Chapter 9.60
OBSTRUCTION OF BUSINESSES AND SIDEWALKS

Sections:

9.60.010    Obstructing public sidewalks – Prohibited.

9.60.020    Obstructing business premises.

9.60.030    Remaining at business open to public after being asked to leave – Prohibited.

9.60.010 Obstructing public sidewalks – Prohibited.

A. No person shall sit or lie down upon a public sidewalk or median, or upon a blanket, chair, stool, or any other object not permanently affixed upon a public sidewalk or median, in any commercial or industrial zone in the City during the hours between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. on weekdays and between 7:00 a.m. and 1:00 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

B. The prohibition in subsection A. shall not apply to any person:

1. Sitting or lying down on a public sidewalk due to a medical emergency;

2. Who, as the result of a disability, utilizes a wheelchair, walker, or similar device to move about the public sidewalk;

3. Operating or patronizing a commercial establishment conducted on the public sidewalks pursuant to a permit or other authorization of the City;

4. Sitting on a public sidewalk within a bus stop zone while waiting for public or private transportation;

5. Participating in or attending a parade, festival, performance, rally, demonstration, meeting or similar event conducted on the public sidewalk pursuant to a permit; or

6. Engaged in activity otherwise protected by the First Amendment.

C. Nothing in the exceptions enumerated in subsection B above shall be construed to permit any conduct which is otherwise prohibited by law.

D. No person shall be cited under this section unless the person engages in conduct prohibited by this section after having been notified by a law enforcement officer that the conduct violates this section. (Ord. 1612 § 3 (part), 2001)

9.60.020 Obstructing business premises.

A. No person, after first being warned by a law enforcement officer, or where a sign or signs have been posted in accordance with this section, shall stand, sit, lie, or otherwise remain in or upon any portion of private property open for public use, so as to hinder or obstruct the free passage of pedestrians or vehicles thereon.

B. Signs posted as provided in this section shall conform to the following requirements:

1. Each sign shall not be less than twenty-two inches (22") by thirty inches (30");

2. Signs shall be posted in such a way so as to provide adequate notice;

3. The notice shall be in substantially the following form:

WARNING

Unreasonable obstruction of pedestrian or vehicular traffic by persons standing, sitting, lying, or otherwise remaining on the premises is prohibited and punishable as a misdemeanor.

Gardena Municipal Code Section 9.60.020

4. The word “WARNING” shall be not less than two inches (2") in height, and all other lettering shall be at least five-eighths inches (5/8”) in height. (Ord. 1612 § 3 (part), 2001)

9.60.030 Remaining at business open to public after being asked to leave – Prohibited.

It shall be unlawful for any person without lawful business to remain in or upon any business parking lot or in any business after having been directed by the owner, the owner’s agent, or a law enforcement officer of the City at the request of the owner or the owner’s agent, to leave such premises. (Ord. 1612 § 3 (part), 2001)