Public Conduct in Cheyenne, WY: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Cheyenne or are thinking about moving there, public conduct are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Cheyenne has 8 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of public conduct, and some of them might surprise you.

Public Marijuana Use

Cheyenne's city code criminalizes marijuana possession, use, and distribution anywhere in the city, including in public places, under the narcotics and drugs chapter.

Key details: Governing section: 9.20.020(C). Max fine: $750. Max jail time: 6 months. Applies: Public and private use alike.

Violating Section 9.20.020 is a misdemeanor carrying a fine up to $750, up to six months in jail, or both, under the city's general penalty provision (Section 1.24.010).

This is one of the stricter rules in Cheyenne's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Jaywalking

Cheyenne bans crossing outside a marked crosswalk anywhere in the central business district under Code 10.48.030, and citywide requires pedestrians to cross at right angles to the curb except at a marked crosswalk under 10.48.020.

Key details: Downtown crosswalk rule: 10.48.030 bans mid-block crossing. Citywide crossing rule: 10.48.020 requires right-angle crossing. Max fine: $750 under general penalty 1.24.010. No jail for jaywalking: not listed among jailable offenses. Driver duty: must stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.

Violating 10.48.020, 10.48.030 or 10.48.050 is a misdemeanor punishable under the general penalty (Code 1.24.010): up to a $750 fine per offense, with jail reserved for the traffic offenses listed in 10.12.020.

Compared to other cities, Cheyenne takes a harder line on jaywalking. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Loitering Rules

Cheyenne makes it a misdemeanor to loiter under suspicious circumstances and then refuse to identify yourself to police, with fines up to $750 under City Code 9.08.100.

Key details: Governing section: City Code 9.08.100. Max fine: $750. Offense class: Misdemeanor. Trigger: Suspicious wandering + refusing ID. Last amended: March 11, 2024.

Violating subsection (A) is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $750, enforced by Cheyenne Police.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Cheyenne actively enforces its loitering rules requirements.

Outdoor Smoking Restrictions

Cheyenne's smoking ordinance (Chapter 8.64) only reaches enclosed areas of public places and workplaces: open-air spaces like parks, sidewalks, and outdoor patios aren't covered unless an owner posts a voluntary no-smoking sign.

Key details: Ban scope: Enclosed public places & workplaces only. Outdoor patios: Exempt unless smoke drifts indoors. Parks / sidewalks: No citywide smoking ban. Voluntary no-smoking areas: Owner can post sign, optional. Enforcement: Cheyenne Police Department.

No citation for smoking in a park or on an open patio: enforcement under Chapter 8.64 targets enclosed spaces; ignoring a posted voluntary no-smoking sign can bring a request to stop, not a fine.

The rules around outdoor smoking restrictions in Cheyenne lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Skateboarding Rules

Cheyenne allows skateboards, roller skates, and in-line skates only in the public right-of-way of the downtown central business district; private property there needs landowner permission and other public property must be signed for it.

Key details: Governing section: Cheyenne City Code 9.12.090. Allowed area: Public right-of-way, central business district. Private property: Written landowner permission required. Max penalty: $750 fine and/or 6 months jail. CBD boundary: UP tracks, 24th St, Bent Ave, Evans Ave.

Riding a skateboard on private property in the central business district without written permission, or on unsigned public property, violates 9.12.090; first offense fine up to $750 and/or six months in jail.

Public Alcohol Use

Cheyenne bans consuming or carrying an open container of alcohol on foot, in vehicles, or on city streets, sidewalks, parks, and public parking lots, with narrow permit exceptions.

Key details: Core rule: No open alcohol container in public. Penalty: $750 fine or 6 months jail. DDA exception: Wine/malt beverages allowed noon-10pm downtown. Vehicle rule: Open containers banned in vehicles too. Enforced by: Cheyenne Police Department.

Violating the open container ban is a misdemeanor under City Code 1.24.010: up to a $750 fine, up to six months in jail, or both; each day is a separate offense.

Compared to other cities, Cheyenne takes a harder line on public alcohol use. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Loud Party Ordinance

Cheyenne bans loud parties and gatherings that disturb neighbors' peace under its disturbance-of-the-peace ordinance, covering loud noise, riotous conduct, and provocative behavior citywide.

Key details: Citation: City Code 9.08.010. Covers: Assemblages, not just individuals. Max fine: $750. Max jail: 6 months. Enforced by: Cheyenne Police Department.

Violating Section 9.08.010 is a misdemeanor; most violations carry the general penalty of up to $750 and/or up to six months imprisonment, though paragraphs (A)(2)-(3) (loud vehicle/machinery noise and dog-noise complicity) are expressly punishable by a fine of up to $750.

Public Urination

Cheyenne's disturbance-of-the-peace ordinance makes it a misdemeanor to urinate or defecate anywhere that is public in nature or open to public view, alongside offenses like fighting and inciting a riot.

Key details: Citation: Cheyenne City Code 9.08.010(A)(9). Max fine: $750. Max jail term: Up to 6 months. Enforced by: Cheyenne Police Department. Covers: Any place public or publicly visible.

Misdemeanor: fine up to $750, imprisonment up to six months, or both, under the general penalty at Section 1.24.010; enforced by Cheyenne Police.

Compared to other cities, Cheyenne takes a harder line on public urination. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Cheyenne is tougher than many cities when it comes to public conduct. Out of the 8 rules covered here, 5 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Cheyenne, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Cheyenne can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.