Fresno County, CA Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Encampment Sanitation (2026)
Key Facts
- Effective
- Ord. No. 24-013, 8-20-2024
- Where camping allowed
- Only designated campgrounds with a permit
- Notice before removal
- Required unless imminent health/safety threat
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor, up to 6 months and/or $500
- Property storage
- Personal items kept for retrieval, per policy
Summary
Fresno County bars camping on public property outside designated campgrounds under a 2024 ordinance, and gives the county power to abate encampments and camp materials after notice, or immediately if they pose a health or safety threat.
It is unlawful and a violation of this code for any person(s) to camp, occupy camp facilities, or use camping materials on public property not specially designated for day and/or overnight campgrounds. ... Notwithstanding Section 10.70.050.C, the County may abate or remove camp facilities and materials, or an encampment established in violation of this chapter after providing written notice of such abatement. Any camp facilities and materials, or encampments established in violation of this chapter may be subject to abatement without advanced written notice by the County, if the encampment poses an imminent and substantial threat to public health or safety, as determined by the Sheriff-Coroner-Public Administrator and upon consultation with County Administrative Officer.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 51).
Full Breakdown
030(A). 040, and campers on federal or state park land must follow that agency's own rules. 030(F). 060 authorizes the county to abate or remove camp facilities and encampments after written notice, but allows abatement without advance notice if the encampment poses an imminent and substantial threat to public health or safety, as determined by the Sheriff-Coroner-Public Administrator in consultation with the County Administrative Officer. 020(E) to include IDs, medications, eyeglasses, records, and usable unsoiled items like tents and bicycles, must be stored and made available for retrieval under county policy, while contraband is excluded from that protection.
Violations & Fines
A violation of Chapter 10.70 is declared a public nuisance and is a misdemeanor under Section 10.70.070, punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $500 per violation. The county states it will encourage the court to grant diversion or probation conditioned on completing a rehabilitation or treatment program as an alternative to jail or a straight fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I camp on Fresno County public land?
Does the county have to warn me before clearing my camp?
What happens to my belongings if my camp is abated?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fresno County
California rules heatmap·Compare Fresno County to another location·View the California homelessness & encampment rules overview
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