San Bernardino County, CA Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Encampment Sanitation (2026)
Key Facts
- Prohibition
- Camping banned on undesignated public property
- Notice period
- 72 hours before enforcement, non-emergency
- Property storage
- Non-hazardous items stored 90 days
- First-offense fine
- Up to $100 base fine
- Governing law
- County Code §§ 28.0902, 28.0904
Summary
Camping, sleeping, or storing personal property on county-owned public property is banned outside designated campgrounds, with 72-hour notice before enforcement and immediate abatement for health and safety threats.
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.
(b) This section shall not apply to public property specifically designated for camping or where camping has been authorized by a responsible local, state, or federal agency. Persons desiring to camp on County owned, controlled, or maintained public property designated for camping must comply with Chapter 3 of Division 8 of Title 2 of this Code and the permitting requirements of §
Full Breakdown
San Bernardino County Code § 28.0902 makes it unlawful to camp, occupy camp facilities, or store personal property on public property not designated for camping. Enforcement Officers must give 72 hours' notice to vacate before removing an unpermitted camp, unless it poses an imminent threat to health, safety, or infrastructure. Under § 28.0904, the County can abate encampments and camp facilities after written notice, seizing and storing non-hazardous personal property for at least 90 days while hazardous items like needles, soiled bedding, or propane tanks are discarded immediately. Violations are infractions punishable by base fines up to $100 first offense, $200 second, $500 thereafter within a year.
Violations & Fines
Infraction; base fine up to $100 first offense, $200 second, $500 each additional violation within one year, plus immediate removal of obstructing personal property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be arrested for sleeping outside in San Bernardino County?
What happens to my belongings if my camp is cleared?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino County to another location·View the California homelessness & encampment rules overview
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