§ 15-11. Begging soliciting alms by accosting or forcing oneself upon the company of another.
(a)
Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Accosting means approaching or speaking to a person in such a manner as would cause a reasonable person to fear imminent bodily harm or the commission of a criminal act upon the person or property in his immediate possession.
Ask, beg or solicit means, without limitation, the spoken, written or printed word or such other acts as are conducted in furtherance of the purpose of obtaining alms.
Forcing oneself upon the company of another means continuing to request, beg or solicit alms from a person after that person has made a negative response, blocking the passage of the individual addressed, or otherwise engaging in conduct which could reasonably be construed as intended to compel or force a person to accede to demands.
(b)
Exceptions. Except when performed in the manner and locations set forth in subsections (c) and (d) of this section, it shall not be unlawful to ask, beg or solicit money or other things of value.
(c)
Location. It shall be unlawful for any person to solicit money or other things of value:
(1)
On private property if the owner, tenant or lawful occupant has asked the person not to solicit on the property or has posted a sign clearly indicating that solicitations are not welcome on the property.
(2)
Within fifteen (15) feet of the entrance to, or exit from, any public toilet facility;
(3)
Within fifteen (15) feet of an automatic teller machine, provided that when an automated teller machine is located within an automated teller machine facility, such dispatch shall be measured from the entrance to, or exit from, the automated teller machine facility;
(4)
Within fifteen (15) feet of any pay or public telephone, provided that when the telephone is located within a telephone booth or other facility, such distance shall be measured from the entrance to, or exit from, the telephone booth or facility;
(5)
In any public transportation vehicle, bus or within fifteen (15) feet of any bus stop or taxi stand;
(6)
From any operator of a motor vehicle that is in traffic on a public street; provided, however, that this subsection shall not apply to services rendered in connection with emergency repairs requested by the owner or passenger of such vehicle.
(7)
From any person who is waiting in line for entry to any building, public or private, included any residence, business or athletic facility; or
(8)
Within fifteen (15) feet of the entrance to, or exit from, a building, public or private, including any residence, business or athletic facility.
(d)
Manner. It shall be unlawful for any person to solicit money or other things of value by:
(1)
Accosting another; or
(2)
Forcing oneself upon the company of another.
(Ord. No. 2016-2, 5-9-16)