Washoe County, NV Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)

168 of the Washoe County Code prohibits loitering in or about any school building or grounds, and extends to the streets and accesses adjoining school property, unless the person has written permission from the school's principal, custodian, or other person in charge, or is complying with posted regulations governing use of the grounds. The rule targets people without a legitimate reason to be on or near a campus during the school day or after hours, protecting students and staff from unauthorized visitors. Two classes of people are carved out from the ban under subsection 2: authorized school personnel acting within their duties, and any parent or legal guardian of a pupil who is in regular attendance at that school.

Everyone else, including former students, trespassers, and adults with no connection to the campus, must obtain the principal's or custodian's written consent before lingering on or around school grounds. Enforcement falls to the Washoe County Sheriff's Office, which patrols unincorporated-area schools including those serving Sun Valley, Spanish Springs, Cold Springs, Lemmon Valley and Verdi. 050, which allows a fine of up to $1,000, up to six months in the county jail, or both. Because the general penalty statute treats each day of a continuing violation as a separate offense, a person who repeatedly returns to a campus without permission after being warned can face multiple charges. The ordinance dates to Ordinance No. 71 and has not been substantively amended since its original two sections were adopted.