Earlier editions: 2026-09
Title 11 — PEACE, MORALS AND SAFETY
La Quinta Municipal Code Ch. 11.85 Public Rights-of-Way Obstructing
La Quinta Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · La Quinta
Cite as: La Quinta Municipal Code Chapter 11.85 · Text as of 2026-10-04
Footnotes:
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Prior ordinance history— Ord. 171.
11.85.010 - Definition.¶
As used in this chapter "loitering" means to delay, linger, or stand idly in one (1) location.
(Ord. 362 § 1, 2001)
11.85.020 - Prohibited acts.¶
A. Rights-of-Way. No person, after first being warned by a peace officer to vacate the premises, or where a sign has been posted in accordance with this chapter, shall loiter, sit, or lie in or upon any public street, sidewalk, curb, crosswalk or other public right-of-way so as to obstruct the free passage of pedestrian or vehicular traffic thereon.
B. Buildings. No person, shall after first being warned by a peace officer to vacate the premises, or where a sign has been posted in accordance with this chapter, shall loiter, sit, or lie so as to obstruct or prevent access to any structure or building open to the public.
(Ord. 362 § 1, 2001)
11.85.030 - Exceptions to provisions.¶
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply when its application would abridge the exercise of a persons rights protected under the first and fourth amendments of the U.S. Constitution, including, but not limited to, the right of free speech, right of peaceable assembly, and right to object to an unreasonable search and seizure.
(Ord. 362 § 1, 2001)
11.85.040 - Sign requirements.¶
If a sign is used to notify persons of the prohibition herein that loitering in a particular location is prohibited, the sign shall not be less than one (1) square foot in total area and shall read "WARNING, unreasonable obstruction of pedestrian or vehicular traffic in this area by persons loitering, sitting, or lying is prohibited and punishable as a MISDEMEANOR — La Quinta Municipal Code." in letters not less than two (2) inches in height for "WARNING." Additional lettering shall not be less than five-eighths (⅝) inches in height.
(Ord. 362 § 1, 2001)
11.85.050 - Nuisance.¶
It shall be deemed a public nuisance for any person, after first being warned by a law enforcement officer, or where a sign has been posted in accordance with this chapter, to loiter, sit or lie in or upon any public street, sidewalk, curb, crosswalk, or other public-right-of-way so as to hinder or unreasonably obstruct the free passage of pedestrians or vehicular traffic thereon or to prevent the free access to the entrance to any building open to the public.
(Ord. 362 § 1, 2001)
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