Homelessness & Encampment Rules in Oakland, CA (2026)
2 verified homelessness & encampment rules for Oakland, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Sit-Lie Rules
Oakland Municipal Code § 9.08.160 makes it unlawful to sit, lie or sleep on any public highway, alley, sidewalk, crosswalk or other place open for pedestrian travel, with a narrow exception for people who cannot stand due to physical disability.
Sitting or Lying on Sidewalks Banned in Oakland
Heavy RestrictionsOakland, CA, Municipal Code § 9.08.160 (Sitting or lying on streets)
9.08.160 - Sitting or lying on streets. A person shall not sit, lie or sleep in or upon any public highway, alley, sidewalk or crosswalk or other place open for pedestrian travel, except when necessitated by physical disability of such person.
Encampment Sanitation
Oakland's Measure W vacant property tax fund pays directly for sanitation, bathroom, and cleaning services at homeless encampments. Municipal Code Section 4.56.050 lists this among the required uses of the tax, and Section 4.56.060 creates a Commission on Homelessness that oversees how the money is spent and reports annually on the results.
Oakland Funds Encampment Sanitation Services
Light RestrictionsOakland, CA, Municipal Code § 4.56.050(B)(4); § 4.56.060(A), (C)(4); § 4.56.070(B)
B.Tax funds may be used to provide services and programs to homeless people, to reduce homelessness, and to support the protection of existing and production of new housing affordable to lower income households as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 50079.5 at an affordable housing cost or affordable rent as defined in Health and Safety Code Sections 50052.5 and 50053. Examples...
Looking for Alameda County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Oakland city rules.
Homelessness & Encampment Rules in Alameda County →