Chapter 9.24
LOITERING

Sections:

9.24.010    Loitering or prowling prohibited.

9.24.020    Obstruction of highway by loitering.

9.24.030    Obstruction of traffic by loitering.

9.24.040    Loitering after being requested to move.

9.24.050    Loitering in public places.

9.24.060    Penalty for violation of this chapter.

9.24.010 Loitering or prowling prohibited.

No person shall loiter or prowl in a place, at a time or in a manner not usual for law-abiding individuals under circumstances that warrant alarm for the safety of persons or property in the vicinity. Among the circumstances which may be considered in determining whether such alarm is warranted is the fact that the person takes flight upon appearance of a police or peace officer, refuses to identify himself or manifestly endeavors to conceal himself or any object. Unless flight by the person or other circumstances makes it impracticable, a police or peace officer shall, prior to any arrest for an offense under this chapter, afford the person an opportunity to dispel any alarm which would otherwise be warranted by requesting him to identify himself and explain his presence and conduct. No person shall be convicted of an offense under this section if the police or peace officer did not comply with the preceding sentence or if it appears, at trial, that the explanation given by the person was true and, if believed by the police or peace officer at the time, would have dispelled the alarm. (Prior code § 9.11(1))

9.24.020 Obstruction of highway by loitering.

No person shall obstruct any street, bridge, sidewalk or crossing by lounging or loitering in or upon the same after being requested to move on by any police officer. (Prior code § 9.11(2))

9.24.030 Obstruction of traffic by loitering.

No person shall loaf or loiter in groups or crowds upon the public streets, alleys, sidewalks, street crossings or bridges or in any other public place within the city in such manner as to prevent, interfere with or obstruct the ordinary free use of the public streets, sidewalks, streets, street crossings and bridges or other public places by persons passing along and over the same. (Prior code § 9.11(3))

9.24.040 Loitering after being requested to move.

No person shall loaf or loiter in groups or crowds upon the public streets, sidewalks or adjacent doorways or entrances, street crossings or bridges or in any other public place or on any private premises without invitation from the owner or occupant after being requested to move by any police officer or by any person in authority at such places. (Prior code § 9.11(4))

9.24.050 Loitering in public places.

No person shall loiter, lounge or loaf in or about any depot, theater, dance hall, restaurant, store, public sidewalk, public parking lot or other place of assembly or public use after being requested to move by any police officer. Upon being requested to move, a person must immediately comply with such request by leaving the premises or area thereof at the time of the request. (Prior code § 9.11(5))

9.24.060 Penalty for violation of this chapter.

Any person, firm, partnership, or corporation who violates any part of this chapter shall be subject to the penalty and enforcement provisions in Chapter 1.12. (Ord. 2552-19 § 8, 2019)