Culver City Municipal Code Ch. 9.10 Parks, Public Buildings and Property

Section

Regulation of Parks

Public Buildings and Property

Skateboards and Other Wheeled Recreational Devices - Rules and Regulations

Off-Leash Dog Park

Designated Dog Paths

Camping in Public Spaces

Cross-reference:

Residential development park dedication and in lieu parkland fees, see §§ 15.06.300 through 15.06.330

REGULATION OF PARKS

A. As used in this chapter, DEPARTMENT means the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department.

B. As used in this chapter, DIRECTOR means the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director or his or her designee.

C. As used in this Code, a PUBLIC PARK or PARK is any of the following:

1. Any area within the City of Culver City owned, leased or operated by the City, open to the general public for primarily recreational purposes, regardless of any fee or age requirement, including but not limited to, parkettes, community gardens, picnic areas, playgrounds, sports or athletic fields, walking paths, hiking trails, skateboard parks and dog parks, pools or bike paths, including the parking lot or parking area immediately adjacent thereto;

2. The Veteran's Memorial Complex and Auditorium, Teen Center, and Plunge locker and dressing room facility, and any other buildings or structures within City parks, including the parking lot or parking area immediately adjacent thereto; and

3. Any area within the City of Culver City owned or operated by another public agency, open to the general public for primarily recreational purposes, regardless of any fee or age requirement, including but not limited to, parkettes, community gardens, picnic areas, playgrounds, sports or athletic fields, walking paths, hiking trails, skateboard parks and dog parks, pools, or bike paths, including the parking lot or parking area immediately adjacent thereto.

(‘65 Code, § 25-1) (Ord. No. CS-290 Art. II § 1; Ord. No. 94-032 § 1; Ord. No. 2023-001 § 2; Ord. No. 2024-002 § 1 (part))

A. Any person using or participating in any activity within a park or park facility shall do so in accordance with the regulations of this chapter and all applicable laws, including fire and safety regulations and applicable provisions of this Code. Any person, group or organization holding a permit to conduct certain activities within a park or park facility shall be bound by all park rules and regulations and all applicable laws as though fully set forth in the permit.

B. Any person, group of organization violating park rules and regulations, applicable laws, or conditions of any permit shall be subject to the immediate revocation of park or park facility use privileges authorized by the permit, and any permit fees paid shall be nonrefundable.

C. The Department shall have the authority to revoke a park permit upon a finding of the violation of park rules and regulations, applicable laws, or conditions of any permit.

D. Any person, group or organization using a park or park facility shall be liable and responsible for paying for any damage to any person or property including, but not limited to, City property, arising out of or related to such use.

E. Any person, group or organization that wishes to use a park, park facility, or a portion thereof, on a repetitive basis, shall first obtain a permit or use agreement from the Department authorizing said use prior to occupying the park, park facility, or portion thereof, for said activities. Repetitive uses include, but are not limited to, athletic league, team or group sporting activities, including any games, practices, clinics, or other sport related events. No person, group or organization shall violate any conditions set forth in a use agreement or continue to conduct any activity or use for which a use agreement is required upon revocation of such use agreement.

F. Any person, group or organization that wishes to use a park, park facility, or a portion thereof to teach a class or conduct business shall first obtain a permit or use agreement from the Department authorizing said use prior to occupying the park, park facility, or portion thereof.

G. Use of a park or park facility for group activities or events shall not interfere with the public enjoyment of the park or park facility; detract from the health, safety, welfare or recreation of the general public; cause unusual or extraordinary expense to the City; nor draw crowds in excess of the capacity of the park or park facility or portion thereof.

H. The Department, in its discretion, may establish scheduling procedures, use regulations, and application processes for City parks and park facilities.

(Ord. No. 2024-002 § 1 (part))

The Director, in his or her sole discretion, may declare any park, either in its entirety or a portion thereof, closed to the public or limited to certain uses, at any time and for any interval of time, either temporarily or at regular and stated intervals.

(‘65 Code, § 25-3) (Ord. No. CS- 973 § 1; Ord. No. 2002-005 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 2024-002 § 1 (part))

A. Use of a park or park facility is allowed on a first come, first served basis unless the Department has issued a permit or use agreement.

