San Diego Municipal Code Div. 1 Use of Park Areas

(“Use of Park Areas” added 8–9–1993 by O–17951 N.S.)

The Park and Recreation Director of The City of San Diego with the approval of the City Manager, shall have authority to promote the use of City–owned playgrounds and recreation areas for the benefit of the people of The City of San Diego by organizing, carrying on, conducting and maintaining regularly scheduled and planned athletic contests and games under the supervision of such Park and Recreation Director, under rules and regulations to be adopted by said Park and Recreation Director, which, among others, shall include the following:

(a) Organized and sponsored athletic teams may be assigned exclusive use of
playgrounds or recreational areas for the carrying on and conducting of
athletic contests and exhibitions, at which the public shall be admitted without
charge, except that voluntary contributions may be collected under the direct
supervision of such Park and Recreation Director at such contests. All of such
money so received shall be immediately deposited in the Cultural and
Recreational Promotional Trust Fund, as created by the provisions of
Ordinance No. 3439 (New Series) of the ordinances of The City of San Diego.

(b) All of such regularly scheduled athletic contests, games or events shall be
carried on and conducted under the supervision and control of said Park and
Recreation Director.

(c) Preference in the use of such playgrounds and recreational areas and the
holding of such athletic games and events shall be given to the residents of
The City of San Diego, provided, however, that the Park and Recreation
Director may, if he deems it to be in the best interests of the promotion of
such playground and recreational activity authorize contests between
organized athletic teams coming from areas outside of the territorial
boundaries of The City of San Diego, and may also, if he deems it advisable,
permit organized teams resident outside of The City of San Diego to compete
in regularly scheduled contests with teams composed of members resident
within The City of San Diego.

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 6: Public Works and Property, Public Improvement and Assessment Proceedings (9-2024)

The Park and Recreation Director shall not permit any team or organization of athletes to participate in any such athletic contests, games or events if any member of such competing athletic team is paid a consideration for his services in such contest. In this connection sponsors of such organized teams may provide each member of a competing athletic team with necessary uniforms and equipment for the contests, and may also provide the necessary expenses of transportation to and from the place of contest. The Park and Recreation Director shall not permit any athletic team to compete in any such games or contests whose sponsor, except for uniforms and equipment, spends in excess of $800.00 per calendar year in the maintenance of such athletic team, and such Director may, if he so desires, require such sponsor to submit, by affidavit or otherwise, proof of the total amount of expenditures per month made by said sponsor in support of the athletic team participating in such contests so sponsored.

(d) The Park and Recreation Director may, if it is deemed advisable, require each
competing team or contestant to pay an entry fee either for a single contest or
for a series of contests in league activity. All moneys collected by the Park
and Recreation Director, either by way of entry fees or contributions, shall be
paid as hereinabove provided into the Cultural and Recreational Promotional
Trust Fund. No moneys in such fund shall be used other than for the
promotion of such playground and recreational area activity. In this
connection the Auditor and Comptroller of said City is authorized to honor
and the Treasurer to pay claims submitted by the Park and Recreation Director
for the services of attendants at such contests, and payment of umpires or
referees, secretarial expenses in connection with such contests, purchase of
awards and trophies, public address sound systems, and other expenses
incidental to promoting and conducting the contests. Competing teams shall
not receive any traveling expenses or other direct payment from the Cultural
and Recreational Promotional Trust Fund for their participation in any
contest.
(Renumbered from Sec. 63.01, retitled and amended 8–9–1993 by O–17951 N.S.)

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 6: Public Works and Property, Public Improvement and Assessment Proceedings (9-2024)

(a) Purpose and Intent

It is the purpose and intent in enacting this Division to regulate and prohibit
certain activities in public parks and beaches within the City of San Diego in
the interests of protecting the enjoyment and safety of the public in the use of
these facilities, as well as the natural resources of the City of San Diego.

(b) Definitions

For purposes of this Division, defined terms appear in italics. The following
definitions apply in this Division:

Beach areas has the same meaning as in San Diego Municipal Code
section 63.20.

Expressive activity has the same meaning as in San Diego Municipal Code
section 63.0502.

Open space means any undeveloped public property either primarily in its
natural state, including canyons, coastal bluffs, and unimproved waterways, or
that is held out by the City or used by the public for passive recreational
purposes, conservation, habitat preservation, or that maintains or enhances the
conservation of natural or scenic resources.

Park means any public property, whether developed or undeveloped, held out
by the City or used by the public for active or passive park and recreation
uses, including adjacent buffer lands and natural areas and any adjacent
parking lots and perimeter sidewalks. The definition of park includes open
space and all public beaches, beach areas, bays, and wetlands within the City.

