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HomeMy WebLinkAboutord1982-0761 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 DATE: October 7, 1982 PROPOSED BY: Prosecuting Attorney INTRODUCED BY: Johnson ORDINANCE NO. 82 -76 AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING CERTAIN ACTS OF TRESPASS AS MISDEMEANORS AND ESTABLISHING PENALTIES THEREFOR.. WHEREAS, the Whatcom County Council deems it in the best interest of the landowners and occupiers of Whatcom County to adopt an ordinance specifically addressing the issue of Trespass upon Real Property; and, WHEREAS, enforcement of present State laws regarding tre pass places an economic burden upon law enforcement agencies and the judicial system; and, WHEREAS, it is the legislative intent of this ordinance .to more effectively promote the public safety and welfare; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL that a new chapter is hereby added to Title 8 of the Whatcom County Code, to be designated as Chapter 8.24, and which shall pro- vide as follows: CHAPTER 8.24 TRESPASS ON REAL PROPERTY 8.24.010 Trespass on Real Property (1) A person is guilty of Trespass on Real Property if he knowingly enters or remains unlawfully in or upon the real property of another. (2) Trespass on.Real Property is a. Misdemeanor. Violat rs shall, upon conviction, be punished by imprisonment in the,County Ja 1 for not more than ninety (90) days or by a fine of not more than $500.00 or both. 8.24.020 Trespass on Real Property D'e'f'ens'es. In any prosecution under Section 8.24.010, it is a de- fense that: (1) The real property was at the time open to members o the public and the actor complied with all lawful conditions imposed on access to or remaining on the real property; or, (2) The actor reasonably believed that the owner of the real property, or other person empowered to license access thereto, would have licensed him to enter or remain. INANCE - 1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 8.24.030 Definitions The following definitions apply in this chapter: (1) "ENTER" - The word "enter" when constituting an element or part of a crime, shall include the entrance of the person, or the insertion of any part of his body, or any in- strument or weapon held in his hand and used or intended to be used to threaten or intimidate a person or.to detach or remove property. (2) "ENTERS OR REMAINS UNLAWFULLY" - A person "enters or remains unlawfully" in or upon real property when he is not then licensed, invited, or otherwise privileged to so enter or remaii A person who enters or remains upon unimproved and apparently unused land, which is neither fenced nor otherwise enclosed in a manner de- signed to exclude intruders, does so with license and privilege unless notice against trespass is personally communicated to him by the owner of the land or some other authorized person, or unless notice is given by posting in a conspicuous manner. (3) "KNOWLEDGE" - A person knows or acts knowingly or with knowledge when: (a) He is aware of a fact, facts, or circumstances or result described by a statute defining an offense; or, (b) He has information which would lead a reasonable mar in the same situation to believe that facts exist which facts are described by a statute defining an offense. (4) "PERSON" - "HE" and "ACTOR" include any natural erson and, where relevant, a corporation, joint stock association, r an unincorporated association. PASSED this 4th day of RNMY Sii►.'Im 27 28 29 30 31 32 November , 1982. WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON BY: WILLIAM P. ROEHL, Council Chairperson (� APPROVED ( ) VETOED JOHN _ U S , Coun y Executive DATE: November 5, 1982 lished October 24. 1982 and November 12, 1982 is ordinance becomes effective on November 15, 1982 OP INANCE - 2.