Loveland, CO Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Covered area
- school grounds plus 100 feet
- Required intent
- disrupt school or endanger children
- Trigger
- refusal to leave after being told
- Minimum fine
- $20.00
- Maximum fine
- $100.00
- Maximum jail term
- 10 days
Summary
Loveland Municipal Code § 9.28.050 does not ban public loitering generally; it makes it unlawful to loiter in a school building, on school grounds, or within 100 feet of them, with intent to disrupt school activities or endanger children, once a school official or officer has asked the person to leave.
A.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.B.For purposes of this section, the word "loiter" means to be dilatory, to stand idly around, to linger, delay or wander about, or to remain, abide, or tarry in a public place.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 13).
Full Breakdown
28, Disturbing the Peace, Loitering, Molesting, defines the loitering offense narrowly around schools rather than public space generally. 050(A) requires intent, either to interfere with or disrupt the school program or to interfere with or endanger school children, and applies only while persons under 18 are present in the building or on the grounds, to someone with no legitimate reason to be there, and only after that person has been asked to leave by a school administrator, a school representative, or a peace officer. 040 extends 'grounds adjacent thereto' to any street, alley, or sidewalk within the city bordering the school property.
050(C) gives an affirmative defense where the person's presence was a lawful exercise of the right of assembly as part of a peaceful, orderly petition for redress of grievances, including during a labor dispute. 010, but it targets loitering to wrongfully observe the occupant of a residence, not general public presence.
Violations & Fines
A violation of §§ 9.28.040 through 9.28.050 is punished under § 9.28.070 by a fine of not less than $20.00 nor more than $100.00, imprisonment for up to ten days, or both. Each instance is charged separately, and the affirmative defense of lawful assembly under § 9.28.050(C) must be raised and proven by the defendant at trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to loiter anywhere in Loveland?
What is the penalty for illegal loitering near a Loveland school?
Is there a defense if I was picketing near a school?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Loveland
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Loitering Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Larimer County handle loitering rules.