Tehama County, CA Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Sit-Lie Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- Must unreasonably obstruct pedestrian passage
- Location
- Walkways connected to county facilities
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor under §13.02.050
- Exceptions
- Medical emergency, vendors, permitted events
- Scope
- Excludes Red Bluff, Corning, Tehama city
Summary
Tehama County bars sitting, lying, sleeping, or loitering on a walkway connected to a county facility only when it unreasonably obstructs pedestrians: a narrow county-property rule, not a blanket sidewalk sit-lie ban, and it excludes Red Bluff, Corning, and the City of Tehama.
It is unlawful for any person: ... B. To loiter, lie, sleep or camp upon any walkway connected to any county facility in a manner that unreasonably obstructs the free passage of pedestrians.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23).
Full Breakdown
The same Use of County Walkways ordinance bars loitering, lying, sleeping, or camping on a walkway connected to a county facility 'in a manner that unreasonably obstructs the free passage of pedestrians,' under § 13.02.030(B). Unlike a blanket sit-lie law, the violation turns on whether the person actually blocks passage: sitting or lying without obstructing isn't covered. 'Lie' means moving into a recumbent position; 'loiter' means lingering with no legal purpose. § 13.02.040 exempts medical emergencies, sidewalk businesses, permitted events, and people on fixed benches. Violation is a misdemeanor, and the rule reaches only county-facility walkways in the unincorporated area, not Red Bluff, Corning, or City of Tehama sidewalks.
Violations & Fines
Obstructing a county-facility walkway by sitting, lying, sleeping, or loitering is a misdemeanor under § 13.02.050 unless a § 13.02.040 exception applies, such as a medical emergency or permitted event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sit or lie on a walkway near a Tehama County building?
Does Tehama County's sit-lie rule apply to city sidewalks in Red Bluff?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tehama County
California rules heatmap·Compare Tehama County to another location·View the California homelessness & encampment rules overview
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