Irvine Municipal Code Ch. 1 In General

When used in this division, "park" shall include all public grounds, greenbelts, parks, quadrants, plazas, buildings and school facilities when they are in use as recreational centers and when they are under control of the City.

When used in this division, "open space area" shall include all publicly dedicated land owned or under the control of the City for the preservation of natural, biological and/or cultural resources.

(Code 1976, § III.G-101; Ord. No. 113, § 1, 7-16-74; Ord. No. 07-20, § 1, 12-11-07)

The Community and Library Services Department may from time-to-time establish reasonable rules, procedures, policies or regulations governing the use and enjoyment of any park and open space area, building, structure, equipment, apparatus or appliance thereon in order to maximize the use and enjoyment of parks by the public in addition to those contained in this division, and no person shall disobey or violate same. Rules, regulations and/or policies shall be posted in conspicuous location(s) within the public parks and or facilities for the public's information.

(Code 1976, § III.G-201; Ord. No. 113, § 5, 7-16-74; Ord. No. 07-20, § 1, 12-11-07; Ord. No. 25-09, § 2(Exh. A), 5-13-25)

Signs and notices posted by the Community and Library Services Department in any park, building or structure are posted for information and instruction. The public is required to adhere to all instructions and provisions so posted.

(Code 1976, § III.G-202; Ord. No. 113, § 6, 7-16-74; Ord. No. 00-06, 6-13-00; Ord. No. 25-09, § 2(Exh. A), 5-13-25)

In an emergency or when the City Council shall determine that the public interest, or public health, or public safety demands such action, any park, or any part or portion thereof, may be closed to the public and all persons may be excluded therefrom until the City Council shall determine that public use of the park or the portion thereof may be properly resumed and orders the park or portion thereof reopened to public use.

(Code 1976, § III.G-203; Ord. No. 113, § 7, 7-16-74)

A. All dogs within public parks must be contained by a chain or leash not more than six feet in length.

B. It shall be the responsibility of persons having charge of a dog to remove any dog droppings emanating from their dog and deposited upon any public park.

C. Dogs shall not be permitted or allowed to enter upon or remain within any park area reserved for children or to enter any sand box or play apparatus area.

D. No person having the charge of any dog, except a blind person, deaf person or physically disabled person and his or her guide dog, signal dog, or service dog, shall permit said dog to be under any circumstances within any City park unless said dog is restrained by a chain or leash or enclosed in a car, cage or similar enclosure; this section shall not prevent the City or its lessees from holding public events in which pets participate at City parks.

(Code 1976, § III.G-204; Ord. No. 27, § 41.045, 4-17-72; Ord. No. 113, § 21, 7-16-74; Ord. No. 07-20, § 1, 12-11-07)

Cross reference— Animal regulations, tit. 4, div. 5.

Animals shall not be permitted to run loose or at large in any public park. Nor shall any person bring into any public park any animal that constitutes a safety hazard or detriment to the enjoyment of the area by the public. Upon permit from the Community and Library Services Department, animals may be brought into public facilities for the purpose of animal shows, exhibits, fairs and the like.

(Code 1976, § III.G-205; Ord. No. 113, § 20, 7-16-74; Ord. No. 25-09, § 2(Exh. A), 5-13-25)

Cross reference— Animal regulations, tit. 4, div. 5.

A. Unless specifically authorized, no person shall drive or propel any automobile, truck, dune buggy, motorcycle, motor scooter, or any other motor powered vehicle, within any park, except upon the roads, driveways, pathways and/or parking lots, provided and designated by the Community and Library Services Department for such use. Persons shall not ride or drive any horse or other animal within park areas unless authorized to do so by the Director of Community and Library Services or as otherwise provided by this chapter.

B. No person shall park any vehicle on any lawn or planted area in any park or any bike trail or pedestrian lane. No person shall wash, polish, grease or repair any vehicle in public park areas.

(Code 1976, § III.G-206; Ord. No. 113, § 8, 7-16-74; Ord. No. 25-09, § 2(Exh. A), 5-13-25)

Cross reference— Animal regulations, tit. 4, div. 5; vehicular traffic and parking regulations, § 6-3-501 et seq.

