Redding, CA Public Conduct: Aggressive Panhandling (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Redding Municipal Code § 10.19.020
- Defined term
- 'Aggressive manner' listed in § 10.19.010
- Extra buffer zones
- 15 feet from banks, ATMs (§ 10.19.030)
- Parking structure curfew
- No soliciting 1/2 hour after sunset to sunrise
- Default penalty
- Misdemeanor, up to $1,000 fine or jail (§ 1.12.020)
Summary
Redding Municipal Code § 10.19.020 makes it unlawful to solicit, ask or beg in an aggressive manner anywhere in the city, and § 10.19.010 defines six specific behaviors, from blocking a sidewalk to using threatening language, that turn ordinary panhandling into a chargeable offense.
No person shall solicit, ask or beg in an aggressive manner in any public place. "Aggressive manner" means any of the following:1.Approaching or speaking to a person, or following a person before, during or after soliciting, asking or begging, if that conduct is intended or is likely to cause a reasonable person to: (i) fear bodily harm to oneself or to another, damage to or loss of property, or (ii) otherwise be intimidated into giving money or other thing of value;2.Intentionally touching or causing physical contact with another person or an occupied vehicle without that person's consent in the course of soliciting, asking or begging;3.Intentionally blocking or interfering with the safe or free passage of a pedestrian or vehicle by any means, including unreasonably causing a pedestrian or vehicle operator to take evasive action to avoid physical contact; ... 6.Using profane, offensive or abusive language which is inherently likely to provoke an immediate violent reaction, either before, during or after solicitation.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 48).
Full Breakdown
010 to include any street, sidewalk, parking lot, transportation facility, park, playground or the lobby or entrance of a business, apartment building or hotel. 010 spells out exactly what makes solicitation 'aggressive': approaching, speaking to or following someone in a way likely to make a reasonable person fear bodily harm or property loss, or feel intimidated into giving money; touching a person or their occupied vehicle without consent while soliciting; blocking or interfering with a pedestrian's or driver's safe passage; using violent or threatening gestures; continuing to follow or approach someone who has already said no; or using profane or abusive language likely to provoke violence.
030 layers on location-based restrictions that apply to any solicitation, aggressive or not: no soliciting within 15 feet of a bank, savings and loan, credit union or check-cashing business entrance during business hours, within 15 feet of an ATM while it is in use, in any parking lot or structure from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise, or aboard any public transportation vehicle. 040 exempts lawful vending, ATMs inside unrelated buildings like supermarkets, and business-related or emergency-repair solicitations at the location-based restrictions.
Violations & Fines
Chapter 10.19 does not set its own fine schedule, so a violation of § 10.19.020 or § 10.19.030 falls under the citywide default in Redding Municipal Code § 1.12.010: it is a misdemeanor unless the offense is classified as an infraction or the city attorney reduces the charge. Under § 1.12.020, a misdemeanor conviction carries a fine of up to $1,000, up to six months in county jail, or both; an infraction is fined up to $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second within a year, and $500 for a third.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as 'aggressive' panhandling in Redding?
Is all panhandling illegal in Redding, or just the aggressive kind?
Can I solicit donations near a Redding ATM?
What is the penalty for violating Redding's solicitation ordinance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Redding
California rules heatmap·Compare Redding to another location·View the California public conduct overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.