Homelessness & Encampment Rules in Merced County, CA (2026)
1 rule for unincorporated Merced County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Merced County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.
Encampment Sanitation
Merced County Code Section 10.32.035 makes it a misdemeanor to camp, occupy camp facilities, or store personal belongings on public buildings, roads, sidewalks, parks, waterways or critical infrastructure, and lets the county abate encampments after notice, or immediately if they threaten public safety.
Merced County Camping and Encampment Ban
Heavy RestrictionsMerced County Code § 10.32.035(C), (E)(1)
C. Unlawful Camping. Except as provided elsewhere in this Code, it is unlawful, and a misdemeanor, subject to punishment in accordance with Sections 10.32.040 and 10.32.045 of this chapter, for any person to camp, occupy camp facilities, or use camp paraphernalia in the following areas, except as otherwise provided in this Code: 1. Any public buildings; 2. Any county highway; 3. Any county park...
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