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

Chapter 16.86 of the Los Angeles County Code bars camping on any highway accepted into the county road system within unincorporated territory. 'Camp' is defined broadly as using a location, or a vehicle parked there, for living accommodation or lodging: covering tents, vehicle dwelling, and stored belongings in the right-of-way. The Board adopted the ban in 2005 to keep unincorporated streets clean, safe, and accessible, citing neighborhood impacts and public-health and traffic-safety hazards. Violations are infractions: up to $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second within a year, and $500 for each further violation, with each day counted separately. It applies only in unincorporated areas, not the City of Los Angeles or the other 87 incorporated cities.