Camarillo Municipal Code Ch. 10.46 Sitting and Lying on Certain Property in Public Places

As used in this chapter, the following words and phrases have the meaning set forth in this section:

"Obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic" means to walk, stand, place an object, sit or lie 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.

"Public place" means both public property and private property open to the public and includes, but is not limited to, parking lots, highways, streets, bridges, alleys, driveways, pathways, sidewalks, walkways, and other outdoor places or areas generally accessible to the public in the city's commercial zones.

(Ord. No. 1084, § 3(Exh. A), 2-26-2014)

A. No person may sit or lie down upon a public sidewalk, street, curb, biking or walking path, or in doorways and entrances to buildings; or upon a blanket, chair, stool, or any other object placed upon a public sidewalk, curb, biking or walking path, or in doorways and entrances to buildings in any commercial zone.

B. No person may sit or lie down upon a public bench or other seating facility that is intended for use by multiple individuals at the same time, in a way that prevents such accommodation of the public bench by multiple users at the same time.

C. No person may intentionally sit or lie down and obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic in a public place.

D. No person will be cited under this chapter unless the person engages in conduct prohibited by this chapter after having been notified by an enforcement officer that the conduct violates this chapter.

(Ord. No. 1084, § 3(Exh. A), 2-26-2014)

The prohibitions in Section 10.46.020 will not apply in the following cases and to the following persons:

A. Persons who involuntarily or unavoidably sit or lie down in a public place due to circumstances beyond the person's control, including but not limited to a medical emergency.

B. Persons, who, as a result of a disability, utilize a wheelchair, walker, or similar device to move about the public sidewalk or other public walkways and paths.

C. Persons operating or patronizing a commercial establishment conducted on the public sidewalk pursuant to an applicable, valid city permit or approval; or persons participating in or attending a parade, festival, performance, rally, demonstration, meeting or similar event conducted in a public place.

D. Any conduct in public places that are privately owned where such conduct is in conformity with permission granted by the owner or person in possession and control of such premises.

E. Any conduct that is in conformity with the terms of any permit or other approval granted pursuant to this code or city policy.

F. Any conduct that constitutes lawful activity protected under the laws of the State of California or by the United States Constitution, including but not limited to peaceful protesting, picketing, demonstrating, signature gathering, voter registration, or leafleting.

(Ord. No. 1084, § 3(Exh. A), 2-26-2014)