Encinitas Municipal Code Ch. 9.01 General Offenses

As used in this chapter:

"Camp" or "camping"

for purposes of this chapter, whether on public or private property, may be evidenced by the presence and/or use of camping paraphernalia, which includes but is not limited to storage of personal property, temporary shelters, tarpaulins, umbrellas, cots, beds, bedding, sleeping bags, hammocks, cooking facilities, kitchen utensils, camping stoves, portable barbeques and similar equipment, extra clothing, personal hygiene items, and/or shopping carts, strollers, wheeled suitcases or similar mobile containers used to transport and/or store other items of camp paraphernalia, when it reasonably appears, given the totality of the circumstances, that the area is being used as a living accommodation. "Camp" or "Camping" does not include simply picnicking, sitting, or lying, in an outdoor area that is not being used for living accommodation purposes.

(Ord. 2025-15, 1/21/2026)

It is unlawful for any person to camp, lodge, sleep or tarry in or upon any private property without the prior permission of the owner of such property. The owner may give permission through the owner's lessee or agent.

(Ord. 87-31; Ord. 2025-15, 1/21/2026)

Unless otherwise permitted in accordance with the provisions of this Code, it is unlawful for any person to camp on public property, to include, without limitation, highways, streets, alleys, rights-of-way, beaches and parks.

(Ord. 2004-03; Ord. 2025-15, 1/21/2026)

A. No person shall sleep or lie down in a vehicle parked on a public street or public property between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

B. No person shall use a vehicle as a temporary or permanent living quarters, abode, or place of habitation, either overnight or day by day.

(Ord. 2004-02; Ord. 2025-15, 1/21/2026)

It is unlawful for any person to use any implement, for example, without limitation, firearms, a bow and arrow, crossbow, slingshot, spear, snare, net or trap on public property for the purpose of pursuing, with the intent to kill, injure or capture any mammal, bird or reptile.

A. It is unlawful for a male person to resort to any public toilet set apart for female persons.

B. It is unlawful for any female person to resort to any public toilet set apart for male persons.

C. This section does not prohibit a child under the age of six years from resorting to any public toilet while accompanied by that child's father, mother or other responsible adult.