Healdsburg Municipal Code Art. I Skateboards

The purpose of this article is to prohibit skating activities, including, but not limited to, skateboarding, in-line skating, roller blading, roller skating or other types of skating on sidewalks and streets within the specific areas. The City Council finds that skateboarding and skating create a physical hazard to pedestrians and motorists in congested areas in that these devices can quickly change direction, often without warning to nearby pedestrians and motorists, and that a person operating or using such a device can become easily hidden behind pedestrians and motorists and thus be unseen to others nearby. It is the intent and purpose of this article to eliminate those hazards by prohibiting persons from riding, propelling or using skateboards, roller skates, roller blades, in-line skates or other types of skates on public rights-of-way intended for vehicular traffic, on sidewalks and/or parking lots in certain districts within the City as defined herein, and other areas as set forth in this article.

(Code 1964 § 13A-010; Ord. 949 § 1, 1998)

The following definitions apply to the provisions of this article:

A.

"Sidewalk"

shall mean that area adjacent to a traveled highway or pedestrian access to an entrance to a building, whether hard surface or not, upon which the public is customarily invited or permitted to walk or otherwise use.

B.

"Skateboard"

is a mechanism on wheels which are fastened to a platform, commonly constructed to accommodate a standing person. Skateboards are normally propelled by the operator pushing off the ground with one foot or by the force of gravity.

C.

"Skates"

shall mean any footwear device which may be attached to the foot or footwear, to which wheels are attached, including wheels that are "in-line" and where such wheels may be used to aid the wearer in moving or propulsion, including in-line skates, roller blades or roller skates.

(Code 1964 § 13A-020; Ord. 949 § 1, 1998)

The riding or propelling or use of skateboards or skates by persons is prohibited:

A. On all sidewalks and public rights-of-way intended for vehicular traffic within the following districts as set forth and defined by the zoning code of the City of Healdsburg:

1. C District (Commercial);

2. M District (Industrial);

3. P District (Public);

4. M-P (Health Care Services District).

B. In the Healdsburg Downtown Plaza.

C. Within public parks and recreational grounds.

D. In pedestrian walkways or parking areas situated within a shopping center if the person in charge of the shopping center has posted a sign which is in plain view of pedestrians and motorists prohibiting skateboarding or skating.

(Code 1964 § 13A-030; Ord. 949 § 1, 1998)

The provisions of this article shall not apply to:

A. Privately owned roadways;

B. Any parks specifically designed for skateboarding or skating activities;

C. In any public park or facility where the skateboarding or skating is conducted as part of an activity or event and a permit allowing said use is obtained from the City with adequate proof of insurance supplied.

(Code 1964 § 13A-040; Ord. 949 § 1, 1998)

The violation of this article shall be deemed an infraction for a first offense and punishable by a fine not exceeding $50.00 for a first violation; second and subsequent offenses within one year may be prosecuted as misdemeanors or infractions.

(Code 1964 § 13A-050; Ord. 949 § 1, 1998)