Homelessness & Encampment Rules, Sacramento

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

Sacramento City Code § 12.100.040 makes it unlawful and a public nuisance to camp in an encampment of four or more unrelated people on any public or private property, or to accumulate or fail to properly dispose of waste there: including hazardous waste, human waste, garbage, debris, and used needles. A violation is a misdemeanor, and the city attorney may separately sue to abate the nuisance.

Key details: Governing law: Sacramento City Code §§ 12.100.010–12.100.060 (Ord. 2022-0011). Encampment defined: 4+ unrelated people camping within 50 feet, no permitted utilities. Prohibited act: Camping or failing to properly dispose of waste in encampment. Penalty: Misdemeanor; city attorney can pursue separate civil nuisance abatement. Family exception: One overnight guest on private residential property with owner consent.

A violation of § 12.100.040 is a misdemeanor, on top of any state nuisance remedy under Penal Code § 370, and the city attorney can file a separate civil action to abate the encampment as a public nuisance. Where the violation sits on city-owned property, a harmed resident can force action through the § 12.100.050 notice-and-demand process: city inspection within 20 days, abatement within 45 days if the city agrees a violation exists, and appeal to a hearing examiner under Chapter 8.04 if it does not.

This is one of the stricter rules in Sacramento's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Sit-Lie Rules

Sacramento City Code § 12.24.020 bars anyone from obstructing a public sidewalk after the city manager orders them to move, including sitting or lying within four feet of a building entrance, blocking vehicle passage, or narrowing the walkway to under four feet of clearance. The city manager can act immediately, without a prior order, whenever there is an immediate threat to public health or safety.

Key details: Enforcing official: City Manager or designee. Minimum sidewalk clearance: 4 feet for pedestrians and vehicles. Entrance sit/lie buffer: 4 feet from building entrance. Civil penalty range: $250 to $25,000 per day. Criminal charge: Misdemeanor.

Violating Chapter 12.24 is a misdemeanor and a declared public nuisance under § 12.24.070. The city can pursue civil penalties of not less than $250 nor more than $25,000 per day the violation continues, on top of criminal sanctions and administrative penalties available under Chapter 1.28, and all remedies are cumulative so the city isn't limited to just one.

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

The Bottom Line

Sacramento 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 Sacramento, 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 Sacramento'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.