Cotati Municipal Code
Chapter 9.40 OBSTRUCTING STREETS AND
SIDEWALKS
The Cotati Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 932, passed January 14, 2025.
OBSTRUCTING STREETS AND SIDEWALKS
Sections:
9.40.010 Blocking public way prohibited.
9.40.020 Loitering prohibited.
9.40.030 Public way – Sitting, lying upon unlawful.
9.40.040 Public place – Blocking entry prohibited.
9.40.050 Encroachments excepted.
9.40.060 Violation – Misdemeanor.
9.40.010 Blocking public way prohibited.
No person shall stand in or upon any street, sidewalk or other public way open for pedestrian travel, or otherwise occupy any portion thereof in such manner as to annoy or molest any person thereon, or so as to obstruct or unreasonably interfere with the free passage of persons and vehicles. In certain circumstances, streets, sidewalks or the public right of way may be closed under written permit from the City, in accordance with Chapter 4.04 (Fees for Use of City Facilities) or Chapter 11.01 (Encroachments within Public Rights of Way), as applicable in the sole judgement of the city. (Ord. 112 § 1, 1969).
9.40.020 Loitering prohibited.
No person shall loiter in any tunnel, pedestrian subway, or on any bridge, overpass, or at or near the entrance thereto or exit therefrom, or at or near any abutment or retaining wall adjacent to such entrance or exit, or any retaining wall or abutment adjacent to any freeway, street or highway open and used for vehicular traffic, or adjacent to that portion thereof used for vehicular traffic, or on any public property in the proximity of such bridge, overpass, or retaining wall or abutment. (Ord. 112 § 2, 1969).
9.40.030 Public way – Sitting, lying upon unlawful.
No person shall sit or lie in or upon any street, sidewalk, or other public way in any manner to unreasonably prevent, delay, hinder, obstruct, or interfere with the free passage of any other persons.
The provisions of this section shall not apply to persons sitting on the curb portion of any sidewalk or street while attending or viewing any lawfully conducted parade; nor shall the provisions of this section apply to persons sitting upon benches or other seating facilities lawfully provided for such purpose. (Ord. 112 § 3, 1969).
9.40.040 Public place – Blocking entry prohibited.
No person shall block, impede or obstruct any entrance, exit or approach to any hall, church, school or other public place or to any place of business in such manner to unreasonably prevent, hinder, delay, obstruct or interfere with the free passage of any other person who is entering, occupying or leaving any of the aforesaid places, or who is performing any service or labor, or who is seeking or obtaining employment, or who is purchasing, selling, using, delivering, transporting, or receiving any goods, wares, merchandise, services, entertainment, accommodation, or articles or who is attempting or seeking to do any of the foregoing; provided that nothing contained herein shall apply to lawful picketing. (Ord. 112 § 4, 1969).
9.40.050 Encroachments excepted.
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to encroachments under permits issued pursuant to ordinances of this city. (Ord. 112 § 5, 1969).
9.40.060 Violation – Misdemeanor.
Every violation of this chapter is a misdemeanor. Any person, whether principal, agent, employee or otherwise, who violates any of the provisions of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars or by imprisonment in the county jail of the county of Sonoma for a term not exceeding six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Such person is guilty of a separate offense for each and every day during any portion of which any violation of this chapter is committed, continued or permitted by such person, and shall be punishable as herein provided. (Ord. 112 § 6, 1969).