Exciting enhancements are coming soon to eCode360! Learn more 🡪
City of Galax, VA
 
By using eCode360 you agree to be legally bound by the Terms of Use. If you do not agree to the Terms of Use, please do not use eCode360.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Code
New Laws (4) Index
[HISTORY: Adopted by the City Council of the City of Galax 6-26-2006. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Streets, sidewalks and public places — See Ch. 127.
Vehicles and traffic — See Ch. 148.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
LOITER
To stand around or remain or to park or remain parked in a motor vehicle at a public place or place open to the public and engage in any conduct prohibited under this law. "Loiter" also means to collect, gather, congregate or be a member of a group or a crowd of people who are gathered together in any public place or place open to the public and to engage in conduct prohibited under this law.
PUBLIC PLACE
Any public street, road, or highway, alley, land, sidewalk, crosswalk or other public way, or any public resort, place of amusement, park, playground, public building or ground appurtenant thereto, school building or school grounds or public parking lot, or private parking lot or any other publicly owned parking lot, or the area in front of or adjacent to any store, shop, restaurant, or other place of business.
A. 
In accordance with Section 15.2-926, Code of Virginia, as amended, the following prohibited conduct regarding the act of loitering is established.
B. 
Prohibited conduct. It shall be unlawful for any person to loiter at, or in a public place or place open to the public in the following manner:
(1) 
To interfere, impede or hinder the free passage of pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
(2) 
To threaten or do physical harm to another member of the public or another member.
(3) 
To threaten or do physical harm to the property of another member or members of the public.
(4) 
That by words, acts or other conduct, it is clear that there is a present danger of a breach of the peace or disorderly conduct.
(5) 
Refusing to move on when so requested by a police officer or returning after having been told to move on, provided that the police officer has exercised his discretion reasonably under the circumstances in order to preserve and promote public peace and order.
Any person violating this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall upon conviction be subjected to the penalties prescribed for Class 3 misdemeanors.