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Merced County, CA Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Banned act 1
Loitering that blocks corridors, stairways, doorways
Banned act 2
Residing in a public building after hours
Chapter
10.32, Offenses Against Public Property
Penalty
Misdemeanor, up to 6 months jail and/or $500
Original ordinance
Ord. 1219, 1986

Summary

Merced County Code Section 10.32.010 makes it unlawful to loiter in or around a public building or block corridors, stairways or doorways so that public officers, employees or other members of the public cannot pass freely, and bars living in a public building after hours.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Merced County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

No person shall loiter in or around a public building or obstruct corridors, stairways or doorways so as to prevent free access by members of the public or public officers or employees. No person shall habitate or reside in a public building after regular business hours.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4930839; v8 updated 2026-06-02).

Full Breakdown

32, "Offenses Against Public Property," targets two distinct behaviors in county-owned buildings. First, no person may loiter in or around a public building, or obstruct a corridor, stairway or doorway, in a way that prevents free access by members of the public or by public officers or employees, protecting circulation through government offices, libraries and similar county facilities. 035. 031) within the same chapter. All of these are enforced by the Merced County Sheriff's Department as offenses against public property in the unincorporated county.

Violations & Fines

Section 10.32.040 makes any violation of Chapter 10.32, including the loitering ban, a public nuisance and a misdemeanor punishable by confinement of up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $500 per violation. Section 10.32.045 permits diversion to mental health, housing, or substance-abuse services, or to homeless court, in lieu of citation or jail with the individual's consent.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as illegal loitering under this section?
Section 10.32.010 bans loitering in or around a public building, or obstructing a corridor, stairway or doorway, in a way that prevents free access by the public or by public officers and employees.
Can I sleep overnight in a county building lobby?
No. The same section separately bars habitating or residing in a public building after its regular business hours, regardless of whether it blocks any passageway.
What's the penalty for a loitering violation?
Section 10.32.040 charges it as a misdemeanor: up to six months in jail and/or a $500 fine, though Section 10.32.045 allows the person to be diverted to social services instead with their consent.
Does this apply to city-owned buildings inside Merced or Los Banos?
No, this county code chapter governs county-owned public buildings in the unincorporated area; the cities of Merced, Los Banos, Atwater, Livingston, Dos Palos and Gustine enforce their own municipal codes.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Merced County

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsPublic Alcohol UseSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions

All Merced County rules

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