Elk Grove, CA Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- EGMC § 9.12.020
- First offense
- infraction, up to $100
- Repeat/refusal
- misdemeanor, up to $1,000/6 mo.
- No-cruising buffer
- 300 feet, 6 p.m.-6 a.m.
Summary
Elk Grove bans loitering that creates a breach-of-peace risk, disturbs others, blocks pedestrians or vehicles, or continues after a property owner asks someone to leave. EGMC Section 9.12.020 lists seven prohibited scenarios, and Section 9.12.030 lets an officer cite anyone whose presence is reasonably judged to be causing one of them.
A. "Loiter" or "loitering" shall mean remaining idle in essentially one (1) location or moving about aimlessly. It shall also include occupying a parked vehicle or one (1) which is moving extremely slowly. ... No person shall loiter in such a manner as to: A. Create or cause to be created a danger of a breach of the peace. B. Create or cause to be created any disturbance or annoyance to the comfort and repose of any person. C. Obstruct the free passage of pedestrians or vehicles. D. Remain upon any business premises after its business hours, without the consent of the owner or legal occupant. E. Remain upon any private property without the consent of the owner or legal occupant. F. Remain upon any business premises or private property after having been asked to leave by the owner or legal occupant.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4937385; v2 updated 2026-05-13; through 05-13-2026).
Full Breakdown
010(A) as remaining idle in essentially one location or moving about aimlessly, including occupying a parked or extremely slow-moving vehicle. 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. is itself prohibited loitering. 020 conditions and citing is necessary to preserve public peace and safety. 020(G), is treated as a traffic offense under Section 256 of the California Welfare and Institutions Code rather than an ordinary loitering charge.
Violations & Fines
A first violation of Section 9.12.020 is an infraction under EGMC Chapter 1.04, carrying a fine up to $100. Any subsequent violation, or refusing to leave after being cited once, becomes a misdemeanor under Section 9.12.050(B), punishable under Chapter 1.04.030(B) by up to $1,000 in fines, up to six months in jail, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as illegal loitering in Elk Grove?
Can police cite me for loitering just for standing around?
What happens on a second loitering violation in Elk Grove?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Elk Grove
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