Why Anaheim Has Some of the Strictest Homelessness & Encampment Rules in the State
Every city handles homelessness & encampment rules a little differently. In Anaheim, California, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.
Encampment Sanitation
Anaheim bans camping in any public area, including streets, parks, sidewalks and parking lots, without written permission from the Police Chief, the Community Services Director, or a City Council resolution. Unauthorized camping is a public nuisance, and personal property stored in public areas is subject to impoundment under a separate notice-and-hold process.
Key details: Governing section: AMC § 11.10.030. Camping without permit: Unlawful public nuisance. Who can authorize camping: Police Chief, CSD, or Council. Property hold period: At least 90 days. Adopted: Ord. 6290, Nov. 5, 2013.
Camping in a public area without authorization is a public nuisance under Section 11.10.030 and can be enforced through nuisance abatement as well as citation. Storing personal property unlawfully triggers impoundment under Sections 11.10.050 through 11.10.160; unclaimed property is treated as abandoned if not reclaimed within 90 days of being turned in to the Chief of Police.
This is one of the stricter rules in Anaheim's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Sit-Lie Rules
Anaheim bars sitting, lying, sleeping or storing personal property in the public right-of-way within ten feet of driveways, doorways, fire hydrants, ATMs, charging stations and sidewalk ramps, and within 200 feet of any school or day care. First violations can be charged as an infraction or misdemeanor at the City Attorney's discretion.
Key details: Governing section: AMC § 11.11.020. Standard buffer distance: 10 feet from listed fixtures. School/day care buffer: 200 feet. Penalty: Infraction or misdemeanor, City Attorney's discretion. Adopted: Ord. 6589, Oct. 29, 2024.
Violations of Chapter 11.11 may be charged as either an infraction or a misdemeanor at the City Attorney's discretion (Section 11.11.030), or the City Attorney may seek a civil injunction to abate the violation. Officers have discretion to divert a consenting individual to a social-services facility instead of jail.
This is one of the stricter rules in Anaheim's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
The Bottom Line
Anaheim is tougher than many cities when it comes to homelessness & encampment rules. Out of the 2 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Anaheim, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
All of the above reflects Anaheim's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.