Mendocino County, CA Public Conduct: Aggressive Panhandling (2026)

72 was adopted in 2006 (Ord. No. 4172) after the Board of Supervisors found aggressive panhandling had increased sharply in commercial areas just outside Ukiah's city limits following that city's own 2005 panhandling ordinance. Sec. 020 defines 'aggressive manner' broadly: following or approaching someone in a way likely to cause fear of bodily harm or property loss, blocking a pedestrian's or vehicle's path, touching someone without consent, continuing to solicit after a negative response, using profane or threatening language or gestures, entering a roadway to approach a vehicle, knocking on or reaching into a vehicle window, or panhandling while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Sec. 030 then prohibits four scenarios outright as unlawful public nuisances: panhandling in an aggressive manner anywhere in public; panhandling within 20 feet of a bank, ATM, supermarket or retail store entrance without the property owner's consent; panhandling a vehicle's occupant at a freeway on- or off-ramp (except for genuine emergency roadside repairs the occupant requested); and panhandling inside any public transportation vehicle or public or private parking lot or structure. Sec. 040 sets the penalty ladder: a first offense is an infraction under Sec.

110(B), while a second or later offense becomes a misdemeanor under Sec. 110(A). Sec. 050 makes clear the chapter does not replace other applicable laws, so aggressive panhandling that also amounts to assault, battery or trespass can be charged separately and cumulatively.