Chapter 10 — PERMANENT AMUSEMENT RIDES

AND GO-CART CENTERS*

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*Note--Amended by Ord. No. 3615 (N.S.), effective 1-7-71; title amended from CIRCUSES, CARNIVALS, AMUSEMENT CENTERS AND GO-CART CENTERS to read AMUSEMENT CENTERS AND GO-CART CENTERS by Ord. No. 7998 (N.S.), effective 12-5-91; further amended by Ord. No. 9889 (N.S.), effective 10-26-07.

Cross reference(s)--Amusement devices and establishments, § 21.901 et seq.

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Permanent amusement rides and go-cart centers offer recreational opportunities to the public, but if operated improperly pose the risk of serious bodily injury or death. The State of California provides compliance standards for permanent amusement rides, but not for go-cart centers. This chapter establishes compliance standards for go-cart centers and regulations to protect users of both types of facilities.

(Added by Ord. No. 9889 (N.S.), effective 10-26-07)

For the purposes of this chapter the following definitions shall apply:

(a) "Go-cart" means a self-propelled motorized vehicle that is designed to be driven on a go-cart track where the driver has control over acceleration, deceleration, stopping and steering of the vehicle.

(b) "Go-cart center" means an establishment that allows members of the public to drive go-carts on a fixed and defined track.

(c) "Go-cart track" means a fixed and defined course designated for the operation of go-carts.

(d) "Permanent amusement ride" has the same definition as "permanent amusement ride" in Labor Code section 7921(a).

(e) "Permanent amusement ride center" means an establishment that operates one or more permanent amusement rides for use by members of the public.

(Added by Ord. No. 9889 (N.S.), effective 10-26-07)

A permit to operate a permanent amusement ride center or go-cart center is subject to21.101-21.117 and this chapter. No person shall operate an amusement center or go-cart center in the unincorporated area of the County without a permit issued by the Issuing Officer. The Sheriff shall be the Issuing Officer for any permit required by this chapter. An applicant for a permanent amusement ride center permit or go-cart center permit shall submit an application on a form provided by the Issuing Officer and fulfill the additional requirements of this chapter.

(Amended by Ord. No. 5200 (N.S.), effective 8-10-78; amended by Ord. No. 7309 (N.S.), effective 7-2-87; amended by Ord. No. 9889 (N.S.), effective 10-26-07)

An applicant for a permanent amusement ride center permit shall provide with the application, verification that all amusement rides at the center have passed an initial inspection by the State of California as required by Title 8 California Code of Regulations (CCR) section 344.8. Once the permit is issued, with the renewal application, the licensee shall submit verification that the State has re-inspected all rides or a certificate of compliance accepted by the State pursuant to 8 CCR 344.7.

(Added by Ord. No. 9889 (N.S.), effective 10-26-07)

An applicant for a go-cart center permit shall provide with the initial application and at each renewal application:

(a) Certification by a California licensed engineer that he has examined and tested the go-cart track of the facility and found that it complies with the following standards:

(1) The paths do not cross at any location.

(2) Surfaces are hard and smooth, free of ruts, holes and bumps.

(3) Loading and unloading areas are clearly designated, properly graded and free of tripping hazards.

(4) Go-cart operations are surrounded by a fence or other suitable barricade designed to control non-patron access to

the facility and to each go-cart track.

(5) Access points are clearly marked.

(6) Gates or other suitable controls are provided at the entrances and exits.

(7) Fences or barricades are at least 42 inches high, have no opening that will pass a four inch ball and have self

closing, self-latching, full height, gates at all entrances and exits.

(8) The facility can be operated safely if the go-carts are operated at full speed.

(b) A statement submitted under penalty of perjury from a California registered automobile repair dealer identifying each go-cart separately by an identifying number and certifying the dealer has examined the go-cart, found it to be in good working order and that it is equipped with:

(1) A system to restrain the occupants and roll over protection to retain the driver and/or passenger in the go-kart in the

event of collision or roll over;

(2) Padding for component parts including but not limited to headrests and steering wheels;

(3) Clearly marked brake and throttle pedals.

(c) Operational rules for:

(1) Daily inspection of each go-cart;

(2) Maintenance of go-carts;

(3) Maintenance of the facility;

(4) Fueling of the go-carts;

(5) Fuel storage;

(6) Patrons using the facility, including minimum height for go-cart drivers based upon manufacturer's standards.

(Added by Ord. No. 9889 (N.S.), effective 10-26-07)

(a) No operator of a permanent amusement ride center or go-cart center shall employ any person unless the person been issued an employee identification card from the Issuing Officer pursuant to this chapter. An applicant for an employee identification card shall submit an application on a form provided by the Issuing Officer. The applicant shall not be approved for an identification card under this chapter if:

(1) The applicant is under the age of 18 years.

(2) The applicant has within five years preceding the date of application been convicted of any felony involving theft,

fraud, violence, sex with a minor, sale of any controlled substance on Schedules I-V of the Health and Safety Code or any felony involving moral turpitude.

(3) The applicant has been convicted of an offense requiring the applicant to register as a sex offender under Penal

Code section 290.

(4) The applicant has been convicted of any offense requiring registration for violation of the Uniform Controlled

Substances Act pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 11590.

(5) Suffers from alcoholism, drug addiction or any other physical or mental disorder, condition or disease that the

Issuing Officer determines renders the applicant unfit to be approved.

(6) The applicant has made a false statement or representation in the application.

(7) The applicant within five years preceding the date of application was employed at a facility similar to the type of

facility subject to this chapter and committed an unsafe or illegal act that endangered any person.

(b) An identification card issued under this section shall be renewed annually. The applicant shall apply for renewal at least 40 days before the expiration and no sooner than 60 days before expiration. The identification card is renewed upon the same terms as provided in paragraph (a) above.

(c) An employee of a permanent amusement ride center or go-cart center shall display the identification card while working and shall provide the card to any peace officer upon request.

(d) The Issuing Officer may suspend or revoke the identification card if he determines any of the grounds exist that would have justified denying issuance of the identification card or if the employee commits an illegal act while employed at a center subject to this chapter that endangers any person.

(e) The Issuing Officer shall grant or deny an applicant an identification card within 30 days of receiving a completed application. If the Issuing Officer denies an applicant an identification card or suspends or revokes the card the Issuing Officer shall proceed under section 21.110 or section 21.112 respectively. An applicant denied an identification card or whose card is suspended or revoked shall have the appeal rights under sections 21.113-21.116.

(Added by Ord. No. 7603 (N.S.), effective 4-13-89; amended by Ord. No. 8316 (N.S.), effective 11-25-93; amended by Ord. No. 9889 (N.S.), effective 10-26-07)

State law reference(s)--Prohibited substances, Health and Safety Code, § 1100 et seq.; registration for violation of Uniform Controlled Substances Act, Health and Safety Code, § 11590; approved methadone maintenance program, Welfare and Institutions Code, §§ 4351, 4352.

An applicant for a permanent amusement ride center permit or go-cart center permit shall provide proof of commercial general liability insurance in an amount not less than $1,000,000 for injury or death to persons arising out of the use of a permanent amusement ride or go-cart. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a permanent amusement ride center or go-cart center without the insurance required by this section being in full force and effect.

(Amended by Ord. No. 5200 (N.S.), effective 8-10-78; amended by Ord. No. 6823 (N.S.), effective 9-13-84; amended by Ord. No. 7309 (N.S.), effective 7-2-87; amended by Ord. No. 9889 (N.S.), effective 10-26-07)