Los Banos, CA Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Encampment Sanitation (2026)

Chapter 11 of Title 5, added by Ordinance 1205 effective December 20, 2024, prohibits unauthorized public camping and personal property storage. 01 finds that camping or storing property in streets and public areas interferes with public access, creates health and safety hazards, and adversely affects neighborhoods and commercial areas. 03 makes it unlawful and a public nuisance for any person to camp, occupy camp facilities, build or occupy an encampment, use camp paraphernalia, or store personal property on public property or waterways at any time unless the City specifically authorizes it in writing; the section exempts ordinary, lawful uses of private property and mere possession or transport of camping gear.

04 lets the City Manager issue a special-event camping permit, for programs like youth events, marathons, or scouting activities, subject to a fee that is refunded if denied. 07 declares any violating encampment a public nuisance the City may abate. 08 sets the removal procedure: before removing unauthorized personal property, an authorized City employee or contractor must post or leave notice giving at least 24 hours to relocate the property, shorter only if it poses an immediate health or safety threat or blocks the intended use of the public property; removed property is inventoried and held for at least 60 days before disposal, except trash, contaminated, dangerous, or perishable items, which may be disposed of immediately.

09 makes any violation a misdemeanor under Title 1, Chapter 2, and allows administrative penalties through the Title 4, Chapter 11 citation process as an additional remedy.