12.90.030 Sidewalk obstruction.
A. It is unlawful to obstruct a sidewalk by placing or allowing to remain on any sidewalk any object or objects, other than a vehicle which is regulated by AMC Chapter 10.12, that obstructs free and public travel upon said sidewalk, except when permitted by a sidewalk use permit issued per AMC Title 12, and except that goods, wares, and merchandise may be placed on the sidewalk in front of any commercial building by the occupant thereof within 30 inches of the property line.
B. It is unlawful to sit or lie down upon a public sidewalk, or upon a blanket, chair, stool, bollard, planter, fountain, railing or any other object placed upon a public sidewalk, between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. in the Central Business District or Commercial zones as defined in AMC 19.40.030.
C. Exceptions. The prohibition in subsection (B) of this section does not apply to any person:
1. Sitting or lying down due to a medical or mental health emergency while awaiting assistance;
2. Who, as the result of a disability, utilizes a wheelchair, walker, or similar device to move about the public right-of-way and sits or rests on that device;
3. Operating or patronizing a commercial establishment conducted on the public right-of-way pursuant to a sidewalk use permit;
4. Participating in or attending a parade, festival, performance, rally, demonstration, meeting, or similar event conducted on the public right-of-way pursuant to a sidewalk use or other applicable permit;
5. Sitting on a chair or bench located on the public sidewalk which is supplied by a public agency or by the abutting private property owner;
6. Sitting on a public sidewalk within a bus stop zone while waiting for public or private transportation.
D. Nothing in any of the exceptions in subsection (C) of this section may be construed to permit any conduct which is prohibited by AMC 9.50.040, Prohibited conduct.
E. A violation of this section is a class 3 civil infraction per Chapter 7.80 RCW, carrying a maximum penalty and default amount of $50.00, not including statutory assessments.
F. No person may be cited under this section unless the person engages in conduct prohibited by this section after having been notified by a law enforcement officer that the conduct violates this section. (Ord. 4054 § 1, 2023; Ord. 4045 § 1, 2023; Ord. 4036 § 2, 2022. Formerly 9.24.015)