Homelessness & Encampment Rules in Merced, CA (2026)
2 verified homelessness & encampment rules for Merced, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Sit-Lie Rules
Merced bars sitting or lying on a public sidewalk, curb, or an object placed on one, in any commercially zoned district, but only after a law enforcement officer has first warned the person they are in violation. Section 9.52.020 exempts medical emergencies, permitted events, and provided seating.
Merced Sidewalk Sit-Lie Ordinance
Some RestrictionsMerced, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 9.52.020 (Sitting or Lying Down on Public Sidewalks in Designated City Zones)
No person, after having been notified by a law enforcement officer that he or she is in violation of the prohibition in this section, shall sit or lie down upon a public sidewalk or sidewalk, curb, or upon a blanket, chair, stool, or any other object placed upon a public sidewalk in any commercially zoned district.
Encampment Sanitation
Merced bans public camping and storing personal property in parks, streets, sidewalks, and public lots, and within 1,000 feet of any school. Code enforcement can remove encampments immediately if they threaten life or safety, or after 48 hours' notice otherwise, storing seized items for 30 days under Chapter 9.51.
Merced Encampment Removal and Cleanup Rules
Heavy RestrictionsMerced, CA, Municipal Code Secs. 9.51.060, 9.51.070.A (Removal of Encampments and Personal Property; Penalties)
Encampments and personal property shall be removed immediately if it is determined by code enforcement that the encampment poses an immediate threat to life, health, safety, or infrastructure. In all other instances, advanced notice shall be posted at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to removal of individuals who are engaging in the act of public sleeping or camping; personal items shall be s...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Merced city rules.
Homelessness & Encampment Rules in Merced County →