Broomfield, CO Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)

Section 9-32-010, in Chapter 9-32, Loitering, defines loiter to mean being dilatory, standing idly around, lingering, wandering about, or remaining, abiding or tarrying in a public place. Subsection (B) lists four prohibited categories. The first bars loitering in or about a school building or within 100 feet of school grounds, on foot or in a vehicle, with intent to interfere with the school program or endanger schoolchildren, once a school administrator, staff representative or peace officer has asked the person to leave. The second, and broadest, bars loitering that would warrant alarm for the safety of persons in the vicinity; before an arrest under this clause, a peace officer must give the person a chance to dispel that alarm by identifying themselves and explaining their presence, and no conviction stands if the officer skipped that step or if the explanation given turns out to have been true.

The third bars loitering for the purpose of unlawful gambling with cards, dice or other gambling paraphernalia. The fourth expressly protects loitering that is part of a lawful assembly for the redress of grievances, including labor disputes, so peaceful protest and petitioning are not swept into the ban. The ordinance traces to Ordinance 292 in 1977 and was amended by Ordinance 1161 in 1996 and Ordinance 1459 in 2000. No penalty is specified within Chapter 9-32 itself, so a conviction falls under the general penalty in Section 1-12-020: a fine up to $2,650.00, up to 364 days in jail, or both, with each day of a continuing violation counted as a separate offense.