Services are activities involving the performance of work for others, the rental
of furniture or equipment for an activity or event, or the provision of
intangible items to a group of four persons or more at the same time that
cannot be returned once they are provided. Examples include massage, yoga,
dog training, fitness classes, equipment rental, and staging for picnics,
bonfires or other activities.

Sidewalk vending has the same meaning as in San Diego Municipal Code
section 36.0102.

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 6: Public Works and Property, Public Improvement and Assessment Proceedings (9-2024)

(c) It is unlawful for any person within any park to do any of the acts listed in
San Diego Municipal Code section 63.0102(c).

(1) Post Handbills. It is unlawful to litter, to throw, or deposit on the ground, to post or affix to any tree, fence, or structure situated within or on any park any handbills, circulars, pamphlets, tracts, dodgers, papers, or advertisements.

(2) Loose Animals. It is unlawful to bring, leave, turn loose, or allow to
go free, any animal, fowl, or bird of any kind in or upon any park;
provided, however, that section 63.0102(c)(2) does not apply to:

(A) Horses being led, ridden, or driven upon any roads or paths
therein;

(B) Dogs when fastened to and led by a chain or line not more than
eight (8) feet in length of suitable strength;

(C) Dogs which are in special areas of parks designated and posted
by the Parks and Recreation Director as dog off-leash areas or
dog training areas and so long as the regulations of the Parks
and Recreation Director with respect to the use of such areas
are followed.

(i) Implied Consent. The presence of a dog in a designated
dog off-leash area or dog training area shall constitute
implied consent of the person either owning or
controlling the dog to the regulations imposed by the
Parks and Recreation Director.

(ii) Liability and Indemnification. The presence of a dog in
a designated dog off-leash area or dog training area
shall constitute a waiver of liability, on behalf of the
person either owning or controlling the dog, to the City
of San Diego, as well as an agreement and undertaking
to protect, indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the
City of San Diego for any injury or damage caused by
the dog.

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 6: Public Works and Property, Public Improvement and Assessment Proceedings (9-2024)

(3) Fireworks. It is unlawful to discharge any firearm, firecracker, bomb, torpedo, rocket, or other fireworks without the written consent of the City Manager; provided, however, that as to the discharging of firearms section 63.0102(c)(3) does not apply to authorized peace officers or employees of the San Diego Zoo while in the performance of their duties.

(4) Destruction of Plants. It is unlawful to injure, drive a nail or other
object into, destroy, cut or remove any tree or other natural vegetation,
soil, or rock in any park without the written permission of the City
Manager.

(5) Defacement of Property. It is unlawful to build or erect a physical
structure of any type, or cut, break, deface, or injure any building,
monument, rock, fountain, cage, pen, fence, bench, hydrant, swing, or
other structure, apparatus or property, dig caves, or otherwise
reconfigure the natural or developed landscape in a manner that
damages the landscape within a park without the written permission of
the City Manager.

(6) Dumping. It is unlawful to deposit or dump any garbage, refuse,
human or animal waste, dirt, ashes or like substances, or any carcass
of any animal or fowl.

(7) Glass Containers. It is unlawful to have, possess, or use any container
made of glass, except in locations where such containers are permitted
under the terms of a lease, operating agreement, or permit.

(8) Littering. It is unlawful to leave or scatter about any boxes, empty or
otherwise, waste paper, remains of meals, newspaper, tobacco,
remains of any material capable of being smoked, or rubbish of any
kind, except that such material and matter may be deposited in
receptacles provided for such purpose.

(9) Park waters. It is unlawful to bathe in the waters of any lake, pond,
pool, fountain, or at any hydrant, drinking fountain, or sink; or throw
into or deposit any dirt, filth or foreign matter in the waters of any
lake, pond, pool, or fountain, or in like manner pollute the same;
provided, however, that nothing contained in section 63.0102(c)(9)
prohibits persons from swimming in any municipal pool in accordance
with the rules and regulations provided therefor.

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 6: Public Works and Property, Public Improvement and Assessment Proceedings (9-2024)

(10) Mistreatment of Animals. It is unlawful to take, kill, wound, disturb,
or maltreat any bird or animal, either wild or domesticated, unless the
same shall have been declared noxious by the City Manager and a
permit issued for the killing of such noxious animals; provided,
however, that section 63.0102(c)(10) does not apply to any exhibits in
the San Diego Zoo when done by employees in the course of their
duties.

