LA County does not prohibit loitering itself, since vague loitering bans violate the First and Fourth Amendments. Title 13 reaches only narrow loitering-with-intent conduct, such as loitering to commit theft, prostitution-related solicitation, or drug sales, mirroring California Penal Code Sections 647 and 653.22.
Federal and California courts have struck down vague loitering ordinances since Papachristou v. Jacksonville and Kolender v. Lawson. LA County therefore relies on narrow loitering-with-intent provisions in Title 13 and on state Penal Code statutes. PC 647(h) prohibits loitering on private property without the owner's consent and intent to commit a crime, while PC 653.22 (as amended by SB 357 in 2022) repealed loitering with intent to commit prostitution. Anti-camping is governed separately under LACO Title 13 and homelessness-specific rules. The Sheriff is required to articulate specific suspicious conduct rather than mere presence. Schools, parks, and licensed premises have separate statutory limits.
Loitering with proven intent to commit a crime can be charged as a misdemeanor under California Penal Code 647(h) with up to six months jail and a $1,000 fine. Mere presence without specific suspicious conduct is not a violation.
See how Santa Monica's loitering rules rules stack up against other locations.
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