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SANTA CLARA COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES: CHAPTER IV. PUBLIC USE AREAS

Copyrighted by SANTA CLARA COUNTY CODE & Municipal Code Corporation, 1998.

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CHAPTER IV.
PUBLIC USE AREAS

ARTICLE 1.
WATER RECREATION

Sec. B14-41.1. Regulations authorized.

The Director shall adopt rules and regulations consistent with applicable laws or regulations governing the public use of water recreation facilities in the County, including but not limited to time-of-day restrictions, speed zones and special use areas, sanitation, pollution and reporting of accidents.

(Ord. No. NS-702.89, § 2, 12-18-01)

Sec. B14-41.2. Compliance.

All persons using County park waters shall comply with California boating laws, County ordinances and rules.

(Ord. No. NS-702.89, § 2, 12-18-01)

Sec. B14-41.3. Boat centers.

(a) The rental fees for regular berthing, mooring or dry storage of vessels at any boat center shall be for each month of a calendar year. The fee for berthing, mooring or dry storage of vessels after the first day of any month of the year shall be prorated for the remaining number of days of such month.

(b) Rent payments shall be made on or before the date specified on the billing notice. A delinquent penalty of one percent per month on any outstanding balance shall be added for each and every month beyond the due date that the rental payment is thereafter delinquent.

(c) The Director may establish rules and regulations pertaining to the use of park land for berthing, mooring or dry storage of vessels.

(Ord. No. NS-702.89, § 2, 12-18-01; Ord. No. NS-702.91, § 12, 9-25-07)

Sec. B14-41.4. Limitation on use of facilities.

No persons other than those renting storage space, or guests of such persons, shall enter into storage area or on berthing docks and slips. No boat shall be tied, berthed or stored except in a berth specifically provided for public rental for which an application has been filed and the required fee has been paid.

(Ord. No. NS-702.89, § 2, 12-18-01)

Sec. B14-41.5. Boating activities.

(a) Powerboats, personal watercraft, boats with electric motors and nonpowered vessels shall be permitted only on those park waters designated for such use by the Director.

(b) The maximum speed on all County reservoirs permitting unlimited power boating shall be 35 miles per hour.

(c) "No wake zones" and other special use areas may be established on park waters by signs or buoys; the speed limit shall be five miles per hour.

(d) Powerboat and personal watercraft travel within Anderson, Calero, and Coyote reservoirs shall circulate in a counter-clockwise direction unless otherwise designated by the Director.

(e) Boating hours shall be 8:00 a.m. to one-half hour before sunset unless otherwise specified by the Director.

(f) No vessels shall beach on the east shore of Coyote Reservoir.

(g) Vessels may be subject to inspection for seaworthiness and safety gear. The park ranger on duty shall have the authority to determine the seaworthiness of any vessel and to exclude those determined to be unsafe.

(h) The park ranger on duty shall have the authority to declare any park waters closed to any or all vessels by reason of hazardous conditions.

(i) The park ranger on duty shall have the authority to determine the safe boating capacity of park waters and shall have the authority to limit the number of boats launched to this capacity.

(1) Boats in excess of 26 feet in length, or 4,500 pounds in weight, or boats requiring special equipment shall not be launched from ramps operated by the County except by special permit issued by the Director.

(2) The park ranger on duty shall have the authority to refuse entry to any vessel unsuitable for a park facility.

(Ord. No. NS-702.89, § 2, 12-18-01)

Sec. B14-41.6. Swimming.

Swimming, wading, diving and jumping into a reservoir or other water bodies is prohibited, except in specifically designated areas at designated times.

(Ord. No. NS-702.89, § 2, 12-18-01; Ord. No. NS-702.91, § 13, 9-25-07)

Sec. B14-41.7. Float tubes.

A float tube is a commercially manufactured device considered to be a flotation aide for the sole purpose of fishing. They are permitted on County reservoirs during normal reservoir hours in non-traffic pattern areas for the sole purpose of fishing as long as the reservoir is open for public use. A Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device is required to be on board.

