Long Beach, CA Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Scope
- loitering for drug activity or graffiti only
- "Loiter" defined
- delay/linger without lawful business
- Drug-activity reference
- Cal. H&S Code Div. 10, Ch. 6 & 6.5
- Graffiti-activity reference
- Penal Code § 594
- Default penalty
- up to $1,000 fine / 6 mo. jail (§1.32.010)
- Also usable as
- nuisance-abatement ground, §9.37
Summary
It is unlawful in Long Beach to loiter on or near any street, alley or public or private place for the purpose of drug activity or graffiti. Municipal Code § 9.36.010 defines "loiter" as delaying or lingering "without lawful business," and § 9.36.020 extends the same ban to loitering to commit graffiti.
It is unlawful for any person to loiter in, on or near any street or alley or place open to the public or near any public or private place for the purpose of engaging in drug related activity defined as criminal offenses in Chapters 6 and 6.5 of Division 10 of the California Health and Safety Code. As used in this Chapter, "loiter" means to delay or linger without lawful business.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 52 Update 1 | City Charter: Supplement 5).
Full Breakdown
36, Loitering for Drug Activities or Graffiti, targets loitering tied to a specific unlawful purpose rather than banning simply standing around. 020 applies the identical prohibition to loitering for graffiti activity, cross-referencing Penal Code § 594 vandalism. 080 separately bars loitering "in the immediate vicinity of any posted property", private land posted against trespassing, while exempting peaceful picketing. and during school hours, but that Chapter is a curfew ordinance, not a general loitering ban.
Violations & Fines
A violation of § 9.36.010 or § 9.36.020 is enforced under the citywide general penalty, § 1.32.010: unless prosecuted as an infraction, it is a misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000 in fines, up to six months in jail, or both, and each day the violation continues counts as a separate offense. A property where loitering for drug or graffiti activity recurs can also be pursued through the Nuisance Code's administrative abatement process under § 9.37.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to just stand around in Long Beach?
How does the code define "loiter"?
Can loitering get a property declared a nuisance?
Is there a separate loitering rule for private posted property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Long Beach
California rules heatmap·Compare Long Beach to another location·View the California public conduct overview
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Loitering Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle loitering rules.