Chico, CA Public Conduct: Aggressive Panhandling (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- Municipal Code Ch. 9.54
- Distance buffer
- Three feet until donor agrees
- Banned tactics
- Blocking, following, touching, threats
- Penalty class
- Misdemeanor or infraction
Summary
Chico bans aggressive panhandling under Municipal Code Chapter 9.54: soliciting within three feet, blocking a person's path, following someone, or using violent gestures or profanity to solicit money is unlawful citywide.
A person may not solicit: A. By coming within three feet of the person solicited, until that person has indicated that he or she wishes to make a donation; B. By intentionally blocking or interfering with the passage of a pedestrian or vehicle by any means...; E. By using violent or threatening gestures toward a person solicited either before, during, or after soliciting; F. By using profane or abusive language, either during the solicitation or following a refusal to make a donation.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Supplement contains local legislation current through: Codified Resolution No. 53-26, adopted 7-14-26 and Ordinance No. 2622, adopted 6-2-26).
Full Breakdown
Chico Municipal Code Chapter 9.54 outlaws aggressive and deceptive solicitation citywide. Section 9.54.030 bars soliciting within three feet of a person before they've agreed to give, blocking or following someone, touching without consent, using violent or threatening gestures, or profane/abusive language toward the person solicited. Section 9.54.020 separately bans solicitation at bus stops, ATMs, within five feet of building entrances or crosswalks, and in private parking lots posted against it. Violations are enforced through Chico's general code-violation penalties (misdemeanor or infraction) under Chapter 1.15.
Violations & Fines
Soliciting within three feet, blocking a path, following a person, touching without consent, threatening gestures, or profane language toward someone being solicited; charged as a misdemeanor or infraction under Chapter 1.15.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is panhandling illegal in Chico?
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chico
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