Marion, OH Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)

The code language in the City of Marion, Ohio that reaches obstructing a public way is the disorderly conduct section, § 648.04. Under division (A), a person violates it by recklessly causing inconvenience, annoyance or alarm to another through one of the listed acts. Division (A)(4) is the obstruction act: hindering or preventing the movement of persons on a public street, road, highway or right of way, or to, from, within or upon public or private property, so as to interfere with the rights of others and by an act that serves no lawful and reasonable purpose of the offender.

The other listed acts cover fighting or violent behavior, unreasonable noise, taunting likely to provoke a violent response, and creating a physically offensive condition. Division (B) adds a separate offense for a person who is voluntarily intoxicated and, in a public place or in the presence of two or more persons, engages in conduct likely to be offensive or to cause inconvenience, annoyance or alarm. Division (D) says that when an ordinary observer sees a person who appears intoxicated, that is probable cause to believe the person is voluntarily intoxicated.

The only use of the word loiter in the codified ordinances is the minors' curfew in § 648.12, which bars anyone under eighteen from loitering in public places during the curfew hours. Two other sections deal with physical obstruction. Section 660.10(C) bars placing merchandise, goods, material or equipment on a sidewalk so as to obstruct pedestrian traffic, and in no case shall the obstruction remain on the sidewalk for more than one hour. Section 311.01(A) says no person shall place any obstruction in or upon a highway without proper authority.

The history note ties § 648.04 to R.C. § 2917.11, so the section mirrors Ohio state law as printed in the City's own code.