(Ord. No. NS-702.89, § 2, 12-18-01; Ord. No. NS-702.91, § 14, 9-25-07)

Sec. B14-41.8. Permitted diving.

A special permit is required if park waters are to be used by scuba or any other type of underwater divers to retrieve personal items belonging to park users. The permit shall be conditioned upon the diver providing proof of specified insurance or bond in an amount set by the Director, the execution of a waiver of liability, the certification of divers, and the observation of protocols and use of equipment relating to the safety of this activity.

(Ord. No. NS-702.89, § 2, 12-18-01; Ord. No. NS-702.91, § 15, 9-25-07)

ARTICLE 2.
TRAILS

Sec. B14-42.1. Equestrian trails.

(a) Within a park, no person shall ride, lead, drive or leave standing any horse or animal pulled cart or wagon on any trail or in any area, other than on authorized trails or in authorized areas.

(b) This section is not applicable to any state or County highway.

(Ord. No. NS-702.89, § 2, 12-18-01; Ord. No. NS-702.91, § 16, 9-25-07)

Sec. B14-42.2. Bicycle trails.

(a) Park trails and roads may be used in the following manner consistent with their posted designation.

(1) The Director may establish bicycle trails in County parks.

(2) The Director or designee may temporarily close a bicycle trail in order to ensure the safety of persons or property or to protect the environment.

(3) The Director may temporarily prohibit the operation of bicycles on park roads and trails.

(b) No person shall operate or possess a bicycle within a County park except:

(1) On trails designated as "bicycle trails" or with other similar signage or symbol;

(2) On trails and park roads that are the responsibility of the Department, as long as the operation of bicycles is not prohibited by appropriate signage.

(1) Negligent, unsafe or reckless, or in any way that endangers any person or property;

(2) At a speed greater than 15 miles per hour;

(3) At a speed which is greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, a park road or bicycle trial or at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property;

(4) In violation of any applicable provision of the California Vehicle Code.

(d) A person operating a bicycle in a County park shall yield to all equestrians and hikers who are crossing a bicycle trail, highway, street or road. When approaching equestrians or hikers from the rear, the person operating a bicycle shall audibly warn of his or her presence and, when passing, exercise due care.

(e) Pursuant to Vehicle Code § 21212, persons under age 18 operating a bicycle, non-motorized scooter or skateboard must wear an ANSI, Snell, or other state-approved helmet for head protection on bicycle trails, pathways and promenades in County parks.

(f) All persons age 18 years and over operating a bicycle must wear an ANSI, Snell, or other state-approved helmet for head protection on unpaved bicycle trails in County Parks.

(g) A person skating or rollerblading in a County park shall yield to all equestrians and hikers who are crossing a bicycle trail, highway, street or road. The skater or rollerblader shall audibly warn of his or her presence and, when passing, exercise due care.

(Ord. No. NS-702.89, § 2, 12-18-01; Ord. No. NS-702.91, § 17, 9-25-07)

ARTICLE 3.
DAY USE

Sec. B14-43.1. Picnic.

(a) Family picnic sites, are available on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation permit required. A family or group may not occupy more than one designated family picnic site.

(b) Use of designated group picnic areas is required for groups of more than 30 persons available through reservation permit only.

(Ord. No. NS-702.89, § 2, 12-18-01; Ord. No. NS-702.91, § 18, 9-25-07)

Sec. B14-43.2. Youth day camping.

(a) Youth day camp sponsors shall comply with procedures and guidelines set forth by the Department.

(b) The conditions and fees relating to day camp use by youth organizations are as follows:

(1) A permit is required.

(2) The maximum reservation period is ten consecutive days, not including weekends or holidays.

(3) The fees may be waived by the Director in exchange for services provided to County parks within the capability of the group.

(4) Vehicle entry fees are waived for youth day camp sponsors and staff volunteers.

(Ord. No. NS-702.89, § 2, 12-18-01)

ARTICLE 4.
CAMPING

Sec. B14-44.1. Vehicles.

Maximum of two vehicles is allowed per campsite.

