Chapter 8.14
UNLAWFUL USE OF PUBLIC PROPERTY
Sections:
8.14.040 Unlawful storage of personal property in public property.
8.14.050 Penalty for violations.
8.14.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to prevent harm to the health or safety of the public and to promote the public health, safety and general welfare by making public property readily accessible to the public and to prevent the use of public property for camping purposes or storage of personal property which interferes with the rights of others to use the areas for which they were intended. (Ord. 2012-3, 2012).
8.14.020 Definitions.
The following definitions are applicable in this chapter:
“Camp” or “camping” means to use public property for the purposes of habitation, as evidenced by the use of camp paraphernalia.
“Camp facilities” include, but are not limited to, temporary shelters, tents, or vehicles.
“Camp paraphernalia” includes, but is not limited to, tarpaulins, cots, beds, sleeping bags, blankets, mattresses, hammocks, or non-city designated cooking facilities and similar equipment.
“Public property” means and includes parks as defined in TMC 2.80.010 and every place in the city of Toppenish that is publicly owned or maintained for public use, improved or unimproved.
“Store” means to put aside or accumulate for use when needed, to put for safekeeping, to place or leave in a location. (Ord. 2012-3, 2012).
8.14.030 Unlawful camping.
It shall be unlawful for any person to camp, occupy camp facilities for purposes of habitation, or use camp paraphernalia in or on public property, except as otherwise permitted pursuant to TMC 8.14.060. (Ord. 2012-3, 2012).
8.14.040 Unlawful storage of personal property in public property.
It shall be unlawful for any person to store personal property, including camp facilities and camp paraphernalia in or on public property, except as otherwise permitted pursuant to TMC 8.14.060. (Ord. 2012-3, 2012).
8.14.050 Penalty for violations.
Violation of any of the provisions of this chapter is a misdemeanor. Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall, upon conviction of such violation, be punished by a fine of not more than $1,000 or by imprisonment not to exceed 90 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment. (Ord. 2012-3, 2012).
8.14.060 Exceptions.
Nothing in this chapter is intended to prohibit actions that are otherwise unlawful under this chapter by persons using city parks for purposes related to swimming meets, the Western Art Show, Mural in a Day, or similar events, or any other uses pursuant to a permit issued by the parks director as authorized by TMC 2.80.030. (Ord. 2012-3, 2012).