Los Angeles County Municipal Code Ch. 11.48 Oil Well Sumps, Sand and Gravel Pits and Similar Excavations

Every person making, maintaining or using, and every person owning or in control of the premises on which there exists an oil-well sump of any depth, or a sand and gravel pit, clay pit or similar excavation exceeding three feet in depth, shall erect and continuously maintain around such excavation at all places, if an oil well sump, and in other cases at all places where the slope exceeds one foot vertical to one and one-half foot horizontal if not under water, or one foot vertical to four feet horizontal if under water, a fence complying with the requirements of this chapter.

(Ord. 9415 § 1 (part), 1967; Ord. 5307 Art. 3 § 301, 1949.)

This chapter does not apply to:

A.

An oil-well sump constantly and immediately attended while drilling operations are continuously proceeding;

B.

Harbors, marinas and artificial lakes exceeding one acre in surface area used for recreational purposes;

C.

A temporary excavation for the installation of a public utility, if not abandoned.

(Ord. 9415 § 1 (part), 1967; Ord. 5307 Art. 3 § 302, 1949.)

Fences required by this chapter shall be not less than five feet high, mounted on one and one-quarter-inch diameter galvanized-steel posts, with not less than three strands of barbed wire mounted at a 45-degree angle from the top of the fence. The fence shall be constructed of chain link or other industrial-type fencing of not less than 11-gauge wire, and of not greater than two-inch nominal mesh. The posts supporting the fence shall be set 36 inches in a concrete base and shall be spaced approximately 10 feet apart. Tension wires of at least No. 9 gauge coil-spring wire, or equivalent, shall be stretched at the top and bottom of the fence fabric, and shall be fastened to the fabric at 24-inch intervals. There shall be no aperture below the fence large enough to permit any child to crawl under the fence.

(Ord. 9415 § 1 (part), 1967; Ord. 5307 Art. 3 § 303, 1949.)

Gates shall be of a structure substantially the same as the required fence, and shall be kept locked when not attended by an adult.

(Ord. 9415 § 1 (part), 1967; Ord. 5307 Art. 3 § 304, 1949.)

If the county engineer finds that any other type of construction has resulted in, or will result in, a fence or wall in all respects the equivalent in protection, strength and durability to a fence constructed as provided in Section 11.48.030, such alternate type of construction may be used.

(Ord. 9415 § 1 (part), 1967; Ord. 5307 Art. 3 § 305, 1949.)

Every person operating or maintaining an oil well shall cause all sumps, cellars and ditches which were used, or installed, or maintained for use in connection with any well, and which have not been used for 90 days for the operation of or the drilling of such well or any other well in the vicinity, to be cleaned out, and all oil, rotary mud and rubbish removed therefrom.

(Ord. 9415 § 1 (part), 1967; Ord. 5307 Art. 3 § 306, 1949.)