(Ord. No. NS-702.89, § 2, 12-18-01)

Sec. B14-44.2. Time limits.

(a) No permit shall be issued to camp in any County park for more than 14 days within any 45-day period. The Director may grant special camping permits for a longer period to camp hosts or organizations sponsoring recreation programs.

(b) Notwithstanding Subsection (a) above, campers may not camp for more than a total of 14 days in any County park between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

(c) In all County parks, campers shall vacate the site before 1:00 p.m. on the departure date, except on Sunday, provided the Sunday is not followed by a holiday.

(Ord. No. NS-702.89, § 2, 12-18-01)

Sec. B14-44.3. Capacity.

Each family campsite is limited to no more than eight persons, except at Sanborn Park where the limit is six persons.

(Ord. No. NS-702.89, § 2, 12-18-01)

Sec. B14-44.4. Camping by minors.

Persons under 18 years of age are not permitted to camp overnight unless accompanied by a responsible adult. Written proof of age is required.

(Ord. No. NS-702.89, § 2, 12-18-01)

Sec. B14-44.5. Designated parks for camping and recreational vehicles.

(a) Camping activities shall be restricted to established campsites described in writing or in graphics at designated County parks.

(b) Individual recreation vehicles are permitted at Grant, Mt. Madonna, Uvas Canyon, Coyote Lake and Sanborn.

(1) Huckleberry Group Camp Site: 15.

(2) Manzanita Group Camp Site: 30.

(Ord. No. NS-702.89, § 2, 12-18-01)

Sec. B14-44.6. Quiet hours

Quiet hours at all park campsites are from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Loud noises from any source are not permitted during this period.

(Ord. No. NS-702.89, § 2, 12-18-01)

Sec. B14-44.7. Reserved.

Editor's note--Ord. No. NS-702.91, § 19, adopted September 25, 2007, repealed § B14-44.7, which pertained to pets. See also the Code Comparative Table.

Sec. B14-44.8. Youth group overnight camping.

Youth organizations may reserve designated group campsites in accordance with rules and regulations established by the Director.

(Ord. No. NS-702.89, § 2, 12-18-01; Ord. No. NS-702.91, § 20, 9-25-07)

ARTICLE 5.
SPECIAL PARK FACILITIES

Sec. B14-45.1. Special park facilities.

(a) Use of special park facilities is subject to compliance with departmental rules and regulations on file with the Department. These facilities may include, but are not limited to: Motorcycle Park, Vasona Boating Center and Field Sports Park.

(b) Motorcycle Park.

(1) Persons using the County Motorcycle Park are subject to all of the use and conduct provisions of this Ordinance Code, including any additional provisions contained in this chapter, and to all state statutes and regulations pertaining to motorcycles, off-road vehicles, equipment, registration and licensing.

(2) All persons and vehicles using the Motorcycle Park or seeking admittance, are subject to inspection by the person in charge at the park for compliance with all vehicle safety regulations and other legal requirements, registration and licensing, and the person in charge shall have the authority to prohibit the use of, or entry to, the park by any person or vehicle failing to comply with such regulations or other legal requirements. Safety helmets must be worn at all times by riders while riding on the Motorcycle Park premises.

(3) All persons and vehicles must remain on the designated roads and trails in the Motorcycle Park and comply with all rules, regulations and the park traffic pattern.

(Ord. No. NS-702.89, § 2, 12-18-01; Ord. No. NS-702.91, § 21, 9-25-07)

Sec. B14-45.2. Hang gliding.

(a) Hang gliding.

(1) No person shall use any craft known as a paraglider or hang glider on or over any County park property unless the area has been designated for such use or unless the Director has issued to such person a special permit for such use specifying the designated area and the date and time of day for such use.

(2) The following area is designated for such use: The Ed R. Levin Park hang gliding area where marked at this park site. The hours for such use are from 8:00 a.m. to one-half hour before sunset.

(3) Any violation of sub-sections (a)(1) or (a)(2) shall be punishable as a misdemeanor.

(Ord. No. NS-702.89, § 2, 12-18-01)