Homelessness & Encampment Rules in Sonoma, CA (2026)
2 verified homelessness & encampment rules for Sonoma, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Sit-Lie Rules
The City of Sonoma bars sitting or lying on any street, sidewalk, or public way when it unreasonably blocks other people's passage, under Sonoma Municipal Code Section 9.48.030. The rule exempts parade-watchers on the curb and anyone using a lawfully placed bench, and it is enforced as a misdemeanor.
City of Sonoma Sidewalk Sit-Lie Rule
Significant RestrictionsSonoma Municipal Code § 9.48.030
9.48.030 Lying or sitting. ... No person shall sit or lie in or upon any street, sidewalk, or other public way in such manner to unreasonably prevent, delay, hinder, obstruct, or interfere with the free passage of any other persons. The provisions of this section shall not apply to persons sitting on the curb portion of any sidewalk or street while attending or viewing any lawfully conducted pa...
Encampment Sanitation
The City of Sonoma bans camping, lodging and outdoor sleeping on any city-owned or city-controlled ground, building or structure unless the city council has specifically designated the spot as a campground. Violating Sonoma Municipal Code Section 7.20.010 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $100 fine and 30 days in county jail.
City of Sonoma Ban on Camping on City Property
Heavy RestrictionsSonoma Municipal Code §§ 7.20.010, 7.20.030
No ground, open space, building, hall, structure, or other real property owned by the city or in its possession or control shall be used by any person, persons or group of persons for camping, or for lodging either in the daytime or nighttime, nor shall any such place be used by any person for sleeping on the open ground, with or without bedding, during the hours of darkness, unless such place ...
Looking for Sonoma County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Sonoma city rules.
Homelessness & Encampment Rules in Sonoma County →