Santa Monica, CA Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Sit-Lie Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Prohibited hours
- 6 AM – 1 AM
- Downtown area
- Ocean Ave, Wilshire, Lincoln Blvd, Pico Blvd
- Main Street area
- Colorado Ave to city limits at Dewey St
- Montana Ave area
- 6th Street to 17th Street
- Citywide sidewalk minimum clearance
- 4 feet
- Exemptions include
- Medical emergencies, wheelchair users, licensed businesses, permitted events
Summary
In Santa Monica's Downtown, Main Street corridor, and portions of Montana Avenue, sitting or lying on public sidewalks in a way that blocks pedestrian access is prohibited between 6 AM and 1 AM. The rule is geographically limited and not a city-wide prohibition.
§ 3.12.360(a) Sitting or Lying on Certain Public Sidewalks or in the Third Street Promenade Roadway. (1) The provisions of this subsection shall apply to the following areas located within the City: (A) Downtown, consisting of the area bounded by and including the west side of Ocean Avenue, the north side of Wilshire Boulevard, the east side of Lincoln Boulevard, and the south side of Pico Boulevard; (B) Main Street from between Colorado Avenue and the City limits at Dewey Street; and (C) Montana Avenue between 6th Street and 17th Street. (2) During the hours between six a.m. and one a.m., no person shall: (A) Sit or lie down upon a public sidewalk or on the Third Street Promenade roadway in a manner that impedes or obstructs pedestrian or vehicular traffic or access to any building, outdoor use area or facility.
Full Breakdown
The three restricted areas are: Downtown (bounded by Ocean Ave, Wilshire Blvd, Lincoln Blvd, and Pico Blvd); Main Street (Colorado Ave to city limits at Dewey St); and Montana Avenue (6th to 17th Street). The restriction runs from 6 AM to 1 AM daily. Exceptions exist for medical emergencies, wheelchair/mobility device users, persons at licensed sidewalk businesses, permitted parades or demonstrations, permitted street performers, persons sitting at bus stops, and persons sitting on City-supplied benches or bollards. A separate city-wide provision requires at least a 4-foot clear pedestrian path on all sidewalks at all times.
Violations & Fines
Violations of § 3.12.360 are subject to the general traffic chapter penalty provisions: up to $250 (infraction) or up to $1,000 plus up to 6 months jail (misdemeanor) under § 3.12.1060.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to sit on a sidewalk anywhere in Santa Monica?
Can someone sit on the Third Street Promenade during the day?
Are there exceptions for people with disabilities?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Monica to another location·View the California homelessness & encampment rules overview
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Sit-Lie Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle sit-lie rules.