Chico's Homelessness & Encampment Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles homelessness & encampment rules a little differently. In Chico, 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

Camping on public property anywhere in Chico, California is a public nuisance under Municipal Code Chapter 9.20, and unlawfully stored belongings can be removed after a posted 24-hour notice, though officers must offer shelter first.

Key details: Camping ban: Public nuisance, city-wide. Pre-citation step: Officer must offer shelter first. Property notice: 24-hour posted warning. Storage before disposal: 90 days held. Penalty: Misdemeanor or infraction.

Violating Chapter 9.20 is a misdemeanor or infraction, enforced by criminal citation from the city attorney or an administrative citation under Chapter 1.15. It is an affirmative defense if the person promptly stops camping after an officer's warning, and §9.20.060 bars enforcement against an unsheltered individual when no shelter space is actually available.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Chico actively enforces its encampment sanitation requirements.

Sit-Lie Rules

Chico bans sitting or lying on sidewalks in commercial areas from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., with exceptions for disability, emergencies, and permitted events.

Key details: Hours/scope: 7 a.m.-11 p.m., commercial areas. Fines: $100 / $200 / $300 escalating. Exempt: Disability, medical emergency, permits. Applies to: Commercial-zoned sidewalks only.

A first violation is an infraction up to $100; a second within a year up to $200; a third or later within a year up to $300.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Chico actively enforces its sit-lie rules requirements.

The Bottom Line

Chico 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 Chico, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Chico can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.