Imperial County Municipal Code Ch. 4 Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area

Whereas the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (Imperial Sand Dunes) is a year-round recreation area for off highway vehicle enthusiasts, and, whereas, during certain times of the year, including Thanksgiving, New Years, Halloween and other three-day weekends, the Imperial Sand Dunes is visited by more than sixty thousand (60,000) recreationists. Unfortunately, the area within the Imperial Sand Dunes generally known as Competition Hill has been designated by local law enforcement as an area of lawlessness at times beyond their control, particularly during nighttime, creating serious concern for their safety as well as the safety of the public in general. For example, while attempting to enforce federal and state laws at Competition Hill, law enforcement has been surrounded by thousands of unruly recreationists threatening physical harm.

In an effort to mitigate this situation, it has been recommended by the Imperial County Sheriffs' Department, in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management that Competition Hill be closed to any and all recreationists during nighttime hours. It is their belief that the closing of Competition Hill during nighttime hours is essential to maintaining a safe area for recreationists. (Ord. 1359, § 1 (part), 2002)

(Ord. No. 1454, § 15(92904.00), 10-27-09)

It shall be unlawful for any person to enter the area generally known as Competition Hill within the Imperial Sand Dunes one-half hour before sunset until one-half hour after sunrise. (Ord. 1359, § 1 (part) 2002)

(Ord. No. 1454, § 15(92904.01), 10-27-09)

Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 12.42.020, the provisions of this chapter shall not apply to persons using Competition Hill in an emergency. (Ord. 1359, § 1 (part), 2002)

(Ord. No. 1454, § 15(92904.02), 10-27-09)

The Imperial County Sheriff's Department, in cooperation with the bureau of land management and/or such other agency, as designated by the county or the bureau of land management, shall erect such signs and/or other notices stating the prohibitions contained herein, at such places as deem appropriate. (Ord. 1359, § 1 (part), 2002)

(Ord. No. 1454, § 15(92904.03), 10-27-09)

Violations of this chapter may be enforced by any federal, state or local peace officer or ranger with peace officer status, or by any officer or employee of the county who has peace officer training as may be assigned to such duty. (Ord. 1359 (part), § 1)

(Ord. No. 1454, § 15(92904.04), 10-27-09)

A. A violation of this chapter is a misdemeanor and shall be punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than six months or both.

B. The continuance or reoccurrence of a violation more than twenty-four (24) hours after a previous citation shall be considered a separate violation and shall be cited as such. (Ord. 1359, § 1 (part), 2002)

(Ord. No. 1454, § 15(92904.05), 10-27-09)