Cleveland County, NC Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Code § 6-7, unlawful camping
- Covers
- Sidewalks and public rights-of-way countywide
- Criminal penalty
- Class 3 misdemeanor, up to $500
- Civil penalty
- $250 per day if unpaid in 72 hours
- Exception
- Written permission from county manager
- Adopted
- Ord. of 3-16-21, amended 1-20-22
Summary
Cleveland County makes it unlawful to camp, pitch a tent or leave bedding on any county-owned property, including public sidewalks and rights-of-way, under Code § 6-7. The rule targets tents, tarps, temporary shelters and stored belongings left for living-accommodation purposes. County staff or law enforcement may remove the items and clear the sidewalk unless the county manager has issued written permission for the specific location.
(a)Unless otherwise expressly permitted in writing by the county manager or his designee, it is unlawful for any person to camp on any county property, including property located within public rights-of-way and sidewalks.(b)Tents, temporary shelters, or other camping gear are prohibited on county property regardless of whether the tents are occupied and/or contain bedding or camping gear, except in locations designated in writing for camping and permitted for such activity. It is unlawful for any person to place or leave any tent, any temporary shelter, or any bedding on county property unless expressly permitted to do so in writing by the county manager or his designee.
Full Breakdown
Section 6-6 defines 'camp or camping' as using county property for sleeping, preparing to sleep, storing personal belongings, or placing a tent or temporary shelter for living-accommodation purposes, and defines 'county property' to expressly include land within public rights-of-way and sidewalks. Section 6-7 then makes three things unlawful absent written permission from the county manager or designee: camping on county property, placing or leaving a tent, temporary shelter or bedding on county property, and lighting a campfire or bonfire on county property. The prohibition reaches sidewalks and rights-of-way by name, so a tent or bedroll left on a sidewalk qualifies even if no one is sleeping in it.
Section 6-8 declares camping on county property, including within rights-of-way and sidewalks, a public nuisance. Any sworn law enforcement officer or authorized county employee can direct a violator to stop and remove gear, and may summarily remove any tent, shelter, bedding or belongings left behind. The county manager may designate specific locations in writing where camping is permitted, but absent such a designation the sidewalk and right-of-way ban is total. The article was adopted March 16, 2021 and amended January 20, 2022.
Violations & Fines
A first violation is a Class 3 misdemeanor under G.S. § 14-4, punishable by a fine of up to $500. County staff or deputies can instead issue a civil citation of $250 per day, collectible as a debt if unpaid within 72 hours. Officers may also summarily remove tents, bedding or belongings from the sidewalk, and the county may seek an injunction or other equitable remedy in court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave a tent on a sidewalk in unincorporated Cleveland County?
Who can remove my belongings from a county sidewalk?
What is the fine for unlawful camping on county property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cleveland County
Compare Cleveland County to another location·View the North Carolina sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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