(11) Fires. It is unlawful to kindle or allow to be kindled any fire, bonfire,
Tiki Torch, or any device set on fire for entertainment purposes, or to
throw upon the ground a lighted match, lighted cigar or cigarette, or
anything that would be liable to set fire to any grass, tree, shrub,
building, or other property; provided, however, that nothing in
Municipal Code section 63.0102(c)(11) prohibits persons from
kindling fires in City-provided fire rings or portable propane-fueled
devices as permitted in Municipal Code section 63.20.5(c).

(12) Temporary Shade Structures. Unless specifically authorized in writing
by the City Manager, it is unlawful for any person to erect or maintain
any temporary shade structure in any park, unless the temporary shade
structure has a minimum of two sides open and there is an
unobstructed view of the interior from the outside on at least two
sides.

(13) Sale of Merchandise.

(A) Except expressive activity authorized by Chapter 6, Article 3, Division 5 of this Code and sidewalk vending, it is unlawful to sell or offer for sale any goods, wares, merchandise, article, or thing whatsoever without the written consent of the City Manager.

(B) All sidewalk vending in any park shall comply with the
requirements of Chapter 3, Article 6, Division 1 of this Code.

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 6: Public Works and Property, Public Improvement and Assessment Proceedings (9-2024)

(14) Commercial Activity and Services. Except expressive activity
authorized by Chapter 6, Article 3, Division 5 of this Code and
sidewalk vending authorized by Chapter 3, Article 6, Division 1, it is
unlawful to carry on or conduct commercial activity, to provide any
service, or to solicit offers to purchase, barter, or to require someone to
negotiate, establish, or pay a fee before providing a service, even if
characterized as a donation, without the written consent of the City
Manager. Written consent of the City Manager includes commercial
activity and services allowed as part of a lease, permit, or other written
permission from the City.

(15) Shows. Except expressive activity authorized by Chapter 6, Article 3,
Division 5, it is unlawful to set up, maintain, or give any exhibition,
show, performance, lecture, concert, place of amusement, or concert
hall without the written consent of the City Manager.

(16) Conduct. It is unlawful to engage in any indecent conduct or indulge
in any riotous, boisterous, or threatening behavior.

(17) Sports. It is unlawful to play any game of ball or engage in any sport
except at such places and at such times as shall be designated for such
purpose by the Parks and Recreation Department.

(18) Direction from Park Ranger. It is unlawful for any person to refuse to
follow or comply with any lawful order, signal, or other direction of a
park ranger, or to knowingly provide false information to a park
ranger.

(19) Bicycles. It is unlawful to ride a bicycle except: (1) where posted to authorize bicycle riding; or (2) on any designated bikeway; or (3) on any road designated and established for automotive traffic; or (4) on paved and unpaved roads within a park used as fire or service roads by authorized motor vehicles unless otherwise posted. Motorcycles or any other motorized vehicles are prohibited except on roads designated and established for automotive traffic.

(20) Automobile Speed. It is unlawful to drive an automobile, motorcycle,
or other self-driven vehicle upon any park property at any speed in
excess of the limitations established by ordinances of the City of San
Diego.

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 6: Public Works and Property, Public Improvement and Assessment Proceedings (9-2024)

(21) Horses and Vehicles. It is unlawful to leave or hitch any horse, or
leave or park any automobile, motorcycle, or other self-driven vehicle
in any park, except at such places as are provided and designated for
those purposes.

(22) Car Washing. It is unlawful to clean, wash, polish, or to make other
than emergency repairs upon any automobile, motorcycle, or other
self-driven vehicle.

(23) Vehicular Traffic. Unless making deliveries or loading onto park
property, it is unlawful to drive or place any dray, truck, wagon, cart,
or other traffic vehicle with a manufacturer’s rate of capacity of more
than one ton, carrying or regularly used or employed in carrying
goods, merchandise, lumber, machinery, oil, manure, dirt, sand, soil,
or any article of trade or commerce or any offensive article or material
whatsoever upon any road or drive in any park, except such road or
drive as may be provided or designated for such use.

(24) Large Groups. Except as otherwise required or permitted by Chapter 2,
Article 2, Division 40 of this Code, it is unlawful for any group of
persons consisting of fifty or more persons to hold, conduct, or
participate in any celebration, parade, service, picnic, exercise, or
other special event in any park without having first obtained a permit
from the City Manager.

(25) Obstructing Traffic. It is unlawful to obstruct the free travel of any
vehicle or pedestrian over any of the walks, roads, or avenues of any
park.

