Corte Madera Municipal Code Ch. 10.64 Hiking and Equestrian Trails

The town council declares that the following regulations are enacted to insure and preserve the health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of the town by prohibiting the use of motor vehicles upon the fire trails and the hiking and/or equestrian trails located within the limits of the town.

(Ord. 445 § 1, 1965)

The following words when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings:

(1) Motor Vehicle. The term "motor vehicle" includes any wheeled conveyance of any type whatsoever, which is motor powered, including but not limited to, motorcycles, motor bikes, automobiles and trucks;

(2) Fire Trail. The term "fire trail" means any road, path, clearing, graded area or right-of-way established and/or maintained on public or private property primarily for fire fighting and/or fire protection purposes;

(3) Hiking and/or Equestrian Trail. The term "hiking and/or equestrian trail" means any road, path, clearing, graded area, track or right-of-way established and/or maintained on public or private property primarily for hiking, equestrian, camping and public recreation purposes or any combination of those purposes.

(Ord. 445 § 2, 1965)

It is unlawful for any person to operate any motor vehicle, other than a publicly owned motor vehicle, on, over or across any fire trail or hiking and/or equestrian trail, or any lands adjacent thereto, without first securing a permit from the fire chief. Permits shall be issued without fee in all cases where an application is made, unless the fire chief finds and determines that the issuance of the permit will constitute a hazard to persons and property by reason of the nature of the vehicle or the proposed method of operation thereof.

(Ord. 445 § 3, 1965)

Any person whose application for a permit is denied by the fire chief may appeal such decision in writing to the town council within ten days after such denial. The town council shall thereupon conduct a hearing on the appeal at its next regular meeting. The council's decision shall be final.

(Ord. 445 § 4, 1965)

Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars, or imprisonment in the county jail for a period not exceeding six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

Any employee of the fire department or any other duly constituted public agency having jurisdiction over a fire trail or hiking and/or equestrian trail, shall be deemed to be a peace officer for the purpose of enforcing this chapter.

(Ord. 730 § 7, 1985; Ord. 445 § 5, 1965)