Earlier editions: 2026-09
Title 3 — Public Safety›Chapter 3-5 — Traffic
Walnut Creek Municipal Code Art. 23 Obstructions to Sidewalks/Public Areas
Walnut Creek Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · Walnut Creek
Cite as: Walnut Creek Municipal Code Article 23 · Text as of 2026-10-04
§ 3-5.2301. Obstructing Sidewalk Areas.¶
No person shall willfully and substantially obstruct any street, sidewalk, passageway or other public place so as to block or interfere with the free movement of another person.
(§ 1, Ord. 1822, eff. 6/17/1993)
§ 3-5.2302. Disturbing Landscaped or Decorative Areas.¶
No person shall stand, sit, climb upon, lay upon, or otherwise disturb or damage any landscaped or decorative public area which has been landscaped and which is not intended for public occupancy. This section shall apply, but not be limited, to planter boxes, trees, tree wells, areas of shrubbery, the interior of decorative water fountains, and any similar landscaped or decorative improvements. This section shall not apply to open grass or recreational areas in public parks.
(§ 1, Ord. 1822, eff. 6/17/1993)
§ 3-5.2303. Use of Pedestrian Benches and Plaza Areas.¶
No person shall stand or lay upon any public bench or structure designed as a general sitting area so as to prevent the intended use of these areas. This section shall also apply to portions of decorative fountains which are constructed so as to provide public sitting areas.
Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to prohibit persons from sitting on public benches or other public facilities which are provided for such purpose.
(§ 1, Ord. 1822, eff. 6/17/1993)
§ 3-5.2304. Exceptions.¶
Sections 3-5.2301 through 3-5.2303 shall not apply where their application would result in an interference with or inhibition of the constitutionally protected right of freedom of speech or assembly. In addition, these sections shall not apply to any public officer or employee or employees of a public utility when that person is necessarily upon such area in the line of duty.
(§ 1, Ord. 1822, eff. 6/17/1993)
§ 3-5.2305. Penalty; Misdemeanor or Infraction.¶
Any person who violates any provision of §3-5.2301 through 3-5.2304 shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor or an infraction.
a. If charged as an infraction the penalty upon conviction of such person shall be a fine as set forth in §1-2.01 of this Code.
b. If charged as a misdemeanor, the penalty upon conviction of such person shall be imprisonment in the county jail for a period not to exceed six months, or by a fine not exceeding $1,000, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
(§ 1, Ord. 1822, eff. 6/17/1993)
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