Ann Arbor, MI Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Citation
- § 9:65
- Chapter
- 108 - Disorderly Conduct
- Trigger
- Circumstances warranting alarm
- Before arrest
- Officer must offer chance to leave
- Enforced by
- Ann Arbor Police
Summary
Ann Arbor bans loitering on public streets, sidewalks, or public building premises when circumstances would alarm a reasonable person for nearby safety, health, or property.
No person shall loiter on a public street, sidewalk or the premises of a public building under circumstances that warrant alarm for the safety or health of any person or property in the vicinity.(2)The following are circumstances which may be considered in determining whether alarm is warranted:(a)The person is 1 of a group of people threatening, making threatening gestures at or otherwise menacing persons in the area.(b)The person appears to be illegally consuming or using or concealing illegal consumption or use of alcoholic beverages or controlled substances.(c)The person is 1 of a group which is blocking the free passage of pedestrian or vehicle traffic on a street or sidewalk.(3)Prior to arrest for an offense under this section, a police officer shall afford the person an opportunity to dispel any alarm which would otherwise be warranted by requesting such person to identify himself and explaining his presence and conduct or by requesting him to leave the area. (Ord. No. 68-79, 1-21-80)
9:66. - Ticket scalping.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 26 Update 4).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 9:65 makes it unlawful to loiter on a public street, sidewalk, or the premises of a public building under circumstances warranting alarm for the safety or health of a person or property nearby, examples given include menacing gestures, apparent illegal drinking, drug use, or blocking pedestrian or vehicle traffic. Before an arrest under this section, an Ann Arbor police officer must first give the person a chance to identify themselves, explain their presence and conduct, or simply leave the area.
Violations & Fines
Loitering under § 9:65 becomes an arrestable offense only after police give the required warning; officers must first ask the person to identify themselves, explain their presence, or leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be arrested just for standing on a sidewalk in Ann Arbor?
Do police have to warn me before a loitering arrest?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ann Arbor
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