Lodi, CA Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- LMC § 9.08.115
- Where it applies
- Posted community centers, recreation facilities, schools
- Trigger
- Site posted closed under § 9.08.100
- Exempt
- Peace officers, public employees, union activity
- Sign destruction
- Separate offense under § 9.08.140
- Last amended
- Ordinance No. 2028, December 18, 2024
Summary
Lodi Municipal Code Section 9.08.115 makes it unlawful to loiter, camp, or enter a city community center, recreation facility, or school property once that site has been posted closed by an authorized employee or representative of the city, Parks and Recreation Department, or Lodi Unified School District. The posting itself must follow the sign-spacing rules of Section 9.08.100.
It is unlawful for any person to willfully enter, remain, camp, maintain camping paraphernalia, or loiter in or about any community center, recreation facility, or school property operated by or under the jurisdiction of the city of Lodi, the Lodi Parks and Recreation Department, or the Lodi Unified School District that has been posted in accordance with this article, when the property or any section or part thereof has been declared closed, whether temporary or at stated intervals, and whether entirely or merely as to certain uses by an authorized employee or representative of such city, department, or school district, as applicable, except when the person is given permission to do so by an authorized employee or representative of such city, department, or school district, while the person is using the facilities of, or is participating in, a planned program at any such community center, recreation facility, or school property.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 68).
Full Breakdown
090. 100. 115 bars anyone from willfully entering, remaining, camping, keeping camping paraphernalia, or loitering there, unless an authorized employee or representative of the city, the Lodi Parks and Recreation Department, or the Lodi Unified School District grants permission, or the person is using the facility for a planned program. The chapter defines 'camp paraphernalia' broadly: tarps, cots, sleeping bags, camp stoves, buckets, mattresses, couches, and similar items count as evidence of unauthorized occupancy. 130. 140. The article was last amended by Ordinance No. 2028 on December 18, 2024, which updated the posting and encampment language city-wide.
Violations & Fines
Loitering, camping, or remaining on posted city property after closure is enforced by the Lodi Police Department and code enforcement as a violation of Chapter 9.08. Tearing down or defacing a posted trespass-loitering sign under Section 9.08.140 is a separate offense. Vehicles left standing on posted property without written permission of the owner or occupant can be towed at the owner's expense under Section 9.08.150, and that violation is charged as an infraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be cited for loitering in a Lodi park that isn't posted closed?
Does the loitering ban apply to someone attending a city recreation program?
What happens if I tear down a posted no-loitering sign?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lodi
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Loitering Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Joaquin County handle loitering rules.