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

in 1997, responds to City Council findings that people sitting or lying on sidewalks, streets or other public places impede pedestrian traffic, intimidate patrons and threaten the economic health of the City's business districts. It applies only within a 'business district,' defined as any area zoned for business purposes, and only to a 'public place,' defined broadly to include sidewalks, streets, alleys, bridges, parking lots, parks, plazas and building doorways and entrances. unless a law enforcement officer has first notified the person that they are in violation.

Seven specific exceptions apply regardless of notice: medical emergencies; wheelchair or similar-device use tied to a disability; operating or patronizing a sidewalk business under an encroachment permit; participating in a permitted parade, festival, rally or similar event; sitting on a publicly or privately supplied bench or chair; waiting for public or private transportation; and any application that would interfere with constitutionally protected speech or assembly. A violation is an infraction. , entirely unregulated by this section, and it operates independently of the City's separate no-cruising loitering rule and general disorderly-conduct provisions found elsewhere in the same article.