Lathrop City Council
May 12, 2025

MUNICIPAL CODE ADDITION
Chapter 9.06
Camping or Sleeping in Motor Vehicles Prohibited
• No current local code addresses sleeping in vehicles
• Aligns Lathrop with practices across California
• Sleeping in vehicles has been associated with public
nuisances and sanitation issues
Why This Ordinance Is
Needed
• Safeguard public health, safety, and welfare
• Maintain clean, safe, and welcoming public areas
• Reduce public nuisances and sanitation issues
• Support consistent, lawful enforcement
Chapter 9.06 Overview
§9.06.010 – Purpose and Intent
• Prohibits use of vehicles for camping/sleeping in unauthorized areas • Focus on maintaining livability, public access, and safety §9.06.020 – Definitions
• Motor vehicle, public property, camping, and sleeping clearly defined Chapter 9.06 Overview
§9.06.030
It is unlawful to use a vehicle for habitation on:
• Any public property between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM
• Any private residential property without owner consent • Any non-residential private property without written owner consent Enforcement and Legal Framework
• Violation is a misdemeanor (LMC 1.16.010)
• Penal Code 370 authorizes civil nuisance abatement
• No anticipated fiscal impact—enforced by existing personnel • Public notice published May 1, 2025
• Agenda posted on city platforms
• No comments received to date
Notice and Community Input
Staff Recommendation
• Hold public hearing
• Introduce and conduct first reading of Ordinance
• Add Chapter 9.06 to Title 9 of the Municipal Code