Paramount, CA Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)

Section 9.04.260 of the Paramount Municipal Code is the City of Paramount's loitering ordinance for drug activity. It makes it unlawful to loiter in, on or near any thoroughfare or place open to the public in a manner and under circumstances manifesting the purpose of engaging in drug-related activity under Chapters 6 and 6.5 of Division 10 of the California Health and Safety Code, including acting as a "lookout."

Subsection B lists ten circumstances. They include being a known unlawful drug user, possessor or seller (a person convicted in any court within this State, or one who displays physical characteristics such as "needle tracks" or possesses drug paraphernalia); being subject to an order prohibiting presence in a high drug activity geographic area; behaving in a way that raises a reasonable suspicion; being physically identified by the officer as a member of a gang or association whose purpose is illegal drug activity; transferring small objects or packages for currency in a furtive fashion; taking flight upon the appearance of a police officer; trying to conceal oneself or an object; being in an area known for unlawful drug use and trafficking; being on a premises reported to law enforcement as suspected of drug activity; and being in or within six feet of a vehicle registered to a known unlawful drug user, possessor or seller or a person with an outstanding drug-related warrant.

Subsection C is a written enforcement policy. Subsection B is to be used conservatively, officers must open an investigation into the extent of the violation, and more than one listed circumstance should ideally be present for an arrest. Only officers who have received training on the proper use of the chapter can enforce it, the work must be done in a courteous and professional manner, and the officer must articulate the elements and conditions in the arrest report. A violation cannot be used as a lesser included offense or to bolster other charges.

Two other Paramount loitering rules sit nearby. Section 9.04.200 covers loitering, standing or sitting that obstructs a street, alley, sidewalk or crosswalk, and § 9.04.160 covers obstructing the entrance of a church, hall, theater or place of public assemblage. Sections 9.04.230 to 9.04.250 set how listed industrial, utility and railroad sites are posted with a sign reading "TRESPASSING-LOITERING FORBIDDEN BY LAW," with a face of not less than one square foot and letters not less than two inches in height.