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Rohnert Park, CA Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)

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

Key Facts

Covered locations
tunnels, subways, bridges, overpasses, adjacent abutments
Classification
misdemeanor
Maximum fine
$500
Maximum jail
6 months county jail
Permit exemption
encroachments under a city permit, § 9.40.050

Summary

Rohnert Park bans loitering in tunnels, pedestrian subways, on bridges or overpasses, and near their entrances, exits, abutments or retaining walls used for vehicular traffic. Violations are misdemeanors punishable by up to a $500 fine or six months in jail.

No person shall loiter in any tunnel, pedestrian subway, or on any bridge, overpass, or at or near the entrance thereto or exit therefrom, or at or near any abutment or retaining wall adjacent to such entrance or exit, or any retaining wall or abutment adjacent to any freeway, street, or highway open and used for vehicular traffic, or adjacent to that portion thereof used for vehicular traffic, or on any public property, in the proximity of such bridge, overpass, or retaining wall or abutment.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 51 Update 2).

Full Breakdown

40 (Loitering), bars any person from loitering in any tunnel, pedestrian subway, or on any bridge, overpass, or at or near the entrance or exit of one, or at or near any abutment or retaining wall adjacent to such an entrance or exit, or any retaining wall or abutment adjacent to a freeway, street, or highway open and used for vehicular traffic, or on any public property in the proximity of such a bridge, overpass, retaining wall or abutment. 010) in the same chapter. 050 exempts encroachments made under a city-issued permit from the whole chapter, so a contractor working near an overpass under a valid encroachment permit is not loitering within the meaning of this section. 40's offenses.

Violations & Fines

Every violation of Chapter 9.40, including loitering under Section 9.40.020, is a misdemeanor under Section 9.40.060, punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars, imprisonment in the county jail for not more than six months, or both. Each day a violation continues is a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it illegal to hang out under a Rohnert Park overpass?
Yes. Section 9.40.020 bans loitering in any tunnel, pedestrian subway, on any bridge or overpass, or at or near the entrance, exit, abutment, or retaining wall of one used for vehicular traffic, or on public property in the proximity of these structures.
What is the penalty for loitering near a bridge in Rohnert Park?
Section 9.40.060 makes it a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $500 fine, up to six months in county jail, or both. Each day the loitering continues counts as a separate offense.
Does a work crew near an overpass violate the loitering law?
No. Section 9.40.050 exempts encroachments made under permits issued pursuant to city ordinances, so authorized construction or utility work near a bridge or overpass falls outside Chapter 9.40.

Sources & Official References

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