Buena Park, CA Public Conduct: Skateboarding Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- Buena Park Municipal Code Chapter 12.28
- Ban trigger
- Posted signage at two or more entrances
- Wheel-size threshold
- Applies to wheels less than five inches diameter
- Program exemption
- City-sponsored or permitted programs, events, classes exempt
- Skate park alternative
- Chapter 12.32 requires helmet and elbow/knee pads
- Default penalty
- Misdemeanor: up to $1,000 fine, six months jail
- Adopted by
- Ordinance 1341, 1996
Summary
Buena Park bans skateboarding, in-line skating, and similar wheeled devices on any publicly owned property where the city has posted "no skateboarding" signs at two or more entrances. Chapter 12.28 of the Municipal Code declares violations a public nuisance, and the ban applies to wheeled devices with wheels under five inches unless the rider is in a city-sponsored program.
§ 12.28.010. Skateboards, in-line skates, rollerskates and similar wheeled devices prohibited on posted public property. It is unlawful and is declared a public nuisance for any person to ride a skateboard, or utilize in-line skates, rollerskates or any similar self-powered wheeled device, upon any publicly owned property within the city where notice of such prohibition has been posted and is clearly visible at no less than two entrances to the prohibited area or in the immediate area where such activity is prohibited. This section shall not apply to persons participating in any city-sponsored or permitted program, event or class in which use of the self-powered wheeled devices described herein are utilized or required. ... § 12.28.020. Applicability of chapter. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to skateboards, roller blades, in-line skates, rollerskates, and any other similar wheeled device utilizing wheels less than five inches in diameter.
Full Breakdown
" The ban therefore applies only to publicly owned property the city has actually signed, such as specific plazas, sidewalks, or parking areas, not to streets generally. 010 exempts anyone "participating in any city-sponsored or permitted program, event or class" that uses the devices. 020 defines the chapter's reach broadly: it covers skateboards, roller blades, in-line skates, rollerskates, and any other similar wheeled device with wheels less than five inches in diameter, so scooters and larger-wheeled devices fall outside the posted-area ban. 040 makes a skate-park violation an infraction.
010: a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and six months in jail, unless prosecuted as an infraction starting at $100 for a first offense.
Violations & Fines
Riding a skateboard, in-line skates, or a similar wheeled device on posted public property is declared a public nuisance under Section 12.28.010. Because Chapter 12.28 sets no penalty of its own, the citywide default in Section 1.04.010 applies: a misdemeanor carrying up to a $1,000 fine and six months in jail, unless charged as an infraction starting at $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second, and $500 for further violations within a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is skateboarding banned everywhere in Buena Park?
Can I skateboard if I'm in a city class or program?
Where can I legally skateboard in Buena Park?
Does the ban cover scooters or bikes too?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Buena Park
California rules heatmap·Compare Buena Park to another location·View the California public conduct overview
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