A. Parking provisions, as outlined in the California Vehicle Code, shall apply to any automobile or other vehicle when parked on any road, driveways, pathways and/or parking lots within any park.

B. In addition, public places shall not be used by persons to solicit, arrange or contract for any stand, stop or other method for procuring passengers for any commercial transportation service without first having obtained a permit to do so from the Community and Library Services Department.

C. Public parks may be made available as locations for park-and-ride facilities pursuant to contracts granted by the Director of Community and Library Services.

(Code 1976, § III.G-207; Ord. No. 113, § 9, 7-16-74; Ord. No. 25-09, § 2(Exh. A), 5-13-25)

Cross reference— Vehicular traffic and parking regulations, § 6-3-501 et seq.

Persons riding bicycles shall propel said vehicle upon the appropriate and designated bike trails, pathways and roadways within parks. No person shall ride or propel a bicycle, skateboard, or roller skates upon any tennis court or shuffleboard facilities. Caution, courtesy and care shall be followed when riding bicycles, skateboards or roller skates within public park areas.

(Code 1976, § III.G-208; Ord. No. 113, § 10, 7-16-74)

Cross reference— Vehicular traffic and parking regulations, § 6-3-501 et seq.

Only persons authorized by the City shall perform any labor in or upon any park. Labor, such as taking up or replacing soil, turf, ground, pavement, structures, trees, shrubs, plants or flowers, shall be performed under the authorization, supervision or control of the Director of Community and Library Services or his or her agent.

(Code 1976, § III.G-209; Ord. No. 113, § 11, 7-16-74; Ord. No. 25-09, § 2(Exh. A), 5-13-25)

The skate facility, as it will officially be known, in Harvard Park, is designed for skateboarding and in-line skating. The skate facility will be defined from the rest of Harvard Park by a fence and the signs required by this section.

A. To ensure the enjoyment, safety and proper use of the skate facility, persons using the facility will be required to abide by the regulations of conduct listed in this division. It shall be unlawful for any person using the skate facility to:

1. Ride, operate, or use a skateboard or in-line skates unless that person is wearing a helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads designed for skateboard and/or in-line skating use, which shall be in good repair at all times during use;

2. Ride, operate or utilize a skateboard or in-line skates unless such equipment is in good repair at all times during use;

3. Place or utilize additional obstacles or other material (including, but not limited to, ramps or jumps) within the skate facility;

4. Utilize portable/personal stereos and headphones within the skate facility;

5. Use the skate facility amenities when surface of amenities is wet or other conditions exist which could adversely affect the safety of skateboarders or skaters;

6. Enter the skate facility unless actively skateboarding or in-line skating in accordance with these regulations;

7. Use, consume or have in his or her possession or control food or beverages within the skate facility;

8. Use, consume or have in his or her possession or control alcohol, tobacco products or illegal drugs within the skate facility;

9. Have a dangerous weapon in their possession. Dangerous weapons shall include, but not be limited to, guns, knives, bats/clubs, and martial arts weapons;

10. Enter or be upon the skate facility while under the influence of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs;

11. Use or possess glass containers, bottles or other breakable glass products within the skate facility;

12. Use or engage in profanity, reckless and boisterous behavior (including, but not limited to, tandem riding, pushing, horseplay and bullying), or any other activity which could endanger the safety of persons using the skate facility or spectators;

13. Engage in graffiti, tagging, or other defacing of City property or the property of others;

14. Enter upon the skate facility at any time except during the posted hours of operation;

15. Ride, operate or utilize any device other than a skateboard or in-line skates (prohibited devices include, but are not limited to, bicycles or motor vehicles) on the skate facility;

16. Skating outside of the skate facility and within the perimeter of Harvard Park is prohibited.

B. A sign with the following rules shall be posted at the entrance to the skate facility, and at reasonable locations within the skate facility:

1. No person shall skate or skateboard at times other than the posted hours of operation.

2. Skating adjacent to the skate facility is prohibited.

3. All skaters must wear the proper safety equipment including a helmet, elbow pads and kneepads designed for skateboard and in-line skating use.

