Chapter 18.06 - GENERAL RECREATION AREA REGULATIONS

 

Sections:

                            Rules and Regulations.

18.06.010            Abandoned Property.

18.06.020            Alcohol Consumption in Community/Neighborhood Parks.

18.06.030            Amenities.

18.06.040            Animals.

18.06.050            Areas Designated for Picnic Use.

18.06.060            Bicycles.

18.06.070            Camping.

18.06.080            Canopy.     

18.06.090            Closing Recreation Area.

18.06.100            Defacing Property.

18.06.110            Distribute or Sell Goods.

18.06.120            Fees.

18.06.130            Fire.

18.06.140            Fireworks.

18.06.150            Glass Containers.

18.06.160            Home Furnishings.

18.06.170            Horse or Propelled Vehicles.

18.06.180            Hours.

18.06.190            Infractions.

18.06.200            Littering.

18.06.210            Materials.

18.06.220            Motorized Vehicles.

18.06.230            Noise.

18.06.240            Nudity.

18.06.250            Obstruct Official Duty.

18.06.260            Order to Leave Recreation Area.

18.06.270            Organized Competitions.

18.06.280            Parking.

18.06.290            Possession and Discharge of Weapons.

18.06.300            Post No Bills.

18.06.310            Public Address.

18.06.320            Refund of Fees.

18.06.330            Reservations.

18.06.340            Riotous Conduct.

18.06.350            Smoking Prohibited.

18.06.360            Solicitation.

18.06.370            Swimming.

18.06.380            Tampering.

18.06.390            Toxic Materials.

18.06.400            Trespassing.

18.06.410            Unpermitted Equipment.

18.06.420            Unpermitted Play.

18.06.430            Vehicle Maintenance.

 

The Director may promulgate such rules and regulations which may be necessary to implement any provisions of the Stanislaus County Code, to ensure the safety of visitors, or to properly maintain and operate the county’s parks. Unless otherwise provided, violation or failure to comply with such a rule or regulation shall be punishable as an infraction. (Ord. CS 574 §2, 1994).

 

18.06.010 Abandoned Property.

Property which is left unattended in a recreation area for more than twenty-four hours shall be deemed to be abandoned and shall be subject to removal by an authorized officer. (Ord. CS 512 §9, 1993).

 

18.06.020 Alcohol Consumption in Community/Neighborhood Parks.

1. No person shall consume or possess, or furnish any can, bottle or other receptacle containing any alcoholic beverage that has been opened, or has a broken seal, or had the contents removed, in any community parks or neighborhood parks owned or operated by the county, except during special events that have been approved by the Director or an authorized agent.

2. This prohibition applies to all areas within community parks and neighborhood parks, including without limitation: park grounds, playgrounds, walkways, streets, driveways and parking lots, but excluding any community center building located within community and neighborhoods parks.

3. Nothing in this section prohibits individuals from carrying closed alcoholic containers between the parking lot at any community parks and neighborhood park and its associated community center building, if any, for the purpose of setting up or closing down a special event approved by the Director or authorized agent, and for which use of the building has been reserved.

4. It is unlawful for any person to consume alcoholic beverages without a permit in any county owned or operated park with the exception of designated regional parks.

5. Violation of this section shall be an infraction pursuant to Section 1.36.020 of this code. (Ord. CS 764 §1, 2001; Ord. CS 512 §9, 1993).

 

18.06.030 Amenities.

It is unlawful to move or remove any park amenities including but not limited to tables, benches, trashcans or any equipment used for park maintenance.

 

18.06.040 Animals.

1. Every individual with a disability has the right to be accompanied by a service animal especially trained for the purpose, in places generally open to the public without being required to pay an extra charge for the service animal. However, the individual shall be liable for any damage done to the premises or facilities by their animal.

2. Any animal, including a service animal, may be excluded from the park if that animal’s behavior poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others.

3. Owners of dogs over four months of age must provide proof of licensure or proof of current rabies vaccination upon request by park staff or other responsible county staff.

4. Authorized agents have the right to refuse entry or mandate the removal of any animal if necessary. This decision may be based on considerations of safety, health regulations, or compliance with specific policies.

5. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times, except in designated areas.

6. A stake leash must not exceed ten feet in length.

7. A walking leash must not exceed six feet in length.

8. The preceding leash requirement shall not apply to dog training permittees who are operating in areas designated by the Director or authorized agent for dog training.

9. Any animal must be kept under full control at all times ensuring that it does not pose a risk or nuisance to others.

10. Horses are permitted in posted designated areas at regional parks with an additional fee as defined in the current adopted fee schedule.

11. All owners or handlers shall be responsible for retrieving and properly disposing of fecal material in a sanitary manner. (Ord. CS 1184 §1, 2016; Ord. CS 927 §2, 2005; Ord. CS 512 §9, 1993).

12. It is unlawful to wound, kill or catch any bird or other wild animal in any park, except where hunting is permitted by the Director or authorized agent, and the hunter possesses a valid permit.

13. It is unlawful to dump, dispose or abandon any animal.

 

18.06.050 Areas Designated for Picnic Use.

In areas designated for picnic use, it is unlawful to camp, maintain an open fire of any sort, hike, ride horseback, bicycle or engage in similar recreational endeavors not expressly permitted in this area.

 

18.06.060 Bicycles.

Except as otherwise authorized by the Director or authorized agent, it shall be unlawful to ride bicycles through any children's playground area. Bicycle riding is permitted on trails or pathways designated for bicycle use.

 

18.06.070 Camping.

Except for in designated camping areas, it shall be unlawful to camp or lodge in or upon any county park unless prior written permission is obtained from the Director or authorized agent.

 

18.06.080 Canopy.

It is unlawful to erect a shade or canopy that is enclosed on more than three sides, such as a tent, unless prior written permission is obtained from the Director or authorized agent, except in designated camping areas.

 

18.06.090 Closing a Recreation Area.

The Director, uniformed peace officers, and other authorized agents may order the closure of all or part of a recreation area at any time. It is unlawful for any person to remain or enter the area for any reason after such an order has been given. The Director or authorized agent who issues the order shall, on the next regular county workday, submit to the Chief Executive Officer and the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors a detailed report of the reason(s) for the order. (Ord. CS 512 §9, 1993).

 

18.06.100 Defacing Property.

It is unlawful to cut, break or deface in any way buildings, equipment, grounds or other facilities of any park. It shall be unlawful for any person without authority to tear down, deface or

destroy any sign posted pursuant to the above subsections.

 

18.06.110 Distribute or Sell Goods.

It is unlawful to sell or offer refreshments, foodstuffs or novelties in any park or on any sidewalk immediately adjacent thereto without the prior written permission of the Director or authorized agent.

 

18.06.120 Fees.

1. It is unlawful to use or enter any recreation area or facility without first having paid the fee as defined in the current adopted fee schedule and having received the required receipt or permit.

2. A receipt for fees shall not be altered, defaced, or used in any way for the purpose of avoiding the payment of any required fee.

3. A receipt for fees shall not be used by any person other than the original purchaser for the purpose of avoiding the payment of any required fee and are to be presented upon request.

 

18.06.130 Fire.

1. It is unlawful to make a fire in any park except in barbecues or fire pits provided by the county unless permission is obtained from the Director or authorized agent.

2. Fires must not be left unattended and must be extinguished upon departure. Water shall be applied to remaining embers/coals ensuring no fire hazards remain.

 

18.06.140 Fireworks.

It is unlawful to carry, bring into, ignite, discharge or cause to discharge or set off firecrackers, fireworks, torpedoes, rockets, oil, explosives or other substance that may be harmful to the health or safety of persons in or any portion of a recreation area or park except those fireworks which are part of organized and permitted special event for which prior written permission has been obtained from the Director or authorized agent.

 

18.06.150 Glass Containers.

It is unlawful to possess any container made of glass or to bring, carry or transport any container made of glass into any park except that the sponsor of an organized event may obtain permission from the Director or authorized agent.

 

18.06.160 Home Furnishing.

It is unlawful to bring into a public park any home furnishings including but not limited to couches, spring mattresses, recliners, etc.

