Does Los Angeles County, CA have its own loitering rules ordinance?

No. Los Angeles County, CA does not appear to have a local loitering rules ordinance, California state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from California Penal Code Section 647 (Loitering with Intent).

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County, CA Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)

Significant Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Curfew hours: 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Covers: All County-operated beaches
Includes: Incorporated and unincorporated beaches
Violation class: Infraction, fine under Gov. Code §25132
Enforced by: DBH ocean lifeguards, code officers

Summary

Los Angeles County bans loitering on any County-operated beach, including Venice, Zuma, and Dockweiler, between midnight and 6 a.m., regardless of whether the beach sits in incorporated or unincorporated territory.

City-specific rules exist: Long Beach, West Covina, El Monte, Compton, Carson, South Gate, Pomona, Lakewood, Lancaster, Downey, Santa Clarita, Los Angeles, and Palmdale have their own loitering rules rules that differ from Los Angeles County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

A person shall not loiter on any beach at any time between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 6:00 a.m.

Source: California Penal Code Section 647 (Loitering with Intent)View official code

Full Breakdown

County Code § 17.12.350 flatly prohibits loitering on any beach 'owned, controlled, or managed by the County' from 12:00 midnight to 6:00 a.m. The chapter's definition of 'beach' (§ 17.12.030) reaches County-run beaches in both incorporated and unincorporated territory, so the curfew covers Department of Beaches and Harbors facilities countywide, not just unincorporated stretches of coastline. Violations are cited under the chapter's general penalty section, § 17.12.150.

Violations & Fines

Ocean lifeguards and code enforcement officers cite loitering as an infraction under California Government Code § 25132; each day a violation continues is a separate offense (§ 17.12.150).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the beach loitering curfew apply inside the City of Los Angeles?

Yes. Section 17.12.030 defines 'beach' to include County-owned or County-managed beaches in incorporated territory, so County beaches like Venice fall under the same midnight-to-6-a.m. loitering ban.

What happens if I'm cited for loitering on a County beach at night?

It's an infraction punishable by a fine under California Government Code § 25132; a repeated or continuing violation on successive days counts as a separate offense each day.

Sources & Official References

[1]Los Angeles County Code — Municode

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