Santee, CA Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)

Section 7.20.030 sits in Chapter 7.20, Loitering and Camping, which the City Council adopted, per § 7.20.010, to give law enforcement and the City Attorney's office tools against acts that disregard others' property rights, directing the Sheriff's Santee Station patrol division and the City Attorney's office to strictly enforce and severely prosecute violations. Chapter 7.20 defines 'loitering' in § 7.20.020 as delaying or lingering without a lawful purpose and for the purpose of committing a crime as opportunity arises. Section 7.20.030 itself requires a prior warning, either a verbal warning from a law enforcement officer or a posted sign giving notice of the section, before the conduct becomes chargeable: loitering, standing, sitting or lying on public property, or on private property used for public purposes, so as to unreasonably hinder or obstruct the free passage of pedestrians, or to block, obstruct or prevent free access to the entrance of a building open to the public.

A related provision, § 7.20.050, separately bars loitering in and around bus depots, transit stations and trolley stops after being told to leave, unless the person has legitimate business there or a bona fide intent to exercise a constitutional right, with re-entry barred for 48 hours after being directed to leave. Chapter 7.20 closes with § 7.20.160: violations carry criminal, civil and administrative remedies under Chapters 1.04, 1.08, 1.10 and 1.12, and are declared a public nuisance, with all remedies cumulative so the City is not limited to one enforcement path.