Bloomfield, NJ Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)

Loitering in Bloomfield Township is regulated by Article V, Disorderly Conduct, of Chapter 404, Peace and Good Order, adopted 4-16-2001 by Ord. No. 01-11. Section 404-13 opens with the words 'It shall be unlawful for any person to' and then lists five prohibited acts.

The loitering clause is subsection A. It covers any street, any public place, and the area in or about any public building. The printed test is interference: the loitering has to interfere with the free and unobstructed use of the street, place or building by the public. The section prints no dispersal order, no warning step and no time limit.

Subsections B through E extend the section beyond loitering. Subsection B bans loud, indecent, abusive and offensive language or noise in or upon any street or public place or in or about any public building. Subsection C bans any game of chance for money or other valuable thing in or upon any public street or public place. Subsection D bans indecent exposure or exhibition and any disturbance or breach of peace in or upon any street, avenue or place, public or private, in the Township. Subsection E bans disturbing any lawful congregation or assembly, in any place or building within the Township, by violent, obscene, abusive or threatening language or indecent behavior.

Neighboring sections in Chapter 404 fill in the picture. Section 404-14 prohibits making or assisting in any riot, noise or disturbance in any house, shop, store or other place, public or private. Section 404-16 prohibits letting a house, shop, store or other place be used, frequented or resorted to by riotous or disorderly persons, prostitutes, gamblers, vagrants or mendicants. Park rules add § 399-2, which bars encumbering or obstructing any sidewalk or other area of a park without permission from the Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. Licensed peddlers face their own sidewalk and pedestrian limits in § 408-12.