Lakewood, CO Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Enforcing law
- Lakewood Municipal Code § 9.50.050(D)
- Zone covered
- School grounds plus 100-foot buffer
- Trigger
- Refusing an order to leave
- Required intent
- Interfere with program or endanger students
Summary
The City of Lakewood, Colorado (Jefferson County) bars loitering in a school building or within 100 feet of school grounds with intent to interfere with the school program or endanger students.
It is unlawful for any person with intent to interfere with or disrupt the school program or with intent to interfere with or endanger school children, to loiter in a school building or on school grounds or within 100 feet of school grounds when persons under the age of 18 are present in the building or on the grounds, not having any reason or relationship involving custody of, or responsibility for, a pupil or any other specific, legitimate reason for being there, and having been asked to leave by a school administrator or his representative or by a peace officer.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 14 | Zoning Ordinance: ?).
Full Breakdown
In Lakewood, Colorado, Jefferson County's largest city, Municipal Code § 9.50.050(D) makes it unlawful, with intent to interfere with or disrupt the school program or to interfere with or endanger school children, to loiter in a school building or on school grounds or within 100 feet of school grounds while persons under 18 are present, without a custodial relationship or other legitimate reason for being there, after being asked to leave by a school administrator, representative, or peace officer. "Loiter" is defined as standing idly around, lingering, delaying, or wandering about. This is distinct from Chapter 9.51's juvenile nighttime curfew, which regulates minors citywide rather than school-area loitering.
Violations & Fines
Remaining in or within 100 feet of a school after being told to leave, with intent to disrupt the program or endanger students, is a citable offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be cited for standing near a Lakewood, CO school with no reason to be there?
Does this apply to parents picking up their kids?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lakewood
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Loitering Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Jefferson County handle loitering rules.