B. The Department may issue permits allowing the use of a park or park facility, or portion thereof, by a person, group or organization, to the exclusion of others, in connection with planned social occasions such as birthday parties, programs and recreational activities. No person, group or organization other than the person, group or organization authorized by the permit shall enter or remain in the designated park or park facility, or portion thereof, during the period covered by the permit. Park and park facility permits are nontransferable and may only be used by the permit holder.

C. Use of an outside vendor, including any person or entity paid for food, goods services, or merchandise, requires a City issued permit. An applicant for a permit must list all outside vendors and all equipment, food, goods, services and merchandise being provided by outside vendors. The applicant must provide all required City-required licenses, permits, insurance, and fees.

D. The Department shall have the authority to post reservation notices at a park or park facility, or portion thereof, notifying the public that a park or park facility, or portion thereof, is reserved for exclusive use during a specified time period, pursuant to a permit. No person shall use any park or park facility, or portion thereof, including sites, tables or other public accommodations, which have been posted with a Department issued reservation notice.

E. Any person, group or organization not having a permit for the use of a park or park facility shall surrender or turn over possession of the park, park facility, or portion thereof, to any person, group or organization that is in possession of a valid permit from the Department. A person, group or organization not having a permit from the Department shall not refuse or fail to surrender the use of such park, park facility, or portion thereof, to any person, group or organization who has a validly issued permit for the use of such park, park facility, of portion thereof.

(Ord. No. 2024-002 § 1 (part))

The Director is authorized to administer and enforce this chapter, which may include promulgating guidelines, procedures, and rules consistent with the provisions of this chapter. Such guidelines shall have the force and effect of law.

(Ord. No. 2024-002 § 1 (part))

No person or persons shall assemble, collect or gather together in any manner that blocks, impedes or obstructs, or leaves or causes to be left any object that blocks, impedes or obstructs, access or egress to any park pathway, sidewalk, walkway, passageway or recreational court or facility, or any entrance, exit or approach to any public building or any park building, structure, or recreational court or facility, except as authorized by the Director or by City permit.

(‘65 Code, § 25-10) (Ord. No. CS-290 Art. II § 6; Ord. No. 2024-002 § 1 (part))

Within the limits of any public park it shall be unlawful for any person:

A. Having charge, care, custody or control of any dog, except as permitted by §§ 9.10.400 or 9.10.600, or other animal, fowl, or reptile to cause, permit or allow the same to be within the limits of any public park within the City, unless such person or organization has obtained approval from the Department to conduct an entertainment or exhibition in which an animal is a participant, or a film permit in accordance with Chapter 11.14 of this Code in which an animal or animals is part of the filming activity.

(‘65 Code, § 5-12) (Ord. No. CS- 290; Ord. No. CS-405 § 1; Ord. No. 2004-015 2; Ord. No. 2006-008 § 2)

B. To carry or discharge any air gun or firearm, or discharge any missile or other projectile from a slingshot, bow, or mechanized or electronic device, or bring, or have in his or her possession, or set off or otherwise cause to explode or discharge or burn any firecrackers, torpedoes, rockets or other fireworks or explosives or inflammable material, or discharge them or throw them into any such areas from land or highway adjacent thereto. This prohibition includes any substance, compound, mixture or article that in conjunction with any other substance or compound would be dangerous from any of the foregoing standpoints. This provision, however, shall not prevent the holding of fireworks exhibitions or displays in public parks or places when authorized by the City Council in accordance with § 9.02.220 of this Code.

C. To swim, bathe, wade in, or pollute the water of any fountain, water feature or pond.

D. 1. To make, kindle or use a fire, barbecue, portable stove or burning charcoal, except in a designated area pursuant to a permit issued by the Department, with the approval of the Community Risk Reduction Division of the Fire Department ("CRR"). This subsection shall not apply to use of a City-designated barbecue grill. CRR shall have the authority to prohibit the use of certain barbecue grill locations at any time in order to protect public health and safety.

2. To use any substance other than charcoal in a City barbecue grill. Any person using a City barbecue grill shall ensure the safe disposal of charcoal.

3. To drop, throw, or otherwise scatter lighted matches, or other inflammable material, within any park area, or upon any public property, highway, road or street abutting or contiguous thereto.