 

18.06.170 Horse or Propelled Vehicle.

It is unlawful to ride or bring any horse or other similar animal or to propel a vehicle in or upon any area of a park, except those areas specifically provided and designated for such purposes, unless prior written permission is obtained from the Director or authorized agent.

 

18.06.180 Hours.

 The hours of all county parks are six a.m. to ten p.m. with the exception of designated camping areas at regional parks. OHV park hours are sunrise to sunset. No person shall remain in any park, trail, green space, or recreational facility outside the posted hours of operation except authorized by the Director or authorized agent.

 

18.06.190 Infractions.

Violation of park rules and regulations within any park owned or operated by Stanislaus County is an infraction, unless otherwise stated in local, state, or federal law (Stanislaus County Code 1.36.10, 1.36.020)

 

18.06.200 Littering.

It is unlawful to throw or dispose of in any park any bottles, tin cans, broken glass, paper, clothes, cast iron, rubbish, soil, tree trimmings, garbage, ashes or other debris of any kind except in approved containers provided by the county. The only waste that may be disposed of in a park or campground will be those that are derived directly from recreational activities that took place at that location such as picnicking, camping, etc.

 

18.06.210 Materials.

It is unlawful to cut or remove any wood, turf, rock, tree, flower, shrub, sand or gravel from any park unless prior written permission is obtained from the Director or authorized agent.

 

18.06.220 Motorized Vehicles.

1. Current registration must be visibly displayed at all times in order to drive or operate any automobile, trailer, vessel, RV, OHV, or other vehicle including gasoline or electric powered go-karts, motorcycles, motorized bicycles, or any motorized scooter or similar device used for recreation as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 407.5(a)

2. It is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle on any road, trail or area not designated for that purpose or which is closed to vehicles. 

3. It is unlawful to operate any vehicle at a speed in excess of twenty miles per hour, or if otherwise posted, in excess of the posted speed limit.

4. It is unlawful to use any model airplanes, boats or midget cars/speed cars in any park, road or trail except in designated areas or unless prior written permission is obtained from the Director, or authorized agent.

5. This section does not restrict the use of motorized devices, electric or assistive technology devices to aid persons with disabilities and/or mobility needs as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

 

18.06.230 Noise.

It shall be unlawful to fail to maintain quiet hours between the hours of ten p.m. and six a.m.

 

18.06.240 Nudity.

It is unlawful to appear in public without sufficient clothing to cover private parts of the body except in a building designated for bathing or changing clothes.

 

18.06.250 Obstruct Official Duty.

It shall be unlawful to disturb, interfere or fail to comply with any employee of Stanislaus County, peace officer, or authorized agent acting within the scope of their service, or to disturb or interfere with any spectator or participant in any event or activity conducted in any recreation area or park, or to enter any recreation area or park for the purpose of committing any such disturbance or interference.

 

18.06.260 Order to Leave Recreation Area.

As a further measure to protect the health, safety and welfare of person using a recreation area, any person violating a provision of this title, or, while in a recreation area, any provision of state law, may be ordered, by an officer or employee authorized to enforce the provisions of this title, to leave all or part of a recreation area and not to re-enter such area for any period up to twelve months. Any person ordered to leave a recreation area pursuant to this section shall not be entitled to a refund of any park user fees. Failure to obey such order shall be a misdemeanor. (Ord. CS 512 §9, 1993).

 

18.06.270 Organized Competitions.

Holding, sponsoring, advertising or participating in any organized competition is not permitted on park property without having first obtained the permission of the Director, (Ord. CS 1113 §1, 2012; Ord. CS 512 §9, 1993).

 

18.06.280 Parking.

It is unlawful to block the ingress or egress of another vehicle or to park any automobile including but not limited to trailer, RV, or vessel in any place other than designated parking areas. Places where parking is permitted will be designated by appropriate signs and may not exceed day use hours except when permitted by Director or authorized agent.

 

18.06.290 Possession and Discharge of Weapons.

1. No person shall use or have in possession in a recreation area any weapon, or to discharge any firearm or to release any arrow, slingshot, or missile launching device in or into a recreation area, except that a person may possess and discharge a weapon under the following circumstances:

   1. For the purpose of taking any bird, mammal or animal in compliance with all applicable provisions of state, county or local law, ordinances or regulations.

