Not an official copy.

Tumwater, WA
Ordinance No. O98-008

AN ORDINANCE relating to panhandling and prohibiting pedestrian interference by adding a new section 9.24.135 to the Tumwater Municipal Code, entitled, "Pedestrian Interference," as more particularly set forth herein.

WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the level of begging (panhandling) has increased in recent years; and

WHEREAS, the City Council finds that it is necessary for the protection of the health, peace and welfare of the citizens of Tumwater to restrict the level of such panhandling so as not to intimidate persons or unduly interfere with persons.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUMWATER, STATE OF WASHINGTON, DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1. That a new section is hereby added to Chapter 9.24 of the Tumwater Municipal Code as follows:

"9.24.135 Pedestrian Interference. A. A person is guilty of pedestrian interference if, in a public place, he or she intentionally: 1. Obstructs pedestrian or vehicular traffic; or 2. Aggressively begs. B. The following definitions apply in this section: 1. "Aggressively beg" means to beg with the intent to intimidate another person into giving money or goods. 2. "Beg" means to ask for money or goods as a charity, whether by words, bodily gestures, signs, or other means. 3. "Intimidate" means to engage in conduct which would make a reasonable person fearful or feel compelled. 4. "Obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic" means to walk, stand, sit, lie or place an object in such a manner as to block passage by another person or a vehicle, or to require another person or a driver of a vehicle to take evasive action to avoid physical contact. Acts authorized as an exercise of one's constitutional right to picket or to legally protest, and acts authorized by a permit issued pursuant to Chapter 12.28 of the Tumwater Municipal Code, shall not constitute obstruction of pedestrian or vehicular traffic. 5. "Public place" means an area generally visible to public view and includes alleys, bridges, buildings, driveways, parking lots, parks, plazas, sidewalks and streets open to the general public, including those that serve food or drink or provide entertainment, and the doorways and entrances to buildings or dwellings and the grounds enclosing them. C. Pedestrian interference is a misdemeanor."

Section 2. This ordinance shall become effective five days after passage, approval and publication as provided by law.

ADOPTED this ______ day of ________________________, 1998.

CITY OF TUMWATER

Ralph C. Osgood, Mayor

ATTEST:

Gayla L. Gjertsen, Clerk/Treasurer

PUBLISHED:

APPROVED AS TO FORM:

Patrick L. Brock, City Attorney