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

Section 4119, originally adopted in 1957 and substantially rewritten by Ordinance 24-1513 on October 8, 2024, addresses obstruction in several settings. Under subsection (b), no person may sit, sleep, or lie, or place, store, or abandon merchandise, furniture, baggage, or other personal property on a public highway, alley, bike lane, crosswalk, median, sidewalk, parking lot, or other public way in a manner that obstructs pedestrian or vehicle travel or otherwise creates a public safety hazard. Subsection (c) separately bars lying on any public bench or seat in a park, public facility, or transit vehicle or stop, and bars sitting on a transit-stop bench unless actively waiting for transit.

Subsection (d) bars blocking building entrances and exits, both at buildings open to the public and, without the owner's written permission, at nonresidential buildings that are closed. The 2024 amendment added subsection (e), a set of flat distance rules that apply regardless of whether an obstruction occurs: no sitting or lying, or storing property, within 36 inches of a clear path on a sidewalk, within three feet of a fire hydrant or Fire Department connection, within 10 feet of a driveway, loading dock, ATM, or outdoor dining area, within 10 feet of a transit bench except while waiting for transit, or anywhere inside the Downey Civic Center or the Barbara J.

Reilly Community and Senior Center except on installed benches or indoor seating. Subsection (f) exempts sitting on a curb to view a lawful parade, sitting or lying necessitated by a documented physical disability or injury until the person can relocate, temporary loading or unloading not exceeding 30 minutes, and any activity covered by a City-issued permit.