4. No additional obstacles or materials permitted within the skate facility.

5. No portable/personal stereos and no headphones.

6. Spectators not permitted within the skate facility.

7. No graffiti or tagging permitted.

8. No glass containers.

9. All trash must be put in trash receptacles provided or be removed from the park.

10. No weapons.

11. Only skateboards and in-line skates permitted. Bicycles are not allowed.

12. No skating during rain or during wet conditions.

13. No tobacco, alcohol, drug use or profanity is allowed.

14. Being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs is prohibited.

15. Skateboarding and in-line skating are determined to be hazardous recreation activities. The City will not be liable for injuries pursuant to California Health and Safety Code § 115800.

16. Failure to comply with posted regulations may result in a citation pursuant to IMC 3-4-112.

All posted signs will comply with City regulations of color and lettering with contrasting background and minimum one inch high lettering.

(Ord. No. 00-06, 6-13-00)

Flying of motor driven or fuel propelled airplanes, rockets or missiles of any type shall not be permitted within any public park except at such places designated for such use by the Community and Library Services Department.

(Code 1976, § III.G-210; Ord. No. 113, § 12, 7-16-74; Ord. No. 25-09, § 2(Exh. A), 5-13-25)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 19-12, § 6, adopted August 13, 2019, repealed § 3-4-114, which pertained to peddling and vending merchandise. See Code Comparative Table for complete derivation.

No person shall play, practice or in any way engage in the game of golf in any public park or parkway in the City except at the times and places designated by the Director of Community and Library Services and/or under the supervision of a member of the staff of the Community and Library Services Department.

(Code 1976, § III.G-212; Ord. No. 113, § 14, 7-16-74; Ord. No. 25-09, § 2(Exh. A), 5-13-25)

Organized groups may camp in designated areas after obtaining a facility use permit from the Community and Library Services Department. Otherwise, no person shall camp or lodge overnight in any public park.

(Code 1976, § III.G-213; Ord. No. 113, § 15, 7-16-74; Ord. No. 25-09, § 2(Exh. A), 5-13-25)

Campfires and barbecues (BBQs) shall be permitted only in fire pits, stoves or BBQs provided by the Community and Library Services Department. Other than as provided above, no persons shall make any campfire or hold any BBQ in any public park.

(Code 1976, § III.G-214; Ord. No. 113, § 16, 7-16-74; Ord. No. 25-09, § 2(Exh. A), 5-13-25)

Cross reference— Campfires generally, § 4-4-103.

It shall be unlawful for any person to swim, bathe or wade in or pollute the waters of any stream, lake, fountain, pond or lagoon within any park. Spray pools and designated swimming facilities are not included in this prohibition.

(Code 1976, § III.G-215; Ord. No. 113, § 17, 7-16-74)

Cross reference— Water pollution generally, § 6-8-301 et seq.

No person shall post or affix, or cause to be posted or affixed, to any tree, shrub, plant, fence, building, structure, monument, wall, apparatus, post, bridge, bench, gate or other physical object, any handbill, circular, booklet, card, pamphlet, sheet or written or printed notice advertising any commodity, article, merchandise, business activity, person or thing within any public park.

(Code 1976, § III.G-216; Ord. No. 113, § 18, 7-16-74)

All refuse and debris within a park area shall be deposited within the appropriate can or receptacle provided.

(Code 1976, § III.G-218; Ord. No. 113, § 22, 7-16-74)

A. Public parks are for the enjoyment and benefit of those persons who desire to use the facilities in an orderly manner. Disorderly conduct shall include such things as:

1. Use of offensive words which are inherently likely to provoke an immediate violent reaction;

2. Throwing of rocks, stones or other missiles;

3. Firing, discharging or carrying firearms or other dangerous weapons in the park, unless being used in connection with a City sanctioned or approved event. Weapons prohibited under this section will include, but not be limited to: firearms, any gun, pistol, bow and arrow, slingshot, or any type of object or device capable of propelling a projectile and exposed knives, daggers, and martial arts weaponry;

4. Discharging or carrying any firecracker, or other fireworks, except by permit;

5. Playing any game of chance, or operating any gaming table or instrument, or equipment designed for such game of chance;

6. Begging or soliciting contributions or subscriptions, except by permit;

7. Climbing upon or tending to deface any wall, fence, shelter, building, structure or other public facility or equipment; and/or

8. Any other violation of any section of the Penal Code sections of the State relating to disorderly conduct.

B. Persons who are boisterous or publicly offensive to park users or nearby residents, or regarded in disorderly conduct shall be asked to cease such activity and upon failure to do so may be required to leave the park. All persons doing any act or thing injurious to any public area shall be removed therefrom by the appropriate public official or his or her agent, or by the city police department.

