If you’re homeless in Greensboro, it’s often hard to find a bathroom to use. Many businesses don’t want homeless people to use their bathrooms. Â And often, they don’t want homeless people hanging around outside, either. But congregating on the sidewalk isn’t an option. Â Homeless people are often charged with violating these local ordinances:
From the City of Greensboro Code of Ordinances:
Sec. 18-44. Loitering.
It shall be unlawful for any person to occupy the streets or sidewalks of the city in such a way as to obstruct or interfere with the free passage into or out of any public business, sidewalk, or private property.
(Code 1961, § 13-9; Ord. 07-205, § 1, 9-18-07)
State law references: Standing, sitting or lying upon streets or highways, G.S. 20-174.1.Sec. 18-45. Urinating or defecating in public.
It shall be unlawful for any person to urinate or defecate on any public place, sidewalk, street, alleyway or right-of-way, or in any public building except in designated water closets or toilet facilities, or on any private property. Having the written permission of the owner or person in lawful possession shall constitute an affirmative defense to the charge or urinating or defecating on private property.
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