San Luis Obispo County, CA Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Sit-Lie Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- County Code § 7.20.030
- Where it applies
- Avila Beach and Cayucos only
- Exceptions
- Disability, parades, benches
- Related section
- § 7.20.040 bars blocking entrances
- Default penalty
- Misdemeanor or infraction
Summary
County Code § 7.20.030 bans sitting, lying, or sleeping on sidewalks and other public ways in the Avila Beach and Cayucos areas, with only narrow exceptions.
No person shall sit, lie or sleep in or upon any highway, alley, sidewalk or crosswalk or other public way open for pedestrian travel within any area listed in Section 7.20.010. The provisions of this section do not prohibit sitting upon a public highway, alley, sidewalk or crosswalk, or other public way open for pedestrian travel if: (1)Necessitated by the physical disability of such person; or (2)Viewing a legally conducted parade; or (3)On a bench lawfully installed for such purpose.
Full Breakdown
Under Section 7.20.030, no one may sit, lie, or sleep on any highway, alley, sidewalk, crosswalk, or other public way open to pedestrian travel within the Avila Sanitary District (town of Avila) or County Service Area No. 10 (town of Cayucos), the two unincorporated areas the chapter covers per Section 7.20.010. The ban has three carve-outs: sitting necessitated by a physical disability, sitting to view a legally conducted parade, or sitting on a lawfully installed bench. A companion section, 7.20.040, separately bars loitering or sitting at the entrance of a church, hall, or business so as to block the entrance.
Violations & Fines
Misdemeanor countywide under Section 1.16.010 unless charged as an infraction; enforced by the sheriff's office or county code enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this ban apply countywide?
Can someone sit on a sidewalk bench?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Luis Obispo County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Luis Obispo County to another location·View the California homelessness & encampment rules overview
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