A. Definitions: For the purposes of this Section, the following terms, phrases, words, and their derivations shall have the meanings given herein. The word "shall" is always mandatory and not merely directory:
ENTRANCE: | Any ramp, stairway, or walkway extending from the front door of a healthcare facility to the sidewalk or park strip. |
HEALTHCARE FACILITY: | A physician's office or mental health facility, or any building in which a medical or mental health practitioner provides medical or mental health services. |
PERSON: | Either an individual or a group of two (2) or more individuals acting together. |
B. Prohibitions And Enforcement:
1. It is unlawful for a person to knowingly congregate, patrol, picket, or demonstrate in a zone extending fifteen feet (15') from any entrance to a healthcare facility.
2. It is unlawful for a person, after having been ordered by a law enforcement office to cease or reduce the volume of such noise, to make an unreasonably loud noise within thirty feet (30') of the entrance to a healthcare facility. It is unlawful for a person to use any sound amplification device within fifty feet (50') of the entrance to a hospital, healthcare, or mental health facility or office.
3. Within thirty feet (30') of a healthcare facility, it is unlawful for a person to remain within ten feet of an individual approaching a healthcare facility after that person verbally indicates they do not want to speak or otherwise engage with the actor.
4. Violation:
a. Any person violating this chapter shall be liable for a civil penalty not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500).
b. If police officers have probable cause to believe a person violated this chapter, they may (but are not required to) give a warning in lieu of a citation.
(1) If the police have probable cause to believe that a person has violated this chapter within seven days after receiving a warning, the responding officers shall issue a citation to the person
5. The provisions of this subsection B.1. through B.3. of this section do not apply to the following individuals while acting in their official capacity:
a. Police and other public safety officers;
b. Fire and rescue personnel;
c. Emergency services personnel; or
d. Employees or agents of the hospital, healthcare facility. (Ord. 28-22, 2022)