4. To smoke or dispose of any tobacco product or tobacco paraphernalia, pursuant to § 9.11.115 of this Code.

5. To smoke or ingest cannabis, pursuant to Cal. Health and Safety Code § 11362.3.

6. To use a generator, except as allowed by City permit.

E. To engage in the activities or perform any of the actions prohibited by § 9.10.700 of this Code.

F. To ride or drive any horse or other animal, or ride, operate or drive any motorized bicycle, personal assistive mobility device, board, scooter, skateboard, or other motorized device or vehicle elsewhere than on the roads or drives provided for such purpose, unless in possession of a permit issued by the Department. "Motorized" shall include mechanized vehicles and devices reliant on electricity, gasoline, solar energy or any other power source. This subsection shall not apply to any person who is operating (1) a non-motorized bicycle, skateboard, scooter, roller skates or other non-motorized vehicle or device, provided such vehicle or device is not traveling greater than five miles per hour (5 mph); or (2) a mobility device due to a physical disability, and is otherwise unable to move about as a pedestrian.

G. To leave a bicycle, skateboard, or other non-motorized vehicle or device, lying on the ground or paving, or set against trees, or in any place or position where other persons may trip over or be injured by it, or park or leave a non-motorized bicycle or scooter in a place other than a designated location, such as a bicycle rack, when such location is provided and there is space available. Motorized vehicles and devices shall not be parked or left within the park, but must be parked or left in a parking lot or other authorized area.

H. To use or cause to be used any park or park facility object, item, amenity or equipment, including but not limited to trees, tables, seats, benches, playground equipment or any other areas for anything other than their intended use or purpose.

I. To announce, advertise or call public attention in any way to any article or service for sale or hire, or expose or offer for sale any article or thing; nor shall a person station or place any stand, cart, or vehicle for the transportation, sale or display of any such article or thing. Exception is here made as to any regularly licensed concessionaire acting by and under the authority and regulation of the Director, activities allowed by City permit, and activities expressly allowed by Chapter 11.18 (Sidewalk Vending).

J. To play or bet at or against any game which is played, conducted, dealt or carried on with cards, dice or other device, for money, chips, shells, credit or any other representative of value, or maintain or exhibit any gambling table or other instrument of gambling or gaming except as allowed by state law and permitted by the Director.

K. To practice, carry on, conduct or solicit for any trade, occupation, business or profession without the permission of the Director, unless otherwise expressly authorized by this Code or allowed by City permit.

L. To drive or have any dray, truck, wagon, cart, or other vehicle carrying goods or regularly used or employed in carrying goods, merchandise, lumber, machinery, oil, manure, trash, dirt, sand or soil or any article of trade or commerce, except where authorized by permit from the Department or as is authorized by Chapter 11.18 (Sidewalk Vending).

M. 1. To take part in or abet the playing of any games involving thrown or otherwise propelled objects such as corn hole, horse shoes, balls, stones, arrows, boomerangs, or javelins, except in areas set apart for such forms of recreation.

2. To play or engage in an organized game or sport, including, but not limited to, baseball, softball, football, rugby, ultimate frisbee, soccer and lacrosse, except in such areas specifically designated or set apart for such purpose. For purposes of this subsection, "organized game or sport" shall mean a game or sport that is directed by adult or youth leaders and involves rules and/or formal practice and competition.

3. The use of steel cleats in the park is prohibited.

4. The Department may prohibit any game, sport or recreational activity that is determined to be dangerous to participants or public safety, or is found to cause damage to public parks.

N. To deposit, except in City-designated receptacles, any paper, fruit, rubbish, debris, or any waste material of any kind generated as a result of park and/or park facility use, or to use City-designated receptacles in parks and park facilities to dispose of personal, household or commercial waste.

O. To fight or challenge another person to fight; to maliciously or willfully disturb another person by loud and unreasonable noise; or to use offensive words that are inherently likely to provoke an immediate violent reaction from another person.

P. To interfere with or hinder any employee, agent or volunteer of the City engaged in maintenance or repair of any park or park facility and/or any such person carrying out duties or enforcing rules and regulations as authorized by the Department at any park or park facility.