   2. Firearm and bows and arrows may be possessed in the areas where hunting and sport shooting is permitted.

2. No person shall discharge a weapon within one hundred fifty yards of any dwelling, barn, or outbuilding or within such a distance of any building as to create a hazard or to endanger the lives or property of the occupants, owner, or persons in or near the building(s).

3. Violation of any provision of this section shall be punishable as a misdemeanor as provided in Section 1.36.010. (Ord. CS 740 §3, 2000).

 

18.06.300 Post No Bills.

Painting, marking, pasting or fastening any bill, advertisement, inscription or graffiti including but not limited to a tree, fence, wall, building, monument or other property in a recreation area, except on bulletin boards specifically provided for this purpose, is not permitted. (Ord. CS 512 §9, 1993).

 

18.06.310 Public Address.

It is unlawful to operate a public address system without prior written permission of the Director or an authorized agent. This prohibition does not include the use of small devices used to receive regularly broadcast programs, as long as such devices are operated at such a volume as not to disturb other persons present in the park.

 

18.06.320 Refund of Fees.

Fees collected for use of the facilities of a recreation area are not refundable, except by application to the Director. Submission of an application does not guarantee the requested refund and must be made within thirty days after the completion of the visitation. Late submissions will not be accepted. (Ord. CS 512 §9, 1993).

 

18.06.330 Reservations.

It is unlawful to use any facility or equipment which has been reserved or which is indicated by an authorized or official sign to have been reserved or to remove any authorized or official sign indicating that any facility or equipment is reserved without first having received the written permission of the Director or authorized agent.

 

18.06.340 Riotous Conduct.

It is unlawful to indulge in indecent or riotous conduct or language or to otherwise make noises in such a manner as to disturb any picnic, meeting, concert or exhibition in any park.

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18.06.350 Smoking Prohibited.

It is unlawful to smoke or vaporize products of any kind, including, but not limited to, marijuana, cigars, cigarettes, and any tobacco or nicotine products, or to discard lighted or unlighted cigars or cigarettes within twenty feet of a public park playground and other areas as defined by state law.

 

18.06.360 Solicitation.

It is unlawful to practice, carry on, conduct or solicit for any trade, occupation, business or profession in any park or recreation area without first having obtained a lease, license or permit from the Stanislaus County Department of Parks and Recreation.

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18.06.370 Swimming.

It is unlawful to wade or swim in any community park pool during hours when the pool is closed to the public.

 

18.06.380 Tampering.

It is unlawful to open or close any valve pertaining to the water mains or sprinkler system or to expose or interfere with any gas pipe, hydrant, stopcock, sewer, catch basin, backflow preventer, or other similar device in any park.

 

18.06.390 Toxic Materials.

It is unlawful to bring any material into a park that if spilled or spread could be injurious to turf or plant growth unless authorized by the Director or designee. It is unlawful to spill or secrete material possessed incidental to lawful use of park, including but not limited to gasoline, motor oil, antifreeze, in a manner that could be injurious to turf or plant growth.

 

18.06.400 Trespassing.

It shall be unlawful to enter or leave an area or crossing its boundaries at any point other than designated entrance or to trespass in any area, building or facility which is fenced and locked or enclosed and locked or is posted with a "No Trespassing" sign.

 

18.06.410 Unpermitted Equipment Use.

It shall be unlawful to climb onto any building or structure in a park not designated for such activity or to remove, damage or destroy any equipment provided by the county, or use any equipment in a manner inconsistent with its intended use.

 

18.06.420 Unpermitted Play.

1. It shall be unlawful to play or engage in the hitting of golf balls or similar items in any park, except where such play is permitted.

2. Inflatable structures including but not limited to bounce houses, portable pools, slip n’ slides, and apparatuses such as rope swings are prohibited in all county parks and recreational facilities unless permitted by the Director or an authorized agent.

 

18.06.430 Vehicle Maintenance.

It is unlawful to clean, wash, polish or repair motor vehicles including but not limited to automobiles, motorcycles, self-driven vehicles, vessels, or watercrafts in any park except at a location designated for such purposes.