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

Municipal Code Division 12 (added by Ord. No. 24-21, adopted Nov. 26, 2024) makes it "unlawful and a public nuisance for any person to camp, occupy camp facilities, use camp paraphernalia or to maintain an encampment in a prohibited public place" (Sec. 4-12-103), and bars using a vehicle to camp in a prohibited public place or on private property without the owner's consent. to remain outdoors overnight, or dwelling in a vehicle continuously at one location for two hours or more. Before removal, the City Manager must post a "Notice of Clean-Up" on each tent or structure giving at least 24 hours to remove belongings (Sec.

4-12-202). If abatement is delayed past 48 hours from the posted notice, a new notice must be reposted. During abatement, staff must photograph the site before, during and after cleanup, and open bags and containers to sort eligible items from disqualifying ones (hazardous, contaminated, perishable, contraband, or on the City Manager's published disqualification list). Eligible unclaimed items are held in storage at least 90 days before disposal, recycling or reuse (Sec. 4-12-302). An "expedited abatement" under Sec. 4-12-203 shortens the notice window to a minimum of three hours when the County of Orange or another authority directs action to address a disease outbreak, or when the City Manager reasonably suspects the encampment presents a significant risk of property damage, bodily injury or death.

Permitted camping is limited to City Council-designated public areas, a residential rear or side yard with the owner's consent (capped at 48 hours in any 30-day period and screened from the street), or events under a City special-event or temporary-use permit (Sec. 4-12-104). Returning stored property to the same area within 1,000 feet within 30 days of a citation still counts as unlawful storage under Sec. 4-12-301.