Evanston, IL Public Conduct: Aggressive Panhandling (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Evanston City Code § 9-5-25(C)
- ATM buffer
- 10 feet, or 15 seconds after leaving
- Stationary-refusal rule
- Cannot repeat request after one refusal
- No-solicit notice
- 3"x5" posted card bars all solicitors
- Penalty
- Fine or community service, § 9-5-25(F)
Summary
Evanston bans panhandling or soliciting "in an aggressive manner" under City Code Section 9-5-25(C), defining eight specific aggressive acts: cornering someone at an ATM, repeating a request after a stationary person refuses, touching someone without consent, blocking a path or entrance, following a person, using profane or abusive language, and behavior that would make a reasonable person feel harassed or intimidated. Violations are a public nuisance punishable by a fine or community service.
(C)Aggressive Panhandling or Soliciting Prohibited. It shall be unlawful to engage in an act of panhandling or soliciting in an aggressive manner. A person's manner is aggressive if the person engages in any of the following actions:1.Panhandling or soliciting a person who is standing at an automated teller machine while located within ten (10) feet of that person.2.Panhandling or soliciting a person who is standing at an automated teller machine while the person is standing at the machine and within fifteen (15) seconds after the person begins to leave the machine.3.Repeating a panhandling or soliciting request when the person to whom the panhandling or soliciting request is made is stationary and has refused an immediately prior request made at that location. ... 5.Panhandling or soliciting while blocking the path of the person to whom the panhandling or soliciting request is made, or blocking the entrance to any premises, building or vehicle.6.Following behind, alongside, or ahead of the person to whom the panhandling or soliciting request is made during or after the panhandling or soliciting request.7.Directing profane or abusive language at the person to whom the panhandling or soliciting request is made at any time immediately before, during, or after panhandling or soliciting.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 21).
Full Breakdown
Section 9-5-25(C) makes it "unlawful to engage in an act of panhandling or soliciting in an aggressive manner," and lists the specific conduct that counts as aggressive rather than leaving the term undefined. " It further bars touching the target without consent, "blocking the path" of the person or "the entrance to any premises, building or vehicle," "following behind, alongside, or ahead of" the person, and "directing profane or abusive language" at them. on weekdays and Saturdays under Subsection (B). Property owners can also bar solicitors entirely by posting a weatherproof "NO SOLICITORS ALLOWED" card at least three by five inches under Subsection (D), and panhandlers must comply with any posted notice and leave immediately when an occupant asks under Subsection (E).
Violations & Fines
Each act of aggressive panhandling or soliciting "shall constitute a public nuisance and a separate violation of this Code," punishable under Subsection (F) "by a fine or community service." The ordinance doesn't set a specific dollar figure for Section 9-5-25 itself, so a fine is set within the City's general penalty framework, and every separate encounter, not just every day, counts as its own violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes panhandling 'aggressive' under Evanston's ordinance?
Can I stop someone from soliciting on my property in Evanston?
Is regular, non-aggressive panhandling legal in Evanston?
Sources & Official References
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