Redlands Municipal Code Ch. 9.14 Median Island Safety

The city council hereby declares the purpose of median islands within city streets is as follows:

A. To promote safety by separating vehicular traffic traveling in one direction from vehicular traffic traveling in the opposite direction;

B. To promote safety by providing a place of safety and respite for pedestrians while crossing city streets at intersections and other approved crossings, particularly for the elderly and disabled who may need additional time to safely cross city streets than traffic signals allow; and

C. To improve the visual appeal of city streets. (Ord. 2807, 2014)

For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:

LINGER: Remaining in a median island longer than two (2) traffic signal cycles, except in an emergency.

LOITERING: Standing or lingering in a median island for any purpose other than to safely and lawfully cross the street, except in an emergency.

MEDIAN ISLAND: A paved or planted area separating a street, or highway, into two (2) or more lanes or directions of travel.

SOLICIT: Any request made in person seeking an immediate request for or donation of money, food, cigarettes or any other items of value, or for the purchase of an item for an amount far exceeding its value, under circumstances where a reasonable person would understand that the purchase is in substance a donation. "Solicit" also means any verbal request, or any nonverbal request made with a sign, by a person seeking an immediate donation of money, food, cigarettes, or any other items of value or the request that items be purchased for any goods, wares, or merchandise or any article to be delivered in the future, or for services to be performed in the future, or for making, manufacturing, or repairing any article whatsoever for future delivery, or for subscriptions to periodicals or tickets of admission to entertainments or memberships in any clubs. (Ord. 2807, 2014)

It shall be unlawful for any person to linger, solicit, or loiter on a median island within the city. (Ord. 2807, 2014)

No person shall bring any sign, material, or other object on the median island that will obstruct any traffic signal light or extend into a traffic lane or obscure any traffic sign on a median island. No person, sign, material, or other object on the median island shall obstruct any traffic signal light or extend into a traffic lane or obstruct a traffic sign on such a median island. (Ord. 2807, 2014)

No person, while standing on a median island or by stepping off a median island, shall exchange any object with an occupant of a motor vehicle. (Ord. 2807, 2014)

A. This chapter shall not apply to freeway oriented solicitation prohibited by California Vehicle Code section 22520.5.

B. This chapter shall not apply to those persons occupying a median while conducting activities related to maintenance, surveying, construction, landscape maintenance, landscape improvements, law enforcement, responding to an emergency, or as otherwise permitted by law. (Ord. 2807, 2014)

A violation of this chapter is a misdemeanor, punishable in accordance with title 1, chapter 1.20 of this code. In addition, the city attorney shall also have the power to seek injunctive relief for any violation of this chapter. (Ord. 2807, 2014)