(a) Generally. A person may solicit contributions on behalf of a charitable or civic origination by standing or remaining in the public roadway only with a license and in accordance with this article and the Motor Vehicle Code, being M.C.L.A. § 257.676b(2). Any other solicitation within the public roadway is prohibited.
(b) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
CHARITABLE OR CIVIC ORGANIZATION. A non-profit organization that is qualified under §§ 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C. § 501, or a veterans’ organization that has tax exempt status under the Internal Revenue Code, and establishes proof of such qualification or status with documentation as determined acceptable by the City Manager.
ROADWAY. The area of a paved or unpaved private, or public street, highway or road designed for vehicular travel generally including the area from curb to curb, or if no curb is present, from outer edge of shoulder to outer edge of shoulder.
SOLICIT or SOLICITATION. By words or other conduct, to request or invite the receipt of money or other personal property.
STANDING. Include standing, sitting, leaning or otherwise remaining within the roadway other than is reasonably necessary to traverse across the roadway, or to complete activity within an area of the roadway necessitated by an emergency such as a traffic accident, mechanical breakdown, or other similar event.
(c) Frequency of solicitation. Any charitable or civic organization may only solicit on two occasions in each calendar year (365 days January 1 through December 31), for not more than two consecutive days each occasion.
(d) Approval to solicit. Only one charitable or civic organization will be granted approval to solicit by City Council for a particular day.
(e) Insurance. The charitable or civic organization shall maintain general liability insurance with a minimum of $500,000 per person per occurrence during all times of solicitation pursuant to this section.
(f) Penalty. Any entity, organization, employee or person who violates this section shall be guilty of a civil infraction punishable by up to a $500 fine plus costs. Each instance of solicitation or standing, is considered a separate offense subject to penalties under the provisions of this section.
(Ord. 232, passed 12-13-1995; Ord. 08-09, passed 8-13-2008; Ord. 1701-10, passed 1-10-2018; Ord. 2104-01, passed 4-14-2021)