West Covina's Homelessness & Encampment Rules: The Rules That Matter

West Covina maintains 121 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with homelessness & encampment rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where West Covina falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Sit-Lie Rules

West Covina bars sitting, lying or sleeping on any public street, sidewalk, alley or crosswalk. The rule carves out disability necessity, watching a legal parade, and sitting on a lawfully installed bench.

Key details: Governing section: Sec. 19-5, Municipal Code. Covers: streets, alleys, sidewalks, crosswalks citywide. Exceptions: disability, parade viewing, lawful benches. Enforcing agency: West Covina Police Department. Origin: 1960 Code § 4109.2.

A violation of Section 19-5 is enforced as a misdemeanor under the code's general penalty sections (1-37/1-37.1) absent a specific stated penalty, and is typically cited by West Covina police officers on patrol. Officers must first determine that none of the three statutory exceptions, disability necessity, parade viewing, or use of a lawful bench, applies before issuing a citation.

Compared to other cities, West Covina takes a harder line on sit-lie rules. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Encampment Sanitation

West Covina bans camping and storing personal property in any street, alley, park or public area, and on private property except in licensed campgrounds or a resident's own backyard. Impounded property is held 90 days before it can be sold or destroyed.

Key details: Governing section: Sec. 19-14, Municipal Code. Adopted: Ord. Nos. 2333, 2334 (2018). Holding period: 90 days before disposal/auction. Publication threshold: $250+ requires newspaper notice. Penalty type: non-criminal remedies only.

Violations of Section 19-14 are handled through non-criminal legal or equitable remedies rather than the code's standard misdemeanor penalty, per Section 19-14.160. Enforcement runs through the Community Services Department for camping/storage prohibitions and the Chief of Police for impounding, safekeeping, noticing and auctioning unlawfully stored personal property, with unclaimed proceeds deposited to the city's general fund.

Compared to other cities, West Covina takes a harder line on encampment sanitation. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

West Covina 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 West Covina, 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 West Covina 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.