Burleson, TX Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)

Section 54-31 of the Burleson Code of Ordinances has two parts. Subsection (a) defines the verb: to loiter means to remain in any one place with no apparent purpose other than to establish control over identifiable areas, to intimidate others from entering those areas, or to conceal illegal activities. Subsection (b) is the offense. It is unlawful to be found loitering, concealed or sleeping at night, or other inappropriate time, in or about any public building or private premises not the person's own, under suspicious circumstances, and not being able to give a satisfactory account. The offense is written as a combination: the setting, suspicious circumstances, and no satisfactory account.

A second loitering rule targets business premises. Section 54-33 covers any restaurant, drive-in restaurant, pool hall, amusement center, bowling alley, movie theater, grocery store, or other business providing goods or services to the public, and it makes cruising on those premises unlawful, along with using the lot as a short-cut to another street. A vehicle left unattended and unoccupied on a restaurant or drive-in restaurant lot for two hours or more is presumed to have been parked without the permission of the owner or operator. At the other listed businesses, the presumption applies to a vehicle left unattended and unoccupied after the business has closed to the public. Section 54-33(b) puts a duty on the premises owner or operator to post a sign reading: "Cruising or congregating or loitering is unlawful. No unoccupied vehicles may be left on these premises without the consent of the owner or operator. City of Burleson Ordinance."

Section 54-32 supplies the definitions for that business article, including a legally parked motor vehicle, which is a vehicle stopped or parked in a designated parking area on a business premises whose operator or occupants are patronizing the business.

Obstruction and interference in parks is handled separately. Section 58-24(a) says no person shall prevent, disturb or unreasonably interfere with any other persons occupying any area or participating in any lawful activity permitted within any park. Section 58-25 makes it unlawful to remain in a park, community center, or recreation area after a parks and recreation employee or a peace officer advises that you are disrupting the orderly conduct of a play, education, or amusement program and asks you to leave.