Ceres, CA Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Encampment Sanitation (2026)

The Public Works Department is authorized to carry out both one-time or routine clean and clear operations at camping locations to prevent the buildup of hazardous waste, illegal dumping, infectious waste, refuse, or solid waste.B.Clean and clear operations require that affected occupants receive notice of the action at least 72 hours prior to its scheduled time, in accordance with Ceres's encampment management policy, as it may be amended from time to time.C.Any property left at the campsite during the clean and clear operation shall be considered abandoned and subject to disposal. City officials will collect and log any unabandoned and temporarily unattended items that are safe for storage for retrieval by occupants after the operation ends. The City shall secure any collected belongings for no less than 90 days.D.Any items that are not safe for storage, including but not limited to food, food wrappers, soiled items, or items used for personal hygiene (not including medication), may be immediately discarded. Additionally, property that is hazardous or poses an immediate threat to public health and safety may also be discarded.E.Permanent closure of a campsite is warranted where an existing or expected natural disaster or environmental harm poses a threat to the health and safety of a camp's occupants. Permanent closure entails the same requirements of this section, unless an emergency makes notice and logging personal property infeasible.