Q. To enter or use any area that is fenced off or locked, or any area in violation of posted notices or any provision of this Chapter.

R. To fail to produce and exhibit any permit issued by the Department or City, upon any City official's request to inspect the permit for the purpose of enforcing compliance with any provision of this Code, any other City rules, regulations and policies, and conditions of the permit.

S. To maliciously, willfully or unreasonably disturb or interfere with any person or party occupying any area, or participating in any activity, under the authority of a permit.

T. To enter any park, park area or park facility barricaded or fenced for maintenance, repair or construction, or closed to the public, without the authorization of the Department.

U. To conduct or perform any instructional activity for monetary consideration, including, but not limited to, fitness training, yoga classes, tennis classes, gyms, boot camps and other types of camps, without first obtaining a permit from the Department.

V. To conduct any performance or exhibition for monetary consideration without first obtaining a permit from the Department.

W. To take-off, land, or operate any unmanned aerial systems or model airplanes, except in areas set apart for such forms of recreation.

X. To engage in bullying, as defined by City Council resolution.

Y. To paste, glue, tack or otherwise post any sign, placard, advertisement, or inscription whatsoever, nor shall any person erect or cause to be erected any sign whatsoever, except as authorized by the Director and as defined by the location where the permit is issued.

Z. To puncture or stake any item in the ground, including soccer goal posts and volleyball nets, when the stake is longer than twelve (12) inches.

AA. To play or practice golf (including, but not limited to, driving, chipping or putting a standard or simulated golf ball), except in a golf course, driving range and/or areas permitted by the Director, and subject to all rules and regulations posted at such areas.

BB. To install a bounce house or other large play equipment without first obtaining a use agreement or permit.

(‘65 Code, § 25-11) (Ord. No. CS-290 Art II § 7; Ord. No. CS-973 § 1; Ord. No. CS-1006 § 1; Ord. No. 96-023 § 1; Ord. No. 2002-005 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 2005-012 §§ 1-10; Ord. No. 2023- 001 § 3; Ord. No. 2023-006 §§ 2- 4; Ord. No. 2024-002 § 1 (part))

The City Council by resolution shall establish hours during which parks and park facilities owned and operated by the City of Culver City shall be closed to the public. In each park a sign shall be conspicuously displayed which states the hours of operation of the park and the hours during which the park is closed to the public.

(‘65 Code, § 25-11.1) (Ord. No. CS-1006 § 2; Ord. No. 2024-002 § 1 (part))

Violation of this subchapter shall constitute an infraction, subject to penalties as set forth in § 1.01.045 of this Code. Violations also may be enforced through the administrative citation process set forth in Chapter 1.02 of this Code.

(Ord. No. 2024-002 § 1 (part))

PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY

It shall be unlawful for any person to do any of the following in public buildings or on public property:

A. Cut, break, deface, mark or write upon, or in any manner injure or damage any public building, or any fixtures, furniture or appurtenances attached thereto, or damage any street tunnel, lighting standard, bench or other publicly owned or operated structure, apparatus or property.

B. Climb, cut, break, detach, deface or disturb any tree, shrub, plant or flower, or pluck, pull up, take or remove any shrub, bush, plant or flower, or attach any object to a tree within any parkway or other public area.

C. Take, remove or carry away any machinery, equipment, motor vehicle, apparatus, wood, turf, grass, soil, rock, furniture or fixture of any kind from any public building, playground, park, yard or other area without permission from the custodian in charge of said buildings or premises.

D. Deposit any paper, food, rubbish, debris or any waste material of any kind in any public restroom, except in City-designated receptacles.

E. Paste, glue, tack or otherwise post any sign, placard, advertisement, or inscription whatever, nor shall any person erect or cause to be erected any sign whatsoever on any public lands or highways or roads adjacent to a park.

F. Within any restroom, shower, changing room, and locker room in a public building or on public property, to fight or challenge another person to fight; to maliciously or willfully disturb another person by loud and unreasonable noise; to use offensive words that are inherently likely to provoke an immediate violent reaction from another person; or to engage in bullying, as defined by City Council resolution.