(Code 1976, § III.G-219; Ord. No. 113, § 24, 7-16-74; Ord. No. 00-06, 6-13-00)

A. Any lodge, society, social organization or club or other organization desirous of using any public facility for a parade, picnic, meeting, assembly or other similar purpose at which more than 50 people are expected to, or in fact, attend, may do so by first notifying the Director of Community and Library Services of such intended use not less than 30 days prior to such use.

B. Persons desirous of setting up or maintaining any exhibition, place of amusement, concert, moving picture show, bandstand, performance, entertainment or amusement within any public place must first obtain a permit from the Director of Community and Library Services.

(Code 1976, § III.G-220; Ord. No. 113, § 25, 7-16-74; Ord. No. 04-07, § 3, 8-24-04; Ord. No. 25-09, § 2(Exh. A), 5-13-25)

Use of public address systems within any public area, except in those areas specifically designated, shall not be permitted. Persons wishing to set up, use, operate or maintain a public address system, in those areas specifically designated, shall first obtain a written permit from the Director of Community and Library Services.

(Code 1976, § III.G-221; Ord. No. 113, § 26, 7-16-74; Ord. No. 25-09, § 2(Exh. A), 5-13-25)

Persons using public parks shall respect the plant life, turf and facilities. It shall be unlawful to cut, break, deface, mar or in any manner injure, any tree, bush, shrub, flower, plant, lawn, building or structure within any public place.

(Code 1976, § III.G-222; Ord. No. 113, § 27, 7-16-74)

Persons shall not use public parks or public park parking lots between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. except when attending some special event or activity authorized or sponsored by the City. For purposes of this section, "use" of a public park parking lot includes, but is not limited to, the stopping, standing or parking of a vehicle in a public park lot.

(Code 1976, § III.G-302; Ord. No. 113, § 29, 7-16-74; Ord. No. 04-07, § 4, 8-24-04)

Open space area (e.g., Open Space Preserve - South) is an area set aside for the protection and maintenance of natural resources and containing only such improvements as are complementary, necessary or appropriate to the protection and enjoyment of an open space area. Permitted uses are limited to passive public recreation, such as hiking, biking, equestrian trails, picnicking, tent camping, biotic gardens, scientific research and other public uses compatible with the natural amenities of these lands as authorized by the Community and Library Services Department. Transportation corridors, arterial highways, utilities, transition zones, fuel and other infrastructure shall be designed so as to minimize any adverse environmental impacts. Permitted uses must also comply with any applicable Natural Community Conservation Plan/Habitat Conservation Plan (NCCP/HCP).

(Ord. No. 07-20, § 1, 12-11-07; Ord. No. 25-09, § 2(Exh. A), 5-13-25)

All open space areas shall be open to the public during such hours as may be posted and established by the Director of Community and Library Services. No person, except those having valid entry permits, shall enter or remain in any open space area at any time other than during such hours as the open space area is open to the public.

(Ord. No. 07-20, § 1, 12-11-07; Ord. No. 25-09, § 2(Exh. A), 5-13-25)

Signs posted by the City of Irvine Community and Library Services Department, or its authorized agents, in any open space area are posted for information and instruction. The public is required to adhere to all instruction and provisions so posted.

(Ord. No. 07-20, § 1, 12-11-07; Ord. No. 25-09, § 2(Exh. A), 5-13-25)

(a) Designation and use. The Director of Community and Library Services may designate operations for horseback riding, bicycle riding, hiking trails, trailheads and restrooms in the open space area. The Director of Community and Library Services may also designate closed areas where entry is prohibited in the interest of public convenience or safety or for the preservation and protection of natural or cultural resources. No person may leave a designated trail in any open space area on foot, bicycle, horseback or otherwise other than at designated entry or exit points, except for law enforcement, lifesaving or emergency purposes or for open space area management. No person shall enter on foot, bicycle, horseback or otherwise any open space area or any trail or road that the Director of Community and Library Services has authorized be posted as a closed area.

