Manteca, CA Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Encampment Sanitation (2026)
Key Facts
- Notice before removal
- 72 hours written notice
- Storage period
- 90 days (1 yr for ID)
- Reclaim location
- Manteca police dept, 1001 W Center St
- Violation
- Misdemeanor + public nuisance
Summary
Manteca bans unauthorized camping and property storage on public land citywide, but police must give 72 hours written notice before clearing an encampment and store what they remove.
Law enforcement shall not remove personal property from any public property without providing seventy-two hours written notice unless there are exigent circumstances. After providing written notice, any personal property removed from public property shall be stored for ninety days from the date of removal except for government-issued identification cards, which shall be stored for one year from the date of removal. Personal property that is removed from public property can be reclaimed by contacting the telephone number listed on the written notice or appearing personally at the Manteca police department located at 1001 West Center Street in Manteca, California during regular business hours. (Ord. 1592 § 2, 2016)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4829770; v11 updated 2026-04-21).
Full Breakdown
Section 12.20.030 makes it an unlawful public nuisance to camp or use camp facilities on public property, at the transit center, at the community center, or on private property without consent, subject to a narrow overnight exception. Section 12.20.040 bars storing personal property on public property or on private property without the owner's written consent. Before removing property from public land, law enforcement must give 72 hours written notice unless exigent circumstances exist, and removed items are stored 90 days (one year for government IDs) and can be reclaimed at the police department.
Violations & Fines
Camping or storing property in violation of Chapter 12.20 is a misdemeanor and public nuisance; the city attorney may also bring civil nuisance-abatement actions under Penal Code § 370.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Manteca police clear a homeless encampment without warning?
What happens to belongings that are removed from an encampment?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Manteca
California rules heatmap·Compare Manteca to another location·View the California homelessness & encampment rules overview
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Encampment Sanitation in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Joaquin County handle encampment sanitation.