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Grand Rapids, MI Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)

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

Key Facts

Loitering defined
lingering without apparent purpose
Banned in buildings
after being told to leave
Also banned
obstructing a doorway
Accosting radius
20 feet of ATMs, transit stops

Summary

Grand Rapids bans loitering in a public building or private premises after being told to leave by the owner or occupant, and separately bans loitering or obstructing any doorway in a way that blocks passage.

(c)Loiter in any public building or in any other building or premises owned by another person after having been requested to leave by the lawful owner or occupant or a representative of the owner or occupant.(d)Loiter or obstruct a doorway in such a manner that interferes with the functioning of the door, or an individual's ability to pass through the doorway.(e)Accost another person:(i)Within twenty (20) feet of any Automated Teller Machine (ATM).(ii)In any public transportation vehicle, such as a bus or train, or within twenty (20) feet of where such a vehicle takes on or releases passengers.(iii)In any outdoor dining area or within twenty (20) feet of any outdoor space where individuals are consuming food or beverage.(iv)At any permitted special event or within twenty (20) feet of a permitted special event entrance or exit.(f)Knowingly engage in or advertise any business which offers as its principal activity the providing of nude models for artists or photographers.(g)Fire or shoot any air gun, spring gun, bow and arrow, slingshot or other dangerous weapon or instrument in any street, avenue, alley, public place or in any place in such a manner as to endanger or be likely to endanger any person or property. (Ord. No. 76-14, 3-2-76; Ord. No. 78-21, 4-11-78; Ord. No. 2014-16, § 1, 3-25-14; Ord. No. 2023-30, § 1, 7-25-23)

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 70).

Full Breakdown

Sec. 9.136(2) of the Miscellaneous Offenses ordinance defines loitering as lingering or hanging around without apparent purpose, then bans it in two specific settings: remaining in a public building or other premises after the owner, occupant, or their representative has asked the person to leave (subsection c), and loitering or obstructing a doorway in a way that interferes with the door or a person's ability to pass through (subsection d). The same section bans 'accosting' people, repeated unwanted conduct causing a reasonable person to feel harassed or threatened, within 20 feet of an ATM, transit stop, outdoor dining area, or permitted special event.

Violations & Fines

Violating the loitering or doorway-obstruction bans in Sec. 9.136 is a misdemeanor offense under Chapter 152's disorderly-conduct provisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be cited for loitering in a Grand Rapids building?
Only after being asked to leave. Sec. 9.136(2)(c) bans loitering in a public or private building once the owner, occupant, or their representative has requested you leave.
Is standing in a doorway illegal in Grand Rapids?
Yes if it blocks the door. Sec. 9.136(2)(d) bans loitering or obstructing a doorway in a way that interferes with its function or people's ability to pass through.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Grand Rapids

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