Chapter 9.24
LOITERING
Sections:
9.24.030 Responsibility of parents and others.
9.24.010 Definitions.
For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:
A. “Loitering” means remaining idle in essentially one location and includes the concept of spending time idly, to be dilatory, to linger, to stay, to saunter, to delay, to stand around, and also includes the colloquial expression “hanging around.”
B. “Public place” means any place to which the general public has access and a right to resort for business, entertainment or other lawful purpose, but does not necessarily mean a place devoted solely to the uses of the public. It also includes the front or immediate area of any store, shop, restaurant, tavern or other place of business and also public grounds, areas or parks. [Ord. 1519 § 1, 1985; 1956 Code § 6-201.]
9.24.020 Order to disperse.
A. It is unlawful for any person to loiter, loaf, wander, stand or remain idle either alone and/or in consort with others in a public place in such a manner so as to:
1. Obstruct any public street, public highway, public sidewalk or any other public place or building by hindering or impeding or tending to hinder or impede the free and uninterrupted passage of vehicles, traffic or pedestrians;
2. Commit in or upon any public street, public highway, public sidewalk or any other public place or building any act or thing which is an obstruction or interference to the free and uninterrupted use of property or with any business lawfully conducted by anyone in or upon the facing or fronting on any such public street, public highway, public sidewalk or any other public place or building, all of which prevent the free and uninterrupted ingress, egress and regress therein, thereon and thereto.
B. When any person causes or commits any of the conditions enumerated in subsection (A) of this section, a police officer or any law enforcement officer shall order that person to stop causing or committing such conditions and to move on or disperse. Any person who fails or refuses to obey such orders is guilty of gross misdemeanor. [Ord. 2022-25 § 32, 2022; Ord. 1519 § 1, 1985; 1956 Code § 6-2101.]
9.24.030 Responsibility of parents and others.
It is unlawful for the parent, guardian or other adult person having the care or custody of a minor to knowingly permit such a minor to loiter in a public place within the City. Any person or entity violating this section shall commit an infraction, and shall pay a fine or penalty in the amount of $250.00, not including statutory assessments or applicable costs. [Ord. 2022-25 § 33, 2022; Ord. 1519 § 1, 1985; 1956 Code § 6-2103.]