Gilroy, CA Public Conduct: Skateboarding Rules (2026)

Section 16.32-1 does not ban skateboarding, rollerskating, or in-line skating citywide; it only takes effect once notice has been posted. Under subsection (a), the city administrator must first determine that riding a skateboard, rollerskates, in-line skates, or similar wheeled device on a city parking lot or other city-owned or controlled property is hazardous before the prohibition applies there. Subsection (b) extends the same ban to privately owned commercial property under single ownership, or to land owned by another public agency, whenever that owner or agency itself prohibits the activity.

Notice requirements are exact: signs or stencils must state which activities are barred in letters at least two inches tall, printed black on white, and must carry the citation "Gilroy City Code Sec. 16.32-1" in one-inch letters at the bottom right of the sign; no sign may exceed 240 square inches. A commercial establishment or public agency invoking the ban on its own property must notify the police chief in writing at least 24 hours before posting, and can withdraw coverage later by removing the notices and telling the chief in writing.

Riding where properly posted is an infraction punishable under the general penalty schedule of § 1.7, meaning escalating fines of $100, $200, and $500 for a first, second, and third violation within a year, and a misdemeanor with up to a $1,000 fine or six months in jail for any further violation.