Homelessness & Encampment Rules in San Francisco, CA (2026)
3 verified homelessness & encampment rules for San Francisco, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Sit-Lie Rules
San Francisco's Civil Sidewalks law, passed by voters in November 2010 as Proposition L, prohibits sitting or lying on public sidewalks between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. The Police Code Section 168 measure carries a warning then escalating fines.
Civil Sidewalks (Sit-Lie) Ordinance
Heavy RestrictionsEncampment Sanitation
San Francisco's Healthy Streets Operations Center coordinates encampment cleanups under Public Works Code Section 723. Crews must give 72-hour notice, store seized property for 90 days, and offer shelter referrals during each sweep operation.
Encampment Sweep and Bag-and-Tag Procedure
Heavy RestrictionsBridge Housing Siting
San Francisco operates 16 navigation centers and bridge-housing sites under Department of Homelessness rules allowing pets, partners, and possessions plus 24/7 access. Stays target 30-90 days while case managers secure permanent placements under Care Not Cash.