Dubuque, IA Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)

Section 7-5A-7 splits into two loitering offenses. Subsection A bans loitering in or near any public place, defined to include streets, sidewalks, bridges, alleys, plazas, parks, driveways, parking lots and building doorways, in a manner and under circumstances manifesting a purpose of selling, inducing, enticing, soliciting or procuring another person to commit prostitution; officers may weigh whether the person is a known prostitute or panderer with a prior conviction, repeatedly beckons to or stops passersby or vehicles, repeatedly blocks free passage, or acts in a location with a history of prostitution arrests.

Critically, subsection A(3) bars an arrest unless the officer first gives the person a chance to explain the conduct. Subsection B bans loitering, alone or as part of a group, in or near a public place under circumstances manifesting intimidation, disorderly conduct, or drug sale, use or distribution, or remaining after police order the area cleared of ongoing disorderly conduct. Its listed circumstances include known drug-dealer history, gang affiliation, being one of three or more people blocking passersby or vehicles for more than fifteen minutes where disorderly conduct is occurring, or exchanging packages or money with no valid business or solicitation permit.

Both offenses trace to 2007 Code sections 33-8 and 33-16, and both require the totality of circumstances, not a single factor, to establish the prohibited purpose.