Avenal Municipal Code Ch. 15 Loitering

Sections: 5-15.01 Loitering defined. 5-15.02 Loitering on public ways. 5-15.03 Loitering on commercial premises. 5-15.04 Violations.

Title 5 PUBLIC WELFARE Avenal, California, Code of Ordinances Page 45 5-15.05 Penalties. 5-15.01 Loitering defined. For purposes of this chapter, "loitering" shall mean and include standing around or moving slowly about, standing idly around, lagging behind, lingering, delaying or spending time idly. (Ord. 92-04 (part), 1992) 5-15.02 Loitering on public ways. It is unlawful for any person to loiter or stand in or upon any public highway, alley, sidewalk or crosswalk or other public way open for pedestrian travel or to otherwise occupy any portion thereof in such a manner as to unreasonably annoy or molest any pedestrian thereon or as to obstruct or unreasonably interfere with the free passage of pedestrians or vehicles. (Ord. 92-04 (part), 1992) 5-15.03 Loitering on commercial premises. (a) It is unlawful for any person to loiter in or upon, or to enter into and remain upon, any commercial premises, such that a reasonable person would conclude that the person who is loitering at or upon, or who has entered into and remains upon, such premises: (1) Does not have a purpose legitimately connected with the business or activity of the legal occupant of the premises; or (2) Does not have a bona fide intent to exercise a constitutional right; or (3) Is causing public inconvenience or annoyance; or (4) Is loitering at or has entered into and remains upon the premises under circumstances which raise a reasonable suspicion of wrongful or criminal activity. (b) It is unlawful for any person to loiter at or near the entrance to or the exit from any commercial premises. (Ord. 92-04 (part), 1992) 5-15.04 Violations. It is unlawful for any person to refuse to comply with the lawful order of the Police, owner, occupant or agent thereof to leave a public way or commercial premises, or, after complying with such lawful order, to return within forty-eight (48) hours and to resume loitering as defined above. (Ord. 92-04 (part), 1992) 5-15.05 Penalties. Any person violating any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of an infraction punishable by a fine not exceeding two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00). (Ord. 92-04 (part), 1992)

Title 5 PUBLIC WELFARE Avenal, California, Code of Ordinances Page 46