Cathedral City, CA Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)

Chapter 11.44 of the Cathedral City Municipal Code governs parks and recreation areas. Under § 11.44.010 it applies at every park and recreation area under the jurisdiction and control of the city, including grounds, roadways, avenues, parks, buildings and school facilities when they are in use as recreational facilities, and observing it is a condition of public use. Section 11.44.060 lists prohibited conduct within the limits of any public park or recreation area, and item T is the loitering clause: no person shall remain, stay or loiter there between the hours of ten p.m. and dawn of the following day.

The clause prints two carve-outs. It does not reach a person attending a gathering or meeting for which a permit has been issued or which the city is sponsoring or conducting. It also does not apply to persons lawfully lodging, camping or otherwise remaining overnight at a place especially designated and provided for that purpose.

Enforcement runs through § 11.44.020. The city manager, the city manager's authorized representatives and park attendants have discretionary authority to eject and expel any violator, and a peace officer can eject and expel a violator in lieu of arresting or citing. A person ejected must leave as ordered and cannot return to the same park, recreation area or building during that calendar day unless the person who ejected them or the city manager permits it. Under § 11.44.030 the city manager or chief of police can also close any park or part of one to the public, and no one can remain in a closed area.

This chapter reaches parks only. Standing on a street or sidewalk in a way that annoys pedestrians or obstructs passage is a separate Title 12 rule, § 12.12.050.