Larkspur Municipal Code Ch. 14.08 Vehicles on Fire Trails and Hiking Trails

The following words when used in this chapter shall be deemed to have the following meanings:

“Fire trail” means any road, path, clearing, graded area, or right-of-way established and/or maintained on public or private property primarily for fire fighting and/or fire protection purposes.

“Hiking trail” means any road, path, clearing, graded area, track or right-of-way established and/or maintained on public or private property primarily for hiking, camping, and public recreation purposes.

“Motor vehicle” includes any wheeled conveyance of any type whatsoever, which is motor powered, including but not limited to, motorcycles, motor bikes, scooters, automobiles and trucks. (Ord. 1030 § 2(10), 2018; Ord. 333 § 1, 1966)

It is unlawful for any person to operate any motor vehicle, on, over, or across any fire or hiking trail, or any lands adjacent thereto, without first securing a permit from the Fire Chief. Permits shall be issued without fee in all cases where an application is made, unless the Fire Chief of the City finds and determines that the issuance of the permit will constitute a hazard to persons and/or property by reason of the nature of the vehicle or the proposed method of operation thereof. If a permit is required, the fee shall be set by resolution. (Ord. 1030 § 2(10), 2018; Ord. 853 § 2 (part), 1993; Ord. 333 § 2, 1966)

Any person whose application for a permit is denied may appeal such decision pursuant to Larkspur Municipal Code Chapter 2.50. (Ord. 1030 § 2(10), 2018; Ord. 853 § 5 (part), 1993; Ord. 333 § 3, 1966)

A. Any person violating any provision of this chapter is guilty of an infraction and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished as specified in Larkspur Municipal Code Section 9.24.070.

B. Any employee of the Fire Department, or any other duly constituted public agency having jurisdiction over a fire trail or hiking trail, shall be deemed to be a peace officer for the purpose of enforcement of this chapter. (Ord. 1069 § 2, 2023; Ord. 1030 § 2(10), 2018; Ord. 723 § 12, 1985; Ord. 333 § 4, 1966)