Unlike Los Angeles, San Jose has no LAMC §41.18 equivalent. SJMC Chapter 13.44 prohibits camping in parks, SJMC Chapter 10.06 restricts overnight stays on city property, and SJMC Chapter 6.36 limits oversized-vehicle and RV parking. Enforcement must comply with Martin v. Boise.
San Jose does not have a single comprehensive sit/lie/camp ordinance like Los Angeles Municipal Code §41.18. Instead, several SJMC chapters together regulate camping and unsheltered presence. SJMC Chapter 13.44 prohibits camping, sleeping overnight, and erecting tents in San Jose parks outside permitted programs. SJMC Chapter 10.06 reaches camping and sleeping on certain city-owned property. SJMC Chapter 6.36 restricts oversized-vehicle and RV parking on city streets, limiting where lived-in vehicles may stand. All enforcement must comply with Martin v. Boise (9th Cir. 2018) and Johnson v. Grants Pass (2024 U.S.), which constrain criminal punishment of involuntary unsheltered status when shelter is unavailable.
Camping in parks under SJMC 13.44 or sleeping on regulated city property under SJMC 10.06 is a misdemeanor or infraction with citations and property removal after notice. Officers must offer shelter under Martin v. Boise; Lavan requires notice and storage.
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See how San Jose's lamc §41.18 encampment rule rules stack up against other locations.
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