Lathrop Municipal Code Ch. 9.06 Camping or Sleeping in Motor Vehicles Overnight

The purpose of this chapter is to safeguard public health, safety, and welfare by prohibiting the use or occupancy of motor vehicles for sleeping, camping, or habitation in unauthorized areas. By defining and regulating such activities on public and private property, the City of Lathrop seeks to prevent public nuisances, protect the integrity of neighborhoods, and ensure that streets, parks, and other public spaces remain clean, safe, and accessible for their intended use.

(Ord. 25-466, 6/9/2025)

As used in this chapter: For the purposes of this chapter, the following definition shall apply:

"Camping"

means the use of a motor vehicle for living accommodations, including activities such as sleeping, cooking, or storing personal belongings in a manner consistent with temporary or permanent habitation.

"Motor vehicle"

means any automobile, truck, van, recreational vehicle (RV), or any other vehicle designed or used for the transportation of people or goods.

"Public property"

means all public property as defined in Section 12.04.010 of the Lathrop Municipal Code, including, but not limited to, streets, sidewalks, alleys, improved or unimproved land and parks.

"Sleeping"

means the act of lying down or reclining inside a motor vehicle for rest or sleep, regardless of the duration.

(Ord. 25-466, 6/9/2025)

It is unlawful and a public nuisance for any person to use or occupy, or permit the use or occupancy of, any motor vehicle, recreational vehicle, camp trailer, camper, trailer coach, or similar vehicle for purposes of sleeping, camping, or habitation in the following areas:

A. Any public property, including any public parking lot, between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the following day; or

B. Any private residential property without the consent of the owner; or

C. Any private nonresidential property without the written consent of the owner.

(Ord. 25-466, 6/9/2025)

Any person violating any provision of this chapter or failing to comply with any of its requirements shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction shall be punishable as provided in Section 1.16.010. In addition to the remedies set forth in Penal Code Section 370, the city attorney may institute civil actions to abate a public nuisance under this chapter.

(Ord. 25-466, 6/9/2025)