Sleeping in San Bruno Mobile Public & Private

Difference Between Public and Private Property

Public property is property owned by the federal, state, county or city government. Typically this includes all government building parking lots, city streets, highways, and any national, city or county park. Private property is owned by anyone other than the government. This would include shopping centers, commercial buildings, non-governmental parks, and residential parking lots. If the car is parked on public property then state, county and city laws must be followed. If the car is parked on private property then you must have permission from the owner and follow the rules he may have.

When parked on private property it is important to know the property owner's rules. An owner can have your car towed or have the police remove you from the property if you are parked without permission. If you are at a private camping ground, there should be signs and most likely a posted fee. As long as you pay the fee and follow the owner's rules, this would be legal. If you don't pay the fees then you no longer have permission and are trespassing. If you are parked at a shopping center or on a commercial parking lot, the property owner would have to give you permission to sleep in your car or vehicle. Shopping centers only allow parking while the customer is shopping; thus, sleeping in your car would not be legal. Note that your car can get towed even if the owner gives you permission if blocking an entrance or fire hydrant.

Municipal codes govern city parks and each county will have its own set of laws. In some cities, it is illegal to camp or sleep in any public park or beach. Thus, one cannot sleep in his car in a public park or beach in San Diego County. In Los Angeles County, camping is only allowed where designated, and then only in accordance with the rules and regulations governing the use of such area. In San Francisco, no person shall occupy any "house car, camper or trailer coach for human habitation." This includes sleeping, eating or resting on any street, park, beach or public way within the County of San Francisco between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. County municipal codes can usually be found online at the specific county clerk's office website.