Chapter 13.12
FORTUNETELLING, PALMISTRY AND SIMILAR PRACTICES

Sections:

13.12.010    Restrictions on advertising.

13.12.020    Interpretation of SMC 13.12.010.

13.12.030    Penalty for violation.

13.12.010 Restrictions on advertising.

It is unlawful for any person within the City to advertise by sign, circular, handbill or in any newspaper, periodical or magazine, or other publication or publications, or by any other means, to tell fortunes, to find or restore lost or stolen property, to locate oil wells, gold or silver or other ore or metal or natural product, to restore lost love or friendship or affection, or to unite or procure lovers, husbands, wives, lost relatives or friends, for or without pay, by means of occult or psychic powers, faculties or forces, clairvoyance, psychometry, spirits, mediumship, seership, prophesy, astrology, palmistry, necromancy or other craft, science, cards, talismans, charms, potions, magnetism or magnetized articles or substances, or magic of any kind or nature or numerology, or to engage in or to carry on any business the advertisement of which is prohibited by this section. [Ord. 854 § 1, 1974.]

13.12.020 Interpretation of SMC 13.12.010.

The provisions of SMC 13.12.010 shall not be construed to include, prohibit or interfere with the exercise of any religious or spiritual function of any priest, minister, rector or an accredited representative of any bona fide church or religion where such priest, minister, rector or accredited representative holds a certificate of credit, commission or ordination under the ecclesiastical laws of a religious corporation, incorporated under the laws of any State or territory of the United States of America, or any voluntary religious association, and who fully conforms to the rights and practices prescribed by the supreme conference, convocation, convention, assembly, association or synod of the system or faith with which they are affiliated; provided, however, that any church or religious organization which is organized for the primary purpose of conferring certificates of commission, credit or ordination for a price, and not primarily for the purpose of teaching and practicing a religious doctrine or belief, shall not be deemed to be a bona fide church or religious organization. [Ord. 854 § 2, 1974.]

13.12.030 Penalty for violation.

Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of an infraction and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $100.00. [Ord. 854 § 4, 1974.]