Homelessness & Encampment Rules in Michigan (2026)
9 rules on the books across Michigan, 8 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Sit-Lie Rules
Citywide rules against sitting or lying on public sidewalks during specified daytime hours in commercial corridors, including how courts have constrained enforcement.
Detroit
Significant RestrictionsDetroit makes it a crime to keep loitering on a street, sidewalk, overpass, or public place after a police officer has…
Read full rule →Flint
Significant RestrictionsFlint bars standing, sitting or lying down in doorways, corridors and boarding areas of the MTA Transportation Center…
Read full rule →Encampment Sanitation
How cities provide trash, hygiene, and bulky-item pickup at encampments, the CARE/CARE+ cleanups in LA, and the storage-of-belongings rules from Lavan v. LA.
Detroit
Heavy RestrictionsDetroit bans all overnight camping in city parks, public places, and boulevards under City Code § 33-1-32: a flat…
Read full rule →Warren
Heavy RestrictionsWarren makes it unlawful to camp or set up camp gear such as tents, cots, sleeping bags or tarps on any street, park…
Read full rule →Grand Rapids
Significant RestrictionsGrand Rapids bars erecting a tent in any public area without a permit and lets the City remove personal property or…
Read full rule →Jackson County
Significant RestrictionsJackson County bans camping anywhere on Parks and Recreation Commission property outside designated, permitted…
Read full rule →Kent County
Significant RestrictionsKent County's Parks Ordinance bars camping or overnight lodging in a county park without a written Parks Department…
Read full rule →Ottawa County
Significant RestrictionsCode of Ottawa County § 400.3.1.6(a)(x) bars anyone from camping on land the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation…
Read full rule →Wyoming
Significant RestrictionsWyoming, Michigan (Kent County) bars sleeping or camping on public sidewalks, streets, alleyways within 50 feet of any…
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