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McHenry County, IL Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing law
McHenry County Code § 2.96.040(G)
Enforcing agency
McHenry County Sheriff
Fine range
$50.00 to $500.00 per violation
Public access hours
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., business days
Adopted
Ord. O-201112-12-049, passed 12-6-2011
Legal authority
55 ILCS 5/5-1005 and 5/5-1015

Summary

Loitering on any McHenry County-controlled building or grounds is illegal under the county's Building Use Ordinance. Section 2.96.040(G) bars loitering, disorderly conduct, or any nuisance conduct that blocks entrances, lobbies, corridors, elevators, stairways, or parking lots at county facilities. The McHenry County Sheriff enforces the rule, and violators face a fine between $50 and $500 per offense.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of McHenry County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

G. Loiter, initiate disorderly conduct, or initiate any conduct which creates a nuisance; reasonably obstructs the usual use of entrances, foyers, lobbies, corridors, offices, elevators, stairways, or parking lots; impedes or disrupts the performance of the official duties of County employees; or which prevents the general public from conducting business in a timely manner.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-5: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. A25-0037, passed 8-19-2025 | State legislation current through ALS 2025 Pamphlet No. 1).

Full Breakdown

McHenry County's Building Use Ordinance, adopted under 55 ILCS 5/5-1005 and 55 ILCS 5/5-1015, governs conduct at every County-controlled building and its grounds. 110. 040(G) makes it unlawful to loiter, initiate disorderly conduct, or engage in any conduct that creates a nuisance, reasonably obstructs entrances, foyers, lobbies, corridors, offices, elevators, stairways, or parking lots, impedes county employees' official duties, or keeps the public from conducting business in a timely manner. The same section separately bars destroying county property, throwing objects at county buildings, climbing on buildings, camping on the grounds, and erecting tents or signs without authorization, so loitering sits alongside a broader list of building-use prohibitions rather than standing as a standalone park or sidewalk rule.

150 assigns enforcement to the McHenry County Sheriff across every county-controlled facility. 00 for any violation of the ordinance, and specifies that the county fine does not replace or excuse any other applicable state or local law covering the same property. Because the ordinance reaches "County controlled property" broadly, it applies to courthouse grounds, the county administration complex in Woodstock, and other county facilities, not to sidewalks or private business property outside county control.

Violations & Fines

A loitering or disorderly-conduct violation under Section 2.96.040(G) is enforced by the McHenry County Sheriff and carries a fine of at least $50.00 and up to $500.00 under Section 2.96.160. Each incident is charged separately, and the ordinance's penalty is in addition to, not a substitute for, any other state or local law that applies to the same county-controlled property, so a loitering citation can accompany separate criminal charges for trespass or disorderly conduct.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is loitering illegal on McHenry County property?
Yes. Section 2.96.040(G) of the county's Building Use Ordinance makes it unlawful to loiter, initiate disorderly conduct, or create a nuisance on any County-controlled building or grounds, including blocking entrances, corridors, elevators, stairways, or parking lots. The McHenry County Sheriff enforces the rule, and a violation carries a fine of $50.00 to $500.00 under Section 2.96.160.
Where does the loitering ban apply?
It covers every building and grounds the county controls, such as the county administration complex and courthouse property in Woodstock, plus any other County-owned or leased facility. It does not reach city sidewalks, parks, or private property outside county control; those are governed by separate municipal or state rules.
What is the penalty for loitering on county property?
Section 2.96.160 sets a fine of not less than $50.00 nor more than $500.00 for violating any provision of the Building Use Ordinance, including the loitering clause in Section 2.96.040(G). The McHenry County Sheriff enforces the ordinance, and the fine applies on top of any other state or local law covering the same property.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in McHenry County

All McHenry County rules

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