(a) Definition. "Loitering" means remaining idle in essentially one location and includes the colloquial expression "hanging around".
(b) Certain Types of Loitering Prohibited. No person shall loiter in a public place and do any of the following:
(1) Breach the peace; or create a disturbance or unreasonable annoyance to the comfort and repose of any person;
(2) Obstruct the free passage of pedestrians or vehicles;
(3) Obstruct, molest or physically interfere with any person;
(4) Engage in conduct which creates an unreasonable risk of physical harm, including making remarks of an offensive, disgusting or insulting nature to another person;
(5) Solicit others for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct.
(c) Penalty. Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.
(d) Order and Refusal to Leave.
(1) Whenever any police officer has reasonable grounds to believe that any person loitering in any public place is likely to cause any of the conditions enumerated in subsection (b) hereof, the police officer may order that person to leave that place in order to preserve the public peace and safety.
(2) Any person who refuses to leave a public place after being ordered to do so by a police officer under subsection (d)(1) hereof, is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(1952 Code 17-10-112; Ord. 224-78)