14.420 Loitering in a Public Place.

(1) As used in this section:

Loitering shall mean remaining idle in essentially one location and shall include the concept of spending time idly; to be dilatory; to linger; to stay; to saunter; to delay; to stand around and shall also include the colloquial expression “hanging around.”

Public place shall mean 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 shall also include the front or parking area of any shopping center, store, shop, restaurant, tavern or other place of business and also public grounds, areas or parks.

(2) It shall be 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 manner so as to:

(a) 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.

(b) 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 or facing or fronting on any such public street, public highway, public sidewalk or any other public place or building, all of which prevents the free and uninterrupted ingress, egress, and regress therein, thereon and thereto.

(3) When any person causes or commits any of the conditions enumerated in subsection (2) 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 or to disperse. Any person who fails or refuses to obey such orders shall be guilty of a violation of this section.

[Prior code § 14.258]