Larkspur Municipal Code Ch. 9.36 Watercraft Regulations

Sections: 9.36.010 Speed Limit for Motorboats on Corte Madera Creek. 9.36.015 Special Events or Activities. 9.36.020 Enforcement by Larkspur Police Department.

Every owner, operator, or person in command of any motorboat, as defined in the State Harbors and Navigation Code, is guilty of a misdemeanor who operates it or permits it be operated at a speed in excess of five (5) nautical miles per hour in any portion of Corte Madera Creek, or its tributaries, within the City unless a special permit has been granted pursuant to this chapter. (Ord. 1030 § 2(7), 2018; Ord. 755 § 1, 1987; Ord. 378 § 1 (part), 1969)

The City Council may grant a special permit to use a designated area of Corte Madera Creek for a special event or activity when the speed limit may be exceeded and/or normal traffic interrupted. Conditions for the issuance of said special permit shall include but not be limited to the following:

A. No permit shall authorize interference with normal Creek traffic for a period exceeding six (6) hours in any twenty-four-hour period. Fees for said permit to be established by resolution.

B. No permit shall be valid for a period to exceed one year. Renewals may be granted by the City Manager. Appeals of decisions by the City Manager are subject to the procedures and requirements outlined elsewhere in this code.

C. No permit shall be granted for an activity between sunset and seven a.m.

D. Liability insurance and bodily injury insurance in an amount recommended by the City Attorney or City Manager shall be provided. The policies providing such insurance shall name the City as additional insured.

E. The City Council may impose additional conditions as deemed necessary to protect persons and property and to assure that the activity will not create a nuisance or interfere with the reasonable use of the Creek by other vehicles. The City Manager may also impose additional conditions pursuant to this section if acting upon a renewal application. (Ord. 1030 § 2(7), 2018; Ord. 853 § 2 (part), 1993; Ord. 755 § 2, 1987; Ord. 741 § 1, 1986)

The Police Department is directed to enforce the provisions of this chapter, and, when so authorized by the Council, is empowered to employ harbor policemen. (Ord. 1030 § 2(7), 2018; Ord. 378 § 1 (part), 1969)