Fullerton, CA Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Sit-Lie Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- FMC § 8.40.010
- Originally adopted
- Ordinance 996, 1959
- Last amended
- Ordinance 1487, 1967
- Sole exception
- Viewing a permitted parade/event
- Penalty basis
- General FMC § 1.08.010 infraction/misdemeanor
Summary
Fullerton has banned standing, sitting or lying on any sidewalk, or in the entrance to a public-assembly building, since 1959 if it hinders or obstructs the sidewalk or entrance. FMC § 8.40.010 carries a single narrow exception: watching a permitted parade or similar event.
It is unlawful for any person to stand, sit or lie down upon any sidewalk, or in the entrance of any church, hall, theater, place of public assemblage or other building open to the public in the city so as to, in any manner, hinder or obstruct such entrance or sidewalk, except to view a parade or similar event for which a permit has been issued.
Full Breakdown
40 (Obstructing Traffic), makes it unlawful for any person to stand, sit or lie down upon any sidewalk, or in the entrance of any church, hall, theater, place of public assemblage or other building open to the public in the city, if doing so hinders or obstructs the entrance or sidewalk in any manner. The section, originally adopted by Ordinance 996 in 1959 and amended by Ordinance 1487 in 1967, applies citywide and is not limited to downtown or commercial districts. It has a single stated exception: a person may stand, sit or lie down to view a parade or similar event for which a permit has been issued.
020, separately bars placing goods, wares, merchandise, displays or signs on a street, alley or sidewalk in a way that interferes with free passage, carving out narrow exceptions for compliant newspaper and magazine stands and construction material storage under Traffic Engineer regulation. 010 does not state its own fine amount, so enforcement falls back on the code's general penalty structure.
Violations & Fines
Because § 8.40.010 does not set its own penalty, a violation is enforced under the general provisions of FMC § 1.08.010: the City Attorney or District Attorney may charge it as an infraction, punishable by a fine up to $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second within a year and $500 for each further violation within that year, or as a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $1,000, imprisonment up to six months in county jail, or both. The city may also pursue a civil action to enjoin or abate the conduct, and each day the obstruction continues is treated as a separate violation under § 1.08.030.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to sit on a sidewalk in Fullerton?
Is there any exception to Fullerton's sidewalk sitting ban?
What is the penalty for violating Fullerton's sidewalk obstruction law?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fullerton
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