Numerous individuals or organizations distribute
newspapers, magazines, handbills and other papers by depositing the
same on the driveways, sidewalks or lawns of private residences and
premises. The indiscriminate distribution of printed matter upon residential
property creates a significant risk to the public in that the accumulation
thereof is an open invitation to burglary. Said manner of indiscriminate
distribution is, in addition, unsightly, contributes to litter, results
in the expenditure of public funds in order to eliminate same and
constitutes an invasion of privacy of those who do not wish to receive
such material. Additionally, the placing of handbills on vehicles
on private and public property causes a severe litter problem, is
unsanitary and unsightly and results in the expenditure of public
funds in order to eliminate same.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. I)]
Any person found guilty of violating any provision
of this chapter shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine not
exceeding $500 or a term of imprisonment of not more than 15 days,
or both. Each incident and each day for which a violation occurs or
continues shall constitute a separate offense.
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply
to the distribution of mail by the United States Postal Service or
to the service of any legal notice or process which is permitted or
required by law.