Arcadia, CA Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)

Part 5.3 of Chapter 2 of Article IV of the Arcadia Municipal Code, Loitering by Criminal Street Gangs, was added by Ord. 2177 adopted 5-6-03. Section 4253(a) covers a person who is a member of a criminal street gang, as defined in California Penal Code section 186.22(f), or who is in the company of or acting in concert with a member. Loitering or idling in a public place is unlawful only under two circumstances: with the intent to publicize a gang's dominance over certain territory in order to intimidate non-members from entering, remaining in, or using the public place or adjacent area, or with the intent to conceal ongoing commerce in illegal drugs or other unlawful activity.

Section 4253(b) defines a public place broadly. It means the public way and any other location open to the public, whether publicly or privately owned, including streets, sidewalks, alleys, parks, playgrounds, public buildings, and common areas of a school, hospital, apartment house, office building, transport facility, shop or privately owned place of business to which the public is invited. Any public place also includes the front yard area, driveway and walkway of any private residence, business or apartment house.

Section 4254 preserves the power of a law enforcement officer to investigate, detain or arrest as permitted without the chapter. Section 4255 makes it a misdemeanor for a parent, legal guardian or authorized adult who knowingly permits, or by insufficient control allows, a minor to violate the chapter. Section 4256 sets the penalty at a fine not to exceed $500, imprisonment not to exceed six months, or both.

Two other loitering-type rules sit nearby. Section 4223 bars blocking, impeding or obstructing any public place or any entrance, exit or approach to a place of business in a manner calculated or intended to delay, hinder or interfere with free passage. Section 4251 bars minors subject to compulsory education from public places between 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on school days, with listed exceptions. The night curfew for minors is Section 4250.