(A) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to ensure the safety and sense of safety of persons in the community by prohibiting interactions with occupants of motor vehicles operating in traffic lanes and by ensuring zones of personal safety for those engaging in certain activities.
(B) Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings provided in this division:
ACCOST. To approach or speak to a person in such a manner as would cause a reasonable person to apprehension for his or her personal safety, of imminent bodily harm or of the commission of a criminal act upon his or her person, or upon property in his or her immediate possession.
FORCE ONESELF UPON THE COMPANY OF ANOTHER. That, after engaging or attempting to engage another person in conversation or to induce them into an exchange of any items in a public place, a person does one or more of the following:
(a) Blocks the passage of the other person;
(b) Pursues and continues to address the other person for at least ten feet as the other person attempts to walk away or verbally expresses a desire not to so engage; or
(c) Otherwise engages in conduct which could reasonably be construed as intended to compel or force the other person to accede to a request or demand.
(C) Violations. It shall be unlawful for any person to:
(1) Accost another.
(2) Force oneself upon the company of another.
(3) Enter or reach into a traffic lane in a public right-of-way to render any service (except emergency medical or mechanical services) or exchanging with, conveying to, or receiving from an occupant of any vehicle in a traffic lane any funds or other items.
(4) Except as otherwise provided in division (D), to solicit money or other things of value:
(a) On private property if the owner, tenant or lawful occupant has asked the person not to solicit on the property or has posted a sign clearly indicating that solicitations are not welcome on the property;
(b) While located within 15 feet of the entrance to or exit from any public toilet facility;
(c) While located within 15 feet of an automated teller machine, provided that when an automated teller machine is located within an automated teller machine facility, such distance shall be measured from the entrance or exit of the automated teller machine facility;
(d) While located within 15 feet of any pay telephone, provided that when a pay telephone is located within a telephone booth or other facility, such distance shall be measured from the entrance or exit of the telephone booth or facility;
(e) While located within any public transportation vehicle, or within 15 feet of any bus stop, taxi stand or rapid transit stop;
(f) While located within 15 feet from any person who is waiting in line for entry to any building, public or private, including, but not limited to, any residence, business or athletic facility; or
(g) While located within 15 feet of the entrance or exit from a building, public or private, including, but not limited to, any residence, business or athletic facility.
(D) Exceptions. Division (C) does not apply to:
(1) Soliciting money or other things of value on private property with the consent or invitation of the property owner; or
(2) Soliciting money or other things of value from the occupant of a residential unit, when such solicitation occurs at the front entrance of the residential unit and the occupant has not asked the person not to solicit on the property or posted a sign clearly indicating that solicitations are not welcome.
(3) Soliciting emergency assistance from anyone when a person is in immediate need of emergency medical care or a person is being threatened by others with bodily harm.
(Ord. 1007, passed 12-14-15; Am. Ord. 1009, passed 4-25-16)