G. Engage in the activities or perform any of the actions prohibited in public parks by § 9.10.055 of this Code.

(‘65 Code, § 25-12) (Ord. No. CS-290 Art. II § 9; Ord. No. 2005-012 § 11; Ord. No. 2023-001 § 4; Ord. No. 2024-002 § 2 (part))

A. This section shall apply to restroom, shower, changing room, or locker room facilities in a public building or on public property.

B. An individual shall not be requested or required to use gender-segregated facilities that are inconsistent with that individual's gender expression or gender identity, or to use separate or gender-neutral facilities.

C. Whenever feasible, the City shall provide options for privacy, such as additional or single-use gender-neutral facilities, that are available to any individual.

D. The same standards will be consistently applied to all facility users, regardless of gender expression or gender identity.

(Ord. No. 2024-002 § 2 (part))

Violation of this subchapter shall constitute an infraction, subject to penalties as set forth in § 1.01.045 of this Code. Violations also may be enforced through the administrative citation process set forth in Chapter 1.02 of this Code.

(Ord. No. 2024-002 § 2 (part))

SKATEBOARDS AND OTHER WHEELED RECREATIONAL DEVICES - RULES AND REGULATIONS

A. Any person who rides or operates a skateboard or other wheeled recreational device, in a publicly owned or operated skateboard park in the City must wear a helmet, elbow pads and kneepads at all times and signage shall be posted setting forth these requirements and the penalty for violation thereof. For the purpose of this section and § 9.10.305, "other wheeled recreational device" shall include non-motorized bicycles, scooters, inline skates, roller skates, or wheelchairs being used for recreational purposes.

B. The Department is authorized to establish any administrative guidelines or processes, and the City Council may establish by resolution any rules and regulations, regarding the use of public skateboard parks within the City. Signage setting forth all rules and regulations established by this subsection, and the penalty for violation thereof, shall be posted at all public skateboard parks within the City. A violation of any rule or regulation established by this subsection shall be subject to the penalties as set forth in § 9.10.300.C.

(‘65 Code, § 25-15) (Ord. No. 99- 009, § 1 (part); Ord. No. 2002-005 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 2007-006 § 1; Ord. No. 2024-002 § 3 (part))

Skateboarding and the use of other wheeled recreational devices in certain areas of the City may be prohibited by resolution of the City Council.

(‘65 Code, § 25-16) (Ord. No. 99-009, § 1 (part); Ord. No. 2024-002 § 3 (part))

Violation of this subchapter shall constitute an infraction, subject to penalties as set forth in § 1.01.045 of this Code. Violations also may be enforced through the administrative citation process set forth in Chapter 1.02 of this Code.

(Ord. No. 2024-002 § 3 (part))

OFF-LEASH DOG PARK

Notwithstanding any other provision in this Code, a person may have charge, care, custody or control of any dog in that portion of Culver City Park designated as the Culver City Dog Park (the "Dog Park"), subject to all the following conditions enumerated in this section.

A. The person who has charge, care, custody or control of any dog:

1. Must ensure the dog is currently licensed, vaccinated and over the age of four (4) months, and provide proof of licensing upon request by any City official;

2. Must not allow more than three (3) dogs to be in his or her charge, care, custody or control while in the Dog Park;

3. Must use the appropriate areas of the Dog Park designated for "Small/Timid" or "Large" dogs;

4. Is required to pick-up and dispose of the dog's feces in trash receptacles both in and out of the Dog Park;

5. Must remain with the dog at all times while using the Dog Park, and is solely liable for any and all injuries and/or damage caused by the dog;

• 6. Shall not permit a dog with a known communicable disease in the Dog Park at any time;
• 7. Shall not permit a female dog in heat in the Dog Park;
• 8. Shall not permit an aggressive dog in the Dog Park;

9. Must have the dog restrained by a substantial chain or leash not exceeding six (6) feet in length at all times, except while inside the fenced areas of the Dog Park; and

10. Must remove any pronged or spiked collar or choke collar from the dog prior to entry.

B. Children twelve (12) years of age and under are not permitted in the Dog Park, unless accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.

C. No person shall bring a stroller, carriage, baby carrier, bicycle, skateboard, scooter, children's toy, food, dog toy, dog treat or dog food in the Dog Park.

D. No person shall bring any animal, other than a dog, into the Dog Park.

E. 1. No person shall conduct any activity at the Dog Park which may be an immediate danger to the public's health, safety and welfare.

