Novato, CA Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)

Chapter XVIII of the Novato Municipal Code addresses loitering through section 18-16 (Median Regulations), adopted by the City Council as Ordinance No. 1704 on September 26, 2023. The rule is about road safety, not a ban on standing in public places: its stated purpose is to protect both pedestrians and motorists.

Section 18-16.1 defines the terms. To linger is to remain on a median longer than two traffic signal cycles, or, where there is no traffic signal, longer than three minutes. To loiter is to stand or linger on a median for any purpose other than to safely and lawfully cross the street. A median is a paved or planted raised area in the center of a roadway that divides the roadway according to the direction of travel.

Section 18-16.2 prohibits lingering and loitering on any portion of a median less than four feet in width, because medians of that size are not designed to accommodate prolonged pedestrian use. The only exceptions are crossing a roadway, emergencies, and what is necessary for public works. Public works means work or maintenance performed by the city, a state agency, a public utility, their respective contractors, or another authorized public agency.

Section 18-16.3 reaches every median regardless of width. No one can block traffic signs and signals located on or within a median for more than two traffic signal cycles, or longer than three minutes where there is no signal, so the signs stay adequately visible to approaching motorists. The only exceptions there are emergencies and public works. Section 18-16.4 is a severability clause.