Folsom's Public Conduct: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles public conduct a little differently. In Folsom, California, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Public Alcohol Use

Folsom bans possessing an open container of alcohol on any public property or public area under Municipal Code Section 9.105.040, on top of a separate ban on consuming alcohol in those same places under Section 9.105.030. Retail stores with an off-sale liquor license must post a sign at least 17 by 22 inches warning customers not to carry an open container onto the posted premises or adjacent parking lot.

Key details: Governing section: FMC § 9.105.040. Open container ban: Public property and public areas. Sign requirement: 17"x22" minimum at off-sale retailers. First offense fine: Up to $100. Third offense: Misdemeanor.

Section 9.105.060 makes a first violation of Chapter 9.105, including possessing an open container in public, an infraction punishable by a fine of up to $100. A second violation within a year is an infraction punishable by up to $200, and a third violation within that year becomes a misdemeanor. The chapter is also enforced as a Level A administrative violation under Chapters 1.08 through 1.10 with a minimum initial monetary sanction of $100, and no notice-to-correct is required before that notice issues.

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

Public Urination

Folsom bans urinating or defecating anywhere in public view, including someone else's private property without consent, under Municipal Code Section 9.42.010. Penalties escalate quickly under Section 9.42.020: $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second within a year, and a misdemeanor with a $300 fine for a third.

Key details: First offense: $100 infraction. Second offense (12 mo): $200 infraction. Third+ offense (12 mo): $300 misdemeanor. Covers: Public view and private property without consent. Adopted: Ord. 458, 1981.

A first violation is an infraction with a $100 fine; a second violation within 12 months is an infraction with a $200 fine; a third or later violation within that same 12-month period is a misdemeanor carrying a $300 fine (Section 9.42.020). Each incident is charged separately, so repeat offenders move up the penalty scale automatically.

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

Skateboarding Rules

Folsom Municipal Code Chapter 10.25 lets skateboards, in-line skates and roller skates use public roadways, sidewalks, bike paths and park walkways, but bans posted private property, reckless riding, night riding without reflective gear, and homemade ramps on public land without written city permission.

Key details: Governing chapter: FMC Chapter 10.25. Allowed public areas: Roadways, sidewalks, bike paths, park walkways. Roadway lane rule: Far left side or marked bike lane only. Night riding: Reflective clothing or light required after dark. First-offense fine: $50 infraction.

A first skateboarding or skating violation is an infraction punishable by a $50 fine; any repeat offense within six months costs $100. The city may instead pursue the matter administratively under Chapter 1.09 as a Level A violation, which carries a minimum $50 monetary sanction. Illegally built ramps on public property are a public nuisance subject to summary abatement.

Outdoor Smoking Restrictions

Folsom Municipal Code 8.17.070 bans smoking in every recreation area in the city, including parks, trails, sports fields and the American River Parkway pathways. The city or a private site operator may carve out one exception: a marked, fully unenclosed smoking area at least fifty feet from picnic areas, sports fields, food vendors or activity lines. Violators face escalating infraction fines under Section 8.17.110.

Key details: Governing section: FMC 8.17.070. Recreation-area smoking: Prohibited citywide. Designated-area buffer: 50 feet from activity areas. First-offense fine: Up to $100. Repeat fines: Up to $200, then $500.

Smoking where prohibited, or operating a regulated premises out of compliance, is an infraction under Section 8.17.110: up to $100 for a first violation, up to $200 for a second violation within a year, and up to $500 for each additional violation within that year. The code also classifies violations as a Level B administrative penalty and a public nuisance abatable through civil action, and lets any aggrieved person sue directly to compel compliance under Section 8.17.120.

Compared to other cities, Folsom takes a harder line on outdoor smoking restrictions. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Folsom is tougher than many cities when it comes to public conduct. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Folsom, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

These rules come from Folsom's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.