Springfield, MO Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code § 78-151
- Applies to
- K-12 schools while in session
- Exempt
- Employees, approved aides, enrolled students
- Separate rule
- Colleges covered by §§ 78-152–158
Summary
Springfield makes it illegal to loiter on the grounds or in the buildings of any public or private kindergarten, grade or high school while it is in session.
It shall be unlawful for any person to loiter on the grounds of or within the buildings of any public or private kindergarten, grade or high school when such school is in session, and it shall be unlawful for any person so loitering to refuse to leave such buildings or grounds immediately upon request of the principal or other person in charge thereof. This section shall not apply in the case of any particular school to employees, school-approved volunteer aides or students of such particular school.
(Code 1981, § 26-67)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23 Update 2 | Land Development Code: Supplement 9 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Springfield City Code § 78-151 bars loitering on the grounds of, or inside the buildings of, any public or private kindergarten, grade or high school while the school is in session, and separately makes it unlawful for anyone loitering there to refuse to leave when the principal or another person in charge asks. The exemption covers only employees, school-approved volunteer aides and students of that particular school: everyone else is subject to the ban whenever classes are underway. Springfield's college and university campuses are covered by a separate set of sections, §§ 78-152 through 78-158, dealing with interference and unauthorized occupancy rather than loitering.
Violations & Fines
Violating § 78-151 is a City Code offense; loitering on K-12 school grounds during session, or refusing a lawful order to leave, is punishable under § 1-7's general penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is loitering near a Springfield, Missouri school illegal?
Does the ban apply after school hours?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Springfield
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