Wausau, WI Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Rule
- Loitering banned only on posted private property
- Sign spec
- Min. 8.5 x 11 inch notice required
- Covers
- Includes loitering while parked in a vehicle
- Bail schedule
- $50.00 cash deposit (§1.01.025)
- General penalty
- $10-$200 forfeiture per offense (§1.01.110)
Summary
Wausau Municipal Code § 9.04.050 makes it unlawful to loiter, congregate, wander, or stand on private property posted with a "No Loitering" or "Patrons Only" sign, including in parked vehicles; the ban applies only where a qualifying notice, at least 8.5 by 11 inches, has actually been posted on that property.
It shall be unlawful for any person to congregate, loiter, wander, stroll or stand upon any private property in the City which has been posted with a notice stating "No Loitering," "Patrons Only," or other notice indicating that the said property is not a thoroughfare for the use of the general public. Such notice shall be at least eight and one-half by 11 inches in size, or of comparable area, and plainly posted, at least one to each property intended to be so posted. This section shall include loitering in parked motor vehicles.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 12 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
5 by 11 inches or comparable area, stating "No Loitering," "Patrons Only," or other language indicating the property is not a public thoroughfare, with at least one sign required per posted parcel. The section expressly reaches loitering "in parked motor vehicles," closing a gap that would otherwise let someone linger in a lot in a car rather than on foot. 04 of this Code, only in the cash-deposit table. 110 governs. Enforcement runs through the Wausau Police Department on a property owner's or manager's complaint once the required signage is confirmed to be in place.
Violations & Fines
A § 9.04.050 conviction falls under the citywide default penalty of Wausau Municipal Code § 1.01.110(a): a forfeiture of not less than $10.00 nor more than $200.00 for each offense, with the police department's cash-bail schedule under § 1.01.025 separately listing a $50.00 deposit for this offense; each day of continued loitering after notice can be charged as a separate offense under § 1.01.110(d).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be cited for loitering anywhere in Wausau?
Does sitting in a parked car count as loitering?
What does a loitering citation cost in Wausau?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wausau
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Loitering Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Marathon County handle loitering rules.