Aliso Viejo, CA Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Sit-Lie Rules (2026)

Section 8.20.010 of the Aliso Viejo Municipal Code, titled Obstruction of public rights-of-way, is the city's sit-lie rule in the City of Aliso Viejo, Orange County, California. The City Council placed it in Chapter 8.20, Disorderly Conduct. It makes it unlawful for any person to intentionally stand, sit or lie in or upon any street, sidewalk or crosswalk so as to prevent the free passage of persons or vehicles passing over, along or across the same. Three elements must all be present. The conduct must be intentional, it must take place in or upon a street, sidewalk or crosswalk, and it must prevent free passage of persons or vehicles.

Standing, sitting or lying that leaves the way open falls outside the text. The section sets no daytime or nighttime window, no distance from a building, and no minimum width of sidewalk to be left clear. Standing is covered as well as sitting and lying, so the rule reaches anyone who plants themselves in the way. It sits alongside rules aimed at the same public space. Section 8.20.020 covers driveways, entrances and exits of businesses and residences, and Chapter 8.22 separately bans sleeping, camping and storing personal property on public property, with sleeping defined as the hours between 11:00 p.m. and 8:30 a.m.

Section 8.20.040 bars knowingly interfering with a public officer performing authorized work on public property, which the code says includes refusing to move from an area that is to be cleaned.