Homelessness & Encampment Rules in Modesto, CA (2026)
2 verified homelessness & encampment rules for Modesto, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Sit-Lie Rules
Modesto Code of Ordinances § 4-7.1502.1 bars sitting, lying down or substantially blocking pedestrian passage on business-district sidewalks and streets between 7 a.m. and midnight, once a police officer has given notice of the violation. The ordinance carves out medical emergencies, wheelchairs, permitted sidewalk vendors, permitted events and free-speech activity.
Modesto Business District Sit-Lie Ban
Significant RestrictionsModesto Code of Ordinances § 4-7.1502.1
(c)Prohibition; Exceptions. No person, after notification by a law enforcement officer that he or she is in violation of the prohibition stated in this section, shall sit, lie down or substantially obstruct the free passage of any person or persons on any street, sidewalk or other such public place in the business district of the City of Modesto during the hours between 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m....
Encampment Sanitation
Modesto Code of Ordinances § 4-12.703 makes it unlawful and a public nuisance to camp, occupy camp facilities, or use camp paraphernalia on any public property, or on private property without the owner's consent. Even with consent, overnight camping on residential land by friends or family is capped at five consecutive nights. Violations are misdemeanors the City Attorney can also pursue civilly.
Modesto Bans Public Camping and Encampment Storage
Heavy RestrictionsModesto Code of Ordinances § 4-12.703
It is unlawful and a public nuisance for any person to camp, occupy camp facilities, or use camp paraphernalia in the following areas: (a)Any public property; or(b)Any private property.(1)It is not intended by this section to prohibit overnight camping on private residential property by friends or family of the property owner, so long as the owner consents and the overnight camping is limited t...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Modesto city rules.
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