The public streets and areas within the city should be readily accessible and available to residents and the public at large. The use of these areas for camping purposes or storage of personal property interferes with the rights of others to use the areas for which they were intended. The purpose of this chapter is to maintain public streets and areas in the city in a clean and accessible condition.
(Ord. 5140 § 1, 1997)
As used in this chapter:
“Camp”
means, in light of all of the circumstances, residing in or using a public park, street, sidewalk or other public property for nighttime living accommodation purposes such as sleeping activities; making preparations to sleep overnight (including the laying down of bedding for the purpose of sleeping, storing personal belongings, blankets, sheets, other bedding material, luggage, backpacks, kitchen utensils, cookware and similar material); erecting, maintaining or occupying any structure with natural or artificial material (including a building or a tent); making any fire or using any tents; regular cooking of meals; living in a parked trailer, camper shell, motor home, or any motor vehicle as defined by the California Vehicle Code; or setting up or using any camp paraphernalia.
“Camp paraphernalia”
means, but is not limited to, tarpaulins, cots, beds, sleeping bags, hammocks or noncity designated cooking facilities and similar equipment.
“Nighttime”
is defined by Section 1.04.020 of this code.
“Store”
means, in light of all of the circumstances, to put aside or accumulate for use when needed, to put for safekeeping, to place or leave in a location any personal property on public property during nighttime.
(Ord. 5140 § 2, 1997)
Except as otherwise allowed by permit issued by the city manager or his or her designee, it is unlawful for any person to camp or use camp paraphernalia in or on any public park, street, sidewalk or other public property.
(Ord. 5140 § 3, 1997)
Except as otherwise allowed by permit issued by the city manager or his or her designee, it is unlawful for any person to store any personal property in or on any public park, street, sidewalk, or other public property.
(Ord. 5140 § 4, 1997)
The city manager or his or her designee shall issue a permit to allow camping if all of the following conditions are met.
A. 
The applicant is required to provide general liability insurance which is approved by the risk manager or city attorney in accordance to the city’s insurance standards;
B. 
No fires of any kind are allowed unless a permit from the city’s fire department is issued designating the exact location and conditions under which the fire is permitted;
C. 
There is to be a ratio of at least one adult for every 10 minors when a permit is sought in which there will be minors camping, and the adult supervision will be provided over the entire length of the period allows by the permit;
D. 
Camping will not be allowed exceeding three days;
E. 
No alcohol will be allowed;
F. 
The proposed activity or use will not unreasonably interfere with or detract from the general public use and enjoyment of the public property;
G. 
The proposed activity or use will not unreasonably interfere with or detract from the public health, safety or welfare;
H. 
The conduct of the proposed activity or use is not reasonably likely to result in violence to persons or property resulting in serious harm to the public;
I. 
The proposed activity or use will not entail an extraordinary expense or operation by the city;
J. 
The facilities desired have not been reserved for another activity for the same time and place; and
K. 
There is compliance with any rules or regulations of the city’s permitting authority.
(Ord. 5140 § 5, 1997; Ord. 5394 § 4, 2004)