Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on an Ordinance Amending Chapter 78 (Peddlers and Solicitors) of the McKinney Code of Ordinances to Incorporate a New Section, 78-9 (Aggressive Panhandling Prohibited)
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Safe and Secure Community
MEETING DATE: September 16, 2025
DEPARTMENT: Police Department
Code Services Department
City Attorney’s Office
CONTACT: Jennifer Arnold, AICP, Assistant City Manager
Joe Ellenburg, Chief of Police
Phillip Hubbard, Director of Code Services
Jeremy Page, Assistant City Attorney
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
• Adoption of proposed Ordinance.
ITEM SUMMARY:
- The proposed ordinance amends Chapter 78 (Peddler and Solicitors) of the McKinney Code of Ordinances to incorporate a new section, Section 78-9 pertaining to aggressive panhandling.
- While panhandling itself is not prohibited, aggressive forms of solicitation such as touching, threatening, or blocking individuals can create an intimidating and unsafe environment.
- The addition of Section 78-9 (Aggressive Panhandling) specifically prohibits the following:
- using violent or threatening gestures toward a person;
- continuing to panhandle from a person after said person has given a negative response to said panhandling;
- intentionally touching or causing physical contact with another person without that person’s consent in the course of panhandling;
- intentionally blocking or interfering with the safe or free passage of a pedestrian or vehicle by any means, including causing a pedestrian or vehicle operator to take evasive action to avoid physical contact;
- Panhandling from anyone who is waiting in line for (i) tickets, (ii) entry to a building, or (iii) any other purpose.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
- On July 17, 2025, the city conducted a targeted stakeholder meeting to hear input on challenges and opportunities currently occurring in the downtown area. During that meeting, Staff shared possible ordinance amendments, which were generally received favorably.
- On August 13, 2025, the city hosted a second stakeholder meeting to share information about homelessness in McKinney and obtain feedback on possible ordinance amendments.
- At the August 19, 2025 City Council Work Session, Council Staff presented an overview of possible ordinance amendments, including aggressive panhandling, for discussion. The proposed amendments to Chapter 78 were generally received favorably by the Council.