Durango passes ban on sitting, lying on public areas

The Durango City Council has approved an ordinance that will make it illegal to sit or lie down on downtown sidewalks, curbs or other public areas.

Councilor Dick White says the ordinance, which was passed on Tuesday, is meant to improve the safety and atmosphere in the city’s downtown.

The Durango Herald reports the rule bans sitting or lying down on sidewalks, streets, railways, alleys, parking spaces or other publicly owned property for pedestrian or vehicle travel in the downtown area from 7 a.m. to 2:30 am.

Exemptions include people experiencing medical emergencies, people with disabilities, children in strollers or those attending parades, festivals, performances or other special events.

Violators can be fined up to $200.

The ordinance will go into effect this summer.