Pasco, WA Public Conduct: Aggressive Panhandling (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- PMC 9.35, Panhandling
- Where banned
- Retail, commercial, food service premises
- Charge level
- Misdemeanor, not civil infraction
- Defense
- Business posts written permission notice
- Adopted
- Ord. 2560, 1985
Summary
Pasco does not single out "aggressive" panhandling; it bans all panhandling on the premises of any retail, commercial, or food service business citywide, and the code itself calls panhandling a misdemeanor. A business can lift the ban on its own property only by posting a written notice permitting it.
9.35.010 Panhandling defined. "Panhandling" as used in this chapter means to request or solicit of another person that they give money or anything of value for the private use of the person making the request. Panhandling is a misdemeanor. 9.35.020 Prohibited conduct. Panhandling is unlawful in or upon the premises of any retail, commercial or food service business in the City of Pasco.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 4837, passed May 4, 2026).
Full Breakdown
020 then narrows where the ban applies: panhandling is unlawful in or upon the premises of any retail, commercial, or food service business in the City of Pasco. That means the prohibition covers store entrances, restaurant patios, gas station lots, and similar commercial premises rather than public sidewalks generally. 030 makes it an affirmative defense to a panhandling prosecution if the business has posted a written notice, on or about the entryway to the premises, authorizing or permitting panhandling there. Absent that posted notice, a person soliciting money on business property is subject to prosecution as a misdemeanor rather than a civil infraction, which is a heavier charge than most other Pasco public-conduct violations that carry only a Class 1 through 4 civil infraction penalty. 35 with no amendments narrowing or expanding its reach since.
Violations & Fines
Soliciting money or anything of value on the premises of a retail, commercial, or food service business without the business's posted written consent is a misdemeanor under PMC 9.35.010 and PMC 9.35.020, a criminal charge rather than a simple civil infraction. Prosecution can be defeated only by proof the business posted a notice at its entryway authorizing panhandling under PMC 9.35.030.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pasco ban panhandling everywhere or just aggressive panhandling?
Is panhandling a criminal offense in Pasco?
Can a business allow panhandling on its own property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pasco
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