Imperial County Municipal Code Ch. 12.04 County Highway Use Regulations

It is unlawful for any person to use any county highway in the county of Imperial to move, land, store, taxi, or rest any aircraft except as set forth in the following sections.

(Prior code § 41300)

A. This chapter shall not apply to the movement of aircraft when transported by a vehicle as defined in Section 670 of the California Vehicle Code, provided, however, that the carrier conform to applicable restrictions set forth in the California Vehicle Code and other state and local laws.

B. This chapter shall not apply to the landing or movement of aircraft forced down through emergency conditions.

C. This chapter shall not apply to the movement of any convertible type auto-aircraft after such craft has been converted into an automobile. However, such vehicle shall be subject to all applicable vehicle laws while on county highways.

D. This chapter shall not apply to the use of those portions of the highways of this county by agricultural aircraft engaged in the application of pesticides when the following conditions exist:

1. The agricultural commissioner of the county of Imperial has filed with the board of supervisors his or her determination that the use of county highways is necessary to the carrying out of an eradication program under his or her direction;

2. The road commissioner has designated a precise section of county highway for use by agricultural aircraft;

3. Adequate warning devices or barricades have been placed so as to prevent use by the traveling public; and

4. As determined by the road commissioner, there are no suitable aircraft land fields within ten (10) miles of the designated strip of county highway.

E. Such use of county highways under subsection D of this section shall cease upon the revocation of the designation by the road commissioner and agricultural commissioner.

(Prior code § 41301)

No person shall kindle, maintain or authorize the kindling or maintaining of any fire so as to cause smoke from said fire to restrict or impair visibility of vehicle operators using any paved state, county or public road or highway, unless such person (1) provides two or more trained flagpersons to be responsible for holding signs and cautioning or directing motorists and (2) places traffic signs at required intersections.

Each flagperson must be trained to a competent level, which would allow them to identify existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings which are hazardous or dangerous to others and who has the authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate such hazards. If the flagperson is an employee, it will be the responsibility of the employer to provide competent training.

Each flagperson shall place a stationary standard orange traffic sign not less than thirty (30) inches by thirty (30) inches displaying "CAUTION SMOKE AHEAD" at whichever of the following locations is closer to the point at which such smoke traverses each direction of the roadway:

(a) Not less than three hundred (300) yards distance; or

(b) At the opposite side of the nearest intersection.

Each flagperson shall direct traffic as set forth in the training and shall also hold a standard orange traffic sign not less than eighteen (18) inches by eighteen (18) inches displaying "CAUTION." Each flagperson shall be stationed at whichever of the following locations is closer to the point at which such smoke traverses each direction of the roadway:

(a) The point prior to the visibility hazard; or

(b) No closer than one hundred (100) yards distance from the point of such visibility hazards toward oncoming traffic.

(Prior code § 41400)

(Ord. No. 1468, § I, 12-7-10)