Chapter 9.10 OFFENSES

Chapter 9.10
OFFENSES

Sections:

9.10.010 Offenses defined by ordinance of the City of Mountlake Terrace.

A. Discrimination in Housing. Any person who discriminates or participates in discrimination with respect to housing shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. For the purpose of this section, the word “discriminate” means any difference in treatment to potential buyers or tenants in the sale, lease, rental, or financing of housing units or housing accommodations because of race, religion, ancestry, or national origin. Without in any way limiting the generality of the foregoing, it shall be unlawful to discriminate against any person because of race, color, religion, sex or national origin in the sale or rental of housing or residential lots; in advertising the sale or rental of housing; in the financing of housing; in the provision of real estate broker’s services; in block-busting; and in any other act or omission or act constituting discrimination as defined by the Civil Rights Act of 1968 as amended by the Community Development Act of 1974, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by this reference.

B. Nude or Topless Dancing. It shall be unlawful for any owner, manager, or operator of any cabaret, tavern, cocktail lounge, or place of public resort or accommodation knowingly to permit any human female to appear with one or both breasts wholly exposed to view, or any male or female with the genital area exposed.

C. Minors.

1. Disruption of School Activities. A person commits the offense of disruption of school activities if he or she comes into or remains in any school building, classroom, or upon any school grounds, or street, sidewalk, or public way adjacent thereto, without lawful reason, and intentionally causes disruption of the activities of the school.

As used in this section, “school” has its ordinary meaning and also includes community college.

D. Urinating in Public. A person is guilty of urinating in public if he or she intentionally urinates or defecates in a public place, other than a washroom or toilet room, under circumstances where such act could be observed by any member of the public.

1. Definition of Public Place. A public place is defined as any street, road, park, easement, property, or building where members of the public could reasonably be expected to be present or into which members of the public could reasonably view such activities.

2. Penalties. The crime of urinating in public shall be a misdemeanor punishable by not more than 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.

E. Opening or Consuming Liquor in Public Place – Penalty. It is unlawful, except as permitted by Chapter 66.44 RCW, for any person to open the package containing liquor or consume liquor in a public place.

2. Penalties. Every person who violates this provision shall be guilty of a class 3 civil infraction under Chapter 7.80 RCW.

F. Opening or Consuming Marijuana in Public Place – Penalty. It is unlawful to open a package containing marijuana, usable marijuana, or a marijuana-infused product, or consume marijuana, usable marijuana, or a marijuana-infused product, in view of the general public.

1. Penalties. Every person who violates this provision is guilty of a class 3 civil infraction under Chapter 7.80 RCW. (Ord. 2613 § 1, 2013; Ord. 2390 § 1, 2005; Ord. 2046, 1994; Ord. 2035 § 4(A), (B), (C), (G), 1994).

9.10.020 Topless female entertainment.

A. The City Council finds that there presently exists a trend in certain public establishments towards inappropriate undress among female employees which is offensive and adverse to the sense of decency prevalent in this community.

B. It shall be unlawful for any owner, manager, or operator of any cabaret, tavern, cocktail lounge, or place of public resort or accommodation knowingly to permit any human female over the age of 10 years to appear with one or both breasts wholly exposed to view.

C. Any violation of the section shall constitute a misdemeanor and shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed $300.00. (Ord. 948, 1974; Ord. 839 §§ 1 – 3, 1972).