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Adams County, CO Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Curfew scope
Anyone under 18
Adult exception
Parent, guardian, or adult 21+
Locations covered
Streets, sidewalks, parks, private yards
Consent exception
Owner/occupant permission
Enacted
August 23, 1993

Summary

Adams County bars anyone under 18 from loitering on streets, sidewalks, parking lots, parks or yards, public or private, without permission of the owner or occupant, unless with a parent or an adult over 21, under a 1993 curfew ordinance still in the county code.

City-specific rules exist: Westminster has its own loitering rules rules that differ from Adams County's county-level regulations. If you live in Westminster, check the city-specific page instead.

It shall be unlawful for any person under the age of 18 years to loiter on or about any street, sidewalk, curb, gutter, parking lot, alley, vacant lot, park, playground or yard, whether public or private, without the consent or permission of the owner or occupant thereof, during the hours between 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. according to the applicable time standard then in effect for the county, unless accompanied by a parent, guardian or other adult person over the age of twenty-one years.

Full Breakdown

Ordinance No. 8, adopted August 23, 1993 and effective the same day, defines 'loitering' broadly to mean remaining idle in essentially one location, including standing around, hanging out, sitting, kneeling, sauntering or prowling. It then makes it unlawful for any person under 18 to loiter on or about any street, sidewalk, curb, gutter, parking lot, alley, vacant lot, park, playground or yard, whether public or private, without the consent or permission of the property's owner or occupant, during the ordinance's specified curfew hours, unless the minor is accompanied by a parent, guardian, or another adult over the age of 21.

The rule applies countywide in unincorporated Adams County and covers both public property, such as county streets and parks, and private property where the minor lacks the occupant's permission to be present. Because the ordinance folds the age-based restriction and the location list into a single unlawful-act provision, a minor found in any of the listed locations during curfew hours without qualifying adult supervision or property-owner consent is in violation regardless of whether they are actually causing a disturbance. The county's published ordinance library shows no later amendment or repeal, so this remains the operative juvenile loitering rule for the unincorporated area.

Violations & Fines

The version of Ordinance No. 8 published in the county's code library carries no separate fine schedule; it lists only the definition and the underage curfew prohibition. Enforcement is handled by county law enforcement, which can cite a minor or the accompanying adult for violating the loitering prohibition and require an appearance in Adams County Court.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a curfew for minors in unincorporated Adams County?
Yes. Ordinance No. 8, adopted in 1993, makes it unlawful for anyone under 18 to loiter on streets, sidewalks, parking lots, parks, alleys or yards, public or private, without the owner's or occupant's permission, unless accompanied by a parent, guardian, or another adult over 21.
What counts as 'loitering' under the county's curfew ordinance?
The ordinance defines loitering broadly as remaining idle in essentially one location, including standing around, hanging out, sitting, kneeling, sauntering or prowling. It applies to any of the listed public or private locations once a minor lacks a qualifying adult or the property owner's consent.
Does this loitering rule apply on private property too?
Yes. The ordinance covers private yards and lots as well as public streets, sidewalks and parks. A minor loitering on private property without the owner's or occupant's permission, and without a qualifying adult present, is in violation the same as if they were on a public street.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Adams County

All Adams County rules

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