2. Such activity must cease immediately when asked to do so by a City official.

F. Smoking is prohibited in the Dog Park, pursuant to § 9.11.115 of this Code.

G. No person shall enter or use the Dog Park when it is closed.

H. No person shall operate or conduct a business within the Dog Park, unless permitted by the City.

I. The use of the Dog Park in the City by an owner of a dog or by a person having charge, care, custody or control of a dog shall constitute an agreement, by said owner or person having charge, care, custody or control of a dog, to protect, indemnify, defend and hold harmless the City from any claim of injury or damage arising from or in connection with the use of the Dog Park, including but not limited to, injuries arising from dog bites.

J. A person entering, using or visiting the Dog Park expressly assumes the risk of any injury or damage which may arise from or in connection with such entrance, visit or use of the Dog Park, including but not limited to, injuries resulting from dog bites.

K. The City shall not be liable for injuries or damages arising from or in connection with the use of the Dog Park, including but not limited to, injuries resulting from dog bites, by an owner of a dog or by a person having charge, care, custody or control of a dog.

(Ord. No. 2004-015, 3; Ord. No. 2024-002 § 4 (part))

Violation of this subchapter shall constitute an infraction, subject to penalties as set forth in § 1.01.045 of this Code. Violations also may be enforced through the administrative citation process set forth in Chapter 1.02 of this Code.

(Ord. No. 2004-015, 4; Ord. No. 2024-002 § 4 (part))

DESIGNATED DOG PATHS

A. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Code, a person may have charge, care, custody or control of any dog upon the designated dog paths established by resolution of the City Council; provided such dog is at all times restrained by a substantial chain or leash not exceeding six (6) feet in length, in the control of a competent person.

B. For purposes of this section, DESIGNATED DOG PATHS shall mean the pathways established by resolution of the City Council as DESIGNATED DOG PATHS and identified by conspicuously displayed signs indicating that they are DESIGNATED DOG PATHS, and where the pathways themselves are marked with pictures of paw prints.

C. Nothing in this section shall permit or allow any person having charge, care, custody or control of any dog to permit or allow that dog to be in any portion of any public park, except as permitted by § 9.10.400, other than on the DESIGNATED DOG PATHS established by resolution of the City Council.

(Ord. No. 2006-008 § 3; Ord. No. 2009-003 § 1; Ord. No. 2014-005 § 1; Ord. No. 2024-002 § 5 (part))

Violation of this subchapter shall constitute an infraction, subject to penalties as set forth in § § 1.01.045 of this Code. Violations also may be enforced through the administrative citation process set forth in Chapter 1.02 of this Code.

(Ord. No. 2024-002 § 5 (part))

CAMPING IN PUBLIC SPACES

A. No person shall camp in a prohibited public place.

B. No person shall leave or store personal property or camp facilities in a prohibited public place.

C. For the purpose of this section:

CAMP. To erect, maintain or occupy a camp facility for the purpose of living accommodations.

CAMP FACILITY. The use of, settling, fixing in place, setting up, storing, locating, or leaving behind in a prohibited public place any or a combination of the following: tents, huts, other temporary physical shelters, cots, beds, or hammocks. CAMP FACILITY does not include sleeping bags, blankets, pillows and/or similar bedding used while sleeping.

PROHIBITED PUBLIC PLACE. Any of the following:

a. A public park as defined in § 9.10.005;

b. Public streets, public alleyways, public parking lots, public passageways, public rights-of-way, public sidewalks, publicly owned landscaped areas, parkways, medians, or greenbelts;

c. Public educational institutions, including properties owned by the Culver City Unified School District;

d. Properties owned, leased or operated by other governmental entities located within the City;

e. Other City-owned, leased or operated properties or facilities; and

f. Any privately owned space required to be maintained as public open space pursuant to a City-issued entitlement or permit.

STORE. To put aside or accumulate for use when needed, to put for safekeeping, or to place or leave in a location.

D. The City Council may, by resolution, establish one or more specified camping areas. Such camping areas, if any, may be located in prohibited public places, except that such camping areas shall not be located within public parks.

(Ord. No. 2023-001 § 1)