(26) Park Department Tools. It is unlawful for any person, other than a
Parks and Recreation Department employee while in the performance
of the employee’s duties, to move or remove from one location to
another or destroy any equipment, tools, implements, or materials used
by the Parks and Recreation Department.

(27) Bridle Trails. It is unlawful to enter upon or use any bridle trail except
for the purpose of horseback riding.

(28) Valves and Use of Utilities. It is unlawful to open or close any valves
or switches, remove any utility access covers or secured plugs, tap into
wiring, or damage any maintenance covers, plugs or other facilities
pertaining to the water or electric services in any park.

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 6: Public Works and Property, Public Improvement and Assessment Proceedings (9-2024)

(d) Dog Off Leash and Dog Training Areas. It is unlawful for an owner or person
with custody, care, charge, control, or possession of a dog, or both, to do any
of the following:

(1) Have more than three (3) dogs within a designated dog off-leash area
or dog training area at any time; provided, however, that on Fiesta
Island an owner or person with custody, care, charge, control, or
possession of a dog, or both, shall have no more than six (6) off-leash
dogs.

(2) Abandon or otherwise leave any off-leash dog unattended or
unsupervised within any designated dog off-leash area or dog training
area at any time.

(3) Have a female dog in estrus (heat cycle) within a dog off-leash area or
dog training area at any time.

(4) Have a dog within a designated off-leash area or dog training area
without a current and valid dog license as required by San Diego
County Code section 62.620 and adopted by San Diego Municipal
Code section 44.0300.

(e) Dogs in Parks. It is unlawful for a dog owner or person with custody, care,
charge, control, or possession of a dog within any park to do any of the
following:

(1) Have a dog without a current dog license as required by San Diego
County Code section 62.620 and adopted by San Diego Municipal
Code section 44.0300. This provision shall not apply to nonresidents
visiting for less than thirty (30) days.

(2) In the event of a dog bite that results in injury requiring medical care
to a person or another dog, failure to provide to the injured person or
owner or custodian of the injured dog, at the time of the injury, all of
the following information: the full name of the dog owner or person
with custody, care, charge, control, or possession of the dog that
caused the injury, correct dog license information, telephone number,
mailing address, and driver’s license number, if any.

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 6: Public Works and Property, Public Improvement and Assessment Proceedings (9-2024)

(f) Regulations for the Use of the La Jolla Children’s Pool and Beach Areas

1. It is unlawful to allow any dog, except for service dogs while in
   service, upon the beach of the La Jolla Children’s Pool and upon the
   immediate beach areas, defined as the entire adjacent breakwater wall,
   starting from the top of the stairs of the breakwater wall; the ramp
   adjacent to the breakwater wall, starting from the top of the ramp; and
   the stairs to the Children’s Pool beach, starting from the top of the
   stairs leading directly to the beach, as shown on Figure 1.

   2) It is unlawful for any person to be upon or to cause any person to be
   upon the beach of the La Jolla Children’s Pool, starting from the lower
   stairs to the beach beginning with the second landing, from
   December 15 to May 15.

   (g) Regulations for the Use of Point La Jolla and Boomer Beach Areas

   (1) It is unlawful for any dog at any time to be on the closure area of
   Point La Jolla and Boomer Beach, as described in San Diego
   Municipal Code section 63.0102(g)(4) and shown in Figure 2.

   (2) It is unlawful for any person to be on or to cause any person to be on
   the closure area of Point La Jolla and Boomer Beach, as described in
   San Diego Municipal Code section 63.0102(g)(4) and shown in
   Figure 2, except employees or agents of the City of San Diego
   performing maintenance, repair, or rescue activities.

   (3) It is lawful for persons, and service dogs while in service, to traverse a
   portion of the closure area, as described in San Diego Municipal Code
   section 63.0102(g)(4), and shown in Figure 2, designated as the
   “Ocean Access Corridor,” to engage in ocean swimming activities
   only. The Ocean Access Corridor begins at the stepping stone twenty
   feet northeast of the first metal fence post directly to the west of the La
   Jolla Bridge Club located at 1160 Coast Boulevard, La Jolla, CA
   92037 and ends at the last gazebo above Boomer Beach northeast of
   Rocky Point, 560 feet to the northeast along the fence and seawall that
   separates the bluffs from the sidewalk adjacent to Ellen Browning
   Scripps Park located at 1100 Coast Boulevard, La Jolla, CA 92037 and
   extends perpendicular to the water. Any other use of the Ocean Access
   Corridor is unlawful.

