HomeMy WebLinkAboutORD 2003-36 - PanhandlingORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GEORGETOWN, TEXAS AMENDING CHAPTER 6.16 OF THE
CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF GEORGETOWN
PERTAINING TO "PEDDLERS AND SOLICITORS" TO
PROHIBIT PEDDLING AND SOLICITING IN PUBLIC STREETS;
AND ADDING NEW SECTION 9.12.030 TO THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES PROHIBITING PANHANDLING IN PUBLIC
STREETS; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of Georgetown finds that its ordinance relating to peddlers and
solicitors engaging in solicitation is in need of amendment in light of the dangerous
nature of the activity when soliciting in public streets within the City limits; and
WHEREAS, the City of Georgetown finds that panhandling can also be dangerous when
it is conducted in public streets within the City limits; and
WHEREAS, the City of Georgetown further finds that it is desirable to attempt to ensure
the safety of persons using the City streets, as well as of peddlers, solicitors and
panhandlers, by prohibiting such activities in the public streets.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF GEORGETOWN, TEXAS THAT:
SECTION l: The facts and recitations contained in the preamble of this ordinance are
hereby found and declared to be true and correct, and are incorporated by reference
herein and expressly made a part thereof, as if copied verbatim. The City Council hereby
finds that this ordinance implements the following Century Plan Elements:
4.0 The City provides for the safety of its citizens and supports the responsive
delivery of coordinated services by the City and other public agencies.
4.7 There is trust and harmony between the City's public safety providers and
all segments of the community.
4.8 Georgetown is effective at resolving issues related to crime, disorder, and
fear of crime.
The City Council further finds that the enactment of this ordinance is not inconsistent or
in conflict with any other Century Plan Policies, as required by section 2.03 of the
Administrative Chapter of the Policy Plan,
Ordinance No.
Peddlers and Solicitors Amendment and Panhandling Ordinance
Page 1 of 2
SECTION 2: Section 6.16.130 "Hours of Operation" of the Georgetown Code of
Ordinances is hereby amended to change the title, renumber the subsections, and add a
new subsection `B" as follows:
Sec. 6.16.130. Hours and places of solicitations.
A. No peddler or solicitor may conduct activities defined in Section 6.16.010
except between the hours of eight a.m. and sunset.
B. No peddler or solicitor may peddle or solicit in the public streets, or from
medians in the streets, within the City limits, or in any way block, obstruct, or
unduly hinder passage on public streets within the City limits.
SECTION 3. That new Section 9.12.040 "Panhandling" be added to the Code of
Ordinances and read as follows:
Sec. 9.12.030. Panhandling
A. As used in this section, "panhandle" or "panhandling" means verbally or
nonverbally requesting money, food, or other valuable consideration from another
person without giving consideration of equal value in return.
B. No person may panhandle in the public streets, or from medians in the streets,
within the City limits or in any way block, obstruct, or unduly hinder passage on
public streets within the City limits.
PASSED AND APPROVED on First Reading on the 13th day of May, 2003,
PASSED AND ADOPTED on Second Reading on the LOA day of June, 2003.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
E. Carls, Brown & Carls, L.L.P.
City Attorney
Ordinance No. =
Peddlers and Solicitors Air
Page 2 of 2
CITY OF GEORGETOWN, TEXAS
By:
M
Sandra D. Lee, City
and Panhandling Ordinance