(A) Purpose. The protection of the home is of the highest importance. The public health and welfare and the good order of the community require that citizens enjoy in their homes and neighborhoods a feeling of well-being, tranquility, privacy and enjoy freedom from being a captive audience to unwanted speech in their homes. The practice of targeted picketing in residential areas causes emotional disturbance and distress to residents and has the potential to incite breaches of the peace. Full opportunity exists for individuals to exercise their right of free speech without resorting to targeted residential picketing. The provisions of this section are enacted for the purpose of protecting the significant public interests stated above and not to suppress free speech rights or any particular viewpoint.
(Prior Code, § 5-11-1)
(B) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
PICKETING. The stationing or posting of one or more persons to apprise the public, vocally or by standing or marching with signs, banners, sound amplification devices or other means, of an opinion or a message.
RESIDENCE. Any single-family, duplex or multi-family dwelling that is not used as a targeted occupant’s sole place of business or as a place of public meeting.
TARGETED RESIDENTIAL PICKETING. Picketing that:
(a) Is specifically directed or focused towards a residence or one or more occupants of a residence; or
(b) Takes place within 100 feet of the property line of that residence.
(Prior Code, § 5-11-2)
(C) Prohibition. It shall be unlawful for any person, acting alone or in concert with others, to engage in targeted residential picketing in the county.
(Prior Code, § 5-11-3)
(Ord. 09-06, passed 11-17-2009) Penalty, see § 91.99