Public Conduct in Santa Clara County, CA (2026)
6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 4 cities in Santa Clara County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Aggressive Panhandling
The county can designate no-solicitation zones where soliciting money, work, or business from vehicle occupants on the roadway is a misdemeanor.
Roadway Solicitation Zones in Santa Clara County
Significant RestrictionsSanta Clara County Ordinance Code § B12-153; penalty at § B12-154
It shall be unlawful for any person, while standing in any portion of the public right-of-way, including but not limited to public streets, highways, sidewalks and driveways, to solicit, or attempt to solicit, employment, business or contributions of money or other property from any person traveling in a vehicle along such public right-of-way, in a no vehicle solicitation zone established pursu...
Public Urination
Unincorporated Santa Clara County bars urinating or defecating anywhere in a County Park except in an enclosed restroom fixture the Parks Director has designated for that use.
Public Urination Banned in Santa Clara County Parks
Some RestrictionsSanta Clara County Ordinance Code § B14-32.6
No person shall urinate or defecate in public or in a Park Area except in a urinal, toilet or commode located in a bathroom, restroom, or other structure enclosed from public view and designated by the Director for such purpose.
Skateboarding Rules
Riding or propelling a skateboard on any unincorporated Santa Clara County highway is unlawful under the county's roadway code.
Skateboards Banned on County Highways
Significant RestrictionsSanta Clara County Ordinance Code § B12-197
It shall be unlawful for any person to ride or propel a skateboard on any County highway.
Loud Party Ordinance
Unincorporated Santa Clara County treats gatherings of four or more where minors drink alcohol as a public nuisance; hosts face administrative citations up to $1,000 and liability for the full cost of police, fire, or medical response.
Social Host Liability for Underage Parties
Significant RestrictionsSanta Clara County Ordinance Code § B13-39
(a)An underage gathering constitutes a public nuisance, is an immediate threat to public health and safety, and is prohibited. (b)As a public nuisance, the underage gathering may be summarily abated by law enforcement by all reasonable means, singularly or in combination, including, but not limited to: (1)Issuance of an administrative citation or written notice that a violation of this chapter ...
Loitering Rules
Loitering, standing, or sitting on a public highway, alley, sidewalk, or crosswalk that blocks or annoys passersby is unlawful in unincorporated Santa Clara County.
Loitering Ban on County Highways and Sidewalks
Some RestrictionsSanta Clara County Ordinance Code § B13-5
No person shall loiter or stand or sit in or upon any public highway, alley, sidewalk or crosswalk in the County so as to in any manner hinder or obstruct the free passage therein or thereon of persons or vehicles passing along the same or so as in any manner to annoy or molest persons passing along the same. (Ord. No. NS-636.00, § 3, 8-7-01) Sec. B13-6. - Obstructing entrances. No perso...
Outdoor Smoking Restrictions
In unincorporated Santa Clara County, and on any County-owned property, smoking and vaping are banned in County parks and trails, within 30 feet of doorways, windows, and vents of smoke-free buildings, at the County Fairgrounds, and in or within 30 feet of outdoor service areas such as bus stops, taxi stands, and ATM lines. These rules come from the County tobacco ordinance (County Code Chapter V, adopted by Ord. No. NS-625.7). Incorporated cities like San José and Santa Clara set their own, often stricter, rules within city limits.
Outdoor Smoking & Vaping Rules. Unincorporated Santa Clara County
Heavy RestrictionsSanta Clara County Code §§ B13-79 to B13-88 (Ord. No. NS-625.7, adopted June 24, 2014)
Sec. B13-82(b): Smoking and the use of electronic smoking devices shall be prohibited at all unenclosed public places within the unincorporated areas of the County, including but not limited to: (1) In, or within 30 feet of, service areas. (2) County Fairgrounds. (3) Any public or private area located within 30 feet, in any direction, of any operable doorway, window, opening, or other vent into...
Public Conduct by City in Santa Clara County
4 cities in Santa Clara County have their own public conduct rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Santa Clara County ordinances
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