Yakima, WA Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Sit-Lie Rules (2026)

“Obstructs pedestrian or vehicular traffic” means to walk, stand, sit, lie or place an object in such a manner as to block passage by another person or vehicle to such an extent that evasive action is necessary to avoid physical contact. Innocent acts which unintentionally and inadvertently block traffic or cause others to take evasive action; acts authorized as an exercise of one’s constitutional right to picket or to legally protest; and acts authorized by permit issued pursuant to this code shall not constitute an obstruction or interference with pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

2. “Aggressively beg” means to beg with the intent to intimidate another person into giving money or goods.

3. “Intimidate” means to engage in conduct which would make a reasonable person fearful or feel compelled.

4. “Beg” means to ask for money or goods as a charity, whether by words, bodily gestures, signs, or other means.

5. “Public place” means an area generally visible to public view and includes, but is not limited to, alleys, bridges, buildings, driveways, parking lots, parks, plazas, sidewalks and streets open to the general public, and doorways and entrances to buildings or dwellings accessible to the public and the grounds enclosing them. (Ord. 98-3 § 59 (part), 1998; Ord. 2010-19 § 1, 2010)