night in a street, alley, highway, square, sidewalk or other public place citywide, unless the City Manager gives written approval in connection with a special event. Both sections were rewritten by Ordinance No. 030 that only addressed sleeping in public. 010.