West U updates its civility ordinance to ban lying, sitting on public sidewalks

West University Place officials voted April 27 to update the city’s civility ordinance to prohibit placing personal items, sitting or lying down on a public sidewalk within city limits.

What this means

Some exceptions to the rule include:

• Medical emergencies
• Permit has been issued
• Residents attending an event
• Placement of personal items while waiting to board at a bus stop

The item passed unanimously and will go into effect immediately.

Something to note

Some residents brought up concerns earlier in the year about encountering homeless individuals sleeping in public spaces. The concern sparked a conversation among City Council members and ultimately led the council to tighten up the language in the civility ordinance.

West University's decision follows both Bellaire and Houston, which passed similar ordinances in 2025.