Elk Grove, CA Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)

Chapter 9.12 defines loiter or loitering in Section 9.12.010(A) as remaining idle in essentially one location or moving about aimlessly, including occupying a parked or extremely slow-moving vehicle. Section 9.12.020 then prohibits loitering that creates a danger of a breach of the peace, causes disturbance or annoyance to another's comfort, obstructs free passage of pedestrians or vehicles, or continues on business premises after hours or on private property without the owner's consent, or after being asked to leave. A seventh category targets no-cruising zones under Chapter 10.66: remaining on property within 300 feet of a posted no-cruising zone between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. is itself prohibited loitering.

Section 9.12.030 gives a peace officer discretion to cite a person if, in the officer's reasonable judgment, that person's presence is causing or is likely to cause one of the Section 9.12.020 conditions and citing is necessary to preserve public peace and safety. A minor cited under the no-cruising-zone provision, Section 9.12.020(G), is treated as a traffic offense under Section 256 of the California Welfare and Institutions Code rather than an ordinary loitering charge.