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Celina, TX Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Encampment Sanitation (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Max time before violation
72 hours
Fine cap
$500 per offense
Repeat violations
Each day is separate offense
Enforced by
Code enforcement/peace officer

Summary

Celina makes it a misdemeanor to leave belongings, tents, or vehicles on any street, sidewalk, or public ground for more than 72 hours.

It shall hereafter be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to obstruct or encumber, to any extent, any portion of any street, alley, sidewalk, drainage ditch or any area designated a street, or any other public ground in the city, with lumber, boxes, timber, firewood, posts, vehicles or anything whatever, in any manner whatever, for more than a reasonable period of time, but not to exceed 72 hours.

Full Breakdown

Under Section 8.05.002, no one may obstruct or encumber a street, alley, sidewalk, drainage ditch, or other public ground with lumber, boxes, vehicles, or anything else for more than a reasonable period, capped at 72 hours. Section 8.05.003 separately bars blocking sidewalk passage with barrels, boxes, merchandise, or vehicles. This is the mechanism Celina uses to clear encampment-style property from public rights-of-way; it sits alongside the statewide public-camping ban under Texas Penal Code Section 48.05 (HB 1925), which independently criminalizes camping on public property without authorization.

Violations & Fines

Misdemeanor, up to $500 fine per Section 8.05.001; each day the obstruction continues is a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Celina remove belongings left on a sidewalk?
Yes. An officer must first notify the owner to remove the items immediately under Section 8.05.004; if not removed, the city files a complaint in municipal court.
Does Texas state law also ban public camping in Celina?
Yes. Texas Penal Code Section 48.05 (HB 1925) separately makes camping on public property without authorization a state offense that cities must enforce.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Celina

All Celina rules

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