(b) Gates. No person shall unlock or otherwise open a locked gate without advance permission from the City or its authorized agents. No person opening a closed gate shall proceed beyond said gate without first closing it.

(c) Closure. The Director of Community and Library Services may close an open space area and facilities and portions thereof when such areas and facilities are filled to capacity, when use of such areas and facilities will adversely impact sensitive species and habitat or when a hazardous condition poses potential danger to citizens, City employees or City property.

(d) Right-of-way. All persons shall observe posted right-of-way restrictions on any trail, path, walkway, parking lot or road owned, operated or managed by the City. This requirement shall also apply to any "trail courtesy" right-of-way regulations for multiple-use trails as may be promulgated by the Director of Community and Library Services.

(Ord. No. 07-20, § 1, 12-11-07; Ord. No. 25-09, § 2(Exh. A), 5-13-25)

No person shall possess, destroy, injure, deface, remove, dig or disturb from its natural state any of the following:

(a) Plants;

(b) Wildlife;

(c) Artifacts;

(d) Minerals;

(e) Landscape structures;

(f) Improvements;

(g) Wood;

(h) Natural products;

except for those persons engaged in sanctioned trail development, other construction or interpretative activities at the discretion of the Director of Community and Library Services, or for emergency personnel in the performance of their duties.

(Ord. No. 07-20, § 1, 12-11-07; Ord. No. 25-09, § 2(Exh. A), 5-13-25)

No person shall, within the limits of any open space area, possess or consume any alcoholic beverage. This section may be temporarily suspended by written authorization of the Director of Community and Library Services with respect to specifically designated areas, such as the Bommer Canyon Cattle Camp. This section shall not apply within any portion of any natural open space preserve that may be designated by resolution of the City Council.

(Ord. No. 07-20, § 1, 12-11-07; Ord. No. 25-09, § 2(Exh. A), 5-13-25)

Smoking is prohibited within the limits of any open space area.

(Ord. No. 07-20, § 1, 12-11-07)

No person shall have any firework, firearm, replica firearm, air gun, paint ball gun, BB gun, slingshot or bow or hunting arrow or any other weapon in his or her possession or in his or her vehicle other than in a closed trunk, storage compartment or other area separated from the passenger section of the vehicle, in any open space area, nor shall any person discharge any firearm, fireworks or other incendiary device or weapon or display any replica firearm upon or into any natural open space preserve; provided, however, that the Director of Community and Library Services may designate areas in which such activity is permitted.

(Ord. No. 07-20, § 1, 12-11-07; Ord. No. 25-09, § 2(Exh. A), 5-13-25)

No dogs are permitted on any part of an open space area at any time. However, the Quail Hill Loop Trail may be opened or closed at any time for dogs at the discretion of the Director of Community and Library Services.

Should the Director of Community and Library Services authorize dogs on the Quail Hill Loop Trail, the following regulations apply:

A. All dogs within the open space area must be contained by a chain or leash not more than six feet in length.

B. It shall be the responsibility of persons having charge of a dog to remove any dog droppings emanating from their dog and deposited upon any area within the open space area.

C. All dogs must remain on designated trails and shall not roam about in natural open space areas.

(Ord. No. 07-20, § 1, 12-11-07; Ord. No. 25-09, § 2(Exh. A), 5-13-25)

Glass containers are prohibited in the open space area except in areas so designated by the Director of Community and Library Services.

(Ord. No. 07-20, § 1, 12-11-07; Ord. No. 25-09, § 2(Exh. A), 5-13-25)

Unless specifically authorized, no person shall drive or propel any automobile, truck, dune buggy, electric bike, motorcycle, motor scooter, ATV or any other motor powered vehicle within the open space area.

(Ord. No. 07-20, § 1, 12-11-07; Ord. No. 23-17, § 2, 7-25-23)

Any first violation of this division shall constitute and be punishable as an infraction. Any second subsequent violation shall constitute and be punishable as a misdemeanor.

(Ord. No. 07-20, § 1, 12-11-07)