Mountain House Municipal Code Ch. 1 General Provisions

This Chapter may be known as, and may be cited as, the "Park Ordinance."

(Ord. 2024-20, § 1(Exh. A), 2024)

No person shall enter, be, or remain in any park unless he or she complies with all of the regulations set forth in this Chapter applicable to such park and with all other applicable laws, ordinances, rules and regulations. Failure to comply with this Chapter may result in eviction, citation or arrest.

(Ord. 2024-20, § 1(Exh. A), 2024)

The City Manager, chief law enforcement officer, and their designees, who may be agents, shall enforce the provisions of this Division.

(Ord. 2024-20, § 1(Exh. A), 2024)

Any violation of this Chapter is punishable pursuant to Division 2 of Title 1 of this Code.

(Ord. 2024-20, § 1(Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 2025-02, § 7, 2025)

The purpose of this Chapter is to regulate the use by the public of the City's public parks, property and facilities in order to maximize the enjoyment and use of such parks, property and facilities; minimize the disturbance or interference with the use of surrounding properties and the use of the parks, property or facilities by other members of the public; and, generally protect and safeguard the public's interest in such parks, property and facilities.

(Ord. 2025-02, § 8, 2025)

In addition to the rules, regulations and restrictions set forth in this Chapter, the City Council may, from time to time, establish administrative rules and regulations as it may deemed necessary to regulate the use of "public parks," "public property" and "public facilities" as defined herein.

(Ord. 2025-02, § 9, 2025)

Unless otherwise specified the following definitions shall be applicable throughout this Division:

(a) "Amplified sound, sound systems, or equipment" means any electrical or battery-operated machine or device for the amplification of the human voice, music or any other sound. This definition shall not include standard battery-operated radios, stereos, tape players, or compact disc players, when such equipment is used and operated at a volume level which does not disturb the peaceful and quiet enjoyment of other persons in public parks or of persons residing in residential areas adjacent to the public parks. This definition shall likewise not include a public address system so long as its use is limited to the making of speeches or announcements, and is not used for the purpose of amplifying music or other sounds.

(b) "Camp" means to pitch, sleep in, cook in, occupy camp facilities, or use camping paraphernalia for the purpose of temporary or permanent human habitation or domicile in such a way as will permit remaining overnight. Use of houseboats or boats, or both, or any of them for the purpose of sleeping, during the nighttime hour, whether anchored, moored, or beached, is also defined as camping. Use of any parked or standing vehicle for the purpose of sleeping during nighttime hours is also defined as camping.

(c) "Camp facilities" include, but are not limited to, tents, huts, recreational vehicles, temporary shelters, trailers, and vehicles.

(d) "Camping paraphernalia" includes, but is not limited to, collapsible shelters, cots, beds, sleeping bags, bed rolls, hammocks, barbeques, open fires, portable stoves, or other cooking equipment not provided or approved by the City.

(e) "Director" means the City Manager or designee.

(f) "Park" means lands maintained or operated by the City for the public as a place of beauty or of public recreation.

(g) "Picnic" means an outing or excursion with food usually provided by the participants and eaten in the open.

(h) "Public facilities" means all buildings, structures or improvements owned, maintained, leased or controlled by the City, and designated by the City for use by the public for recreational, social or public service activities.

(i) "Public parks" means (i) those real properties, together with all improvements located thereon, that are maintained by the City for use by the public as a park, (ii) public facilities, and (iii) public property.

(j) "Public property" means all real property owned, maintained, leased or controlled by the City, specifically including, but without limitation, all public streets, sidewalks and rights-of-way, and specifically excluding parks and public facilities.

(k) "Special community events or activities" mean those events or activities which are intended for the benefit of, and may be attended by, the public at large; or, those events or activities which are intended for the benefit of, and will be attended primarily by the membership of, a community-based social, ethnic, or religious organization, which group or organization has been in existence within the City for at least six months prior to making its application for a permit.

(l) "Vehicle" means a wheeled conveyance, whether motor-powered, animal-drawn, or self-propelled, including any trailer in tow of any size, kind or description, except baby carriages, wheelchairs, and vehicles in the service of the City.

(Ord. 2025-02, § 10, 2025)