Ch. Art. Div. 6 3 1 10

San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 6: Public Works and Property, Public Improvement and Assessment Proceedings (9-2024)

(4) Closure area means the area with the following borders: from the
Conrad F. Limbaugh and Harold F. Riley commemorative plaque
northwest of La Jolla Cove to the last gazebo above Boomer Beach
northeast of Rocky Point, 560 feet to the northeast along the fence and
wall that separates the bluffs from the sidewalk adjacent to Ellen
Browning Scripps Park and the La Jolla Bridge Club; and from the
water up to the ocean side of the fence and seawall that separates the
bluffs from the sidewalk adjacent to the Ellen Browning Scripps Park
and the La Jolla Bridge Club, as shown in Figure 2.
(Amended 8-4-2003 by O-19206 N.S.)
(Amended 7-18-2006 by O-19508 N.S.; effective 8-17-2006)
(Amended 5-14-2009 by O-19848 N.S; effective 6-13-2009.)
(Amended 5-19-2011 by O-20053 N.S.; effective 6-18-2011.)
(Amended 5-26-2011 by O-20052 N.S and O-20058 N.S.; effective 6-25-2011.)
(Amended 4-3-2014 by O-20360 N.S.; effective 8-14-2014.)

[Editors Note: Pursuant to California Coastal Commission Coastal Development
Permit 6-14-0961, the provisions of 63.0102(e)(2), restricting access to Children’s
Pool from December 15 to May 15, are effective for a five-year period which expires
on August 13, 2019.

(Amended 6-27-2022 by O-21468 N.S.; effective 6-27-2022.)
(Amended 1-13-2023 by O-21606 N.S.; effective 2-12-2023.)
(Amended 6-29-2023 by O-21674 N.S.; effective 7-29-2023.)
(Amended 10-4-2023 by O-21729 N.S.; effective 11-3-2023.)
(Amended 2-28-2024 by O-21775 N.S.; effective 3-29-2024.)

Ch. Art. Div.
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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 6: Public Works and Property, Public Improvement and Assessment Proceedings (9-2024)

(Added 5-19-2011 by O-20053 N.S.; effective 6-18-2011.)

Ch. Art. Div. 6 3 1 12

San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 6: Public Works and Property, Public Improvement and Assessment Proceedings (9-2024)

Figure 2

(Added 6-27-2022 by O-21468 N.S.; effective 6-27-2022.) (Amended 10-4-2023 by O-21729 N.S.; effective 11-3-2023.)

Ch. Art. Div. 6 3 1 13

San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 6: Public Works and Property, Public Improvement and Assessment Proceedings (9-2024)

Whenever doing any of the acts specified in this Article is conditioned upon obtaining a permit, permission, or consent from the City Manager, the following procedure shall be followed:

(a) An application for a permit shall be filed not less than ten (10) days before the
date on which the proposed activity or event is to be conducted; however, the
City Manager may consider any permit which is filed less than ten (10) days
before the proposed activity is to take place;

(b) The application shall include information as to the proposed activity, the
sponsoring person or organization, the number of persons expected to attend,
the proposed park area to be used, the proposed date and time of the event, the
duration in time, and the proposed alternate park areas and dates, if any;

(c) The City Manager shall within three (3) days after the filing of such
application act thereon;

(d) The City Manager shall issue the permit, permission, or consent if there is
capacity for the proposed activity, except as set forth in (1) through (3) below:

(1) An applicant for a Special Event, as defined in Chapter 2, Article 2,
Division 40, to be held at a park, shall apply for a reservation of space,
which, if granted, is effective until the Special Event Permit is granted
or denied. The City Manager shall consider all requests for reservations
of space filed at least 120 days before the date of the proposed event;
however, the City Manager may consider any permit which is filed less
than 120 days before the proposed event. A reservation of space may be
granted after consideration of factors such as previously scheduled
events at and adjacent to the requested location, the park capacity,
impacts to the park that may be caused by the event, any restrictions on
Special Events such as the Summer Moratorium, and any
recommendation from the appropriate park advisory body. A permit as
required by Chapter 6, Article 3 shall be issued concurrently with the
Special Event Permit.

Ch. Art. Div. 6 3 1 14

San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 6: Public Works and Property, Public Improvement and Assessment Proceedings (9-2024)

(A) There will be no reservations granted for Special Events in Balboa Park, Mission Bay Park, Presidio Park, or the Shoreline Parks, which are those parks contiguous to the shoreline or beach in the communities of Ocean Beach, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, and La Jolla, during the Summer Moratorium, which is from the Saturday prior to Memorial Day and the preceding Saturday and Sunday through Labor Day, except for the following Special Events:

(i) Balboa Park: San Diego Pride Festival, AFC Half
Marathon, