Homelessness & Encampment Rules in Tennessee (2026)
9 rules on the books across Tennessee, 9 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.
Knoxville
Significant RestrictionsKnoxville bans sitting or lying on public sidewalks from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Central Business Improvement District…
Read full rule →Memphis
Significant RestrictionsMemphis makes it a misdemeanor to panhandle while seated on or leaning against a public bench, planter, monument, or…
Read full rule →Chattanooga
Some RestrictionsChattanooga makes it unlawful to block a sidewalk, street, or other public passageway so that passage becomes…
Read full rule →Collierville
Some RestrictionsIn the Town of Collierville, § 130.017(A)(2) makes it unlawful, after a police warning or where a no loitering sign is…
Read full rule →Smyrna
Some RestrictionsIn the Town of Smyrna, Tennessee, § 11-702 makes it unlawful to stand, sit, or engage in any activity on a public…
Read full rule →Nashville
Light RestrictionsMetro Nashville has no sit-lie ordinance banning people from simply sitting or lying on a sidewalk. Metropolitan Code §…
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.
Jackson
Significant RestrictionsIn the City of Jackson, Tennessee, camping on any sidewalk, street, park, right-of-way or other public property is…
Read full rule →Kingsport
Significant RestrictionsIn the City of Kingsport, Tennessee, Section 62-50 makes it unlawful to set up or leave any encroachment, structure or…
Read full rule →Murfreesboro
Significant RestrictionsMurfreesboro makes it unlawful to camp or store personal property on public sidewalks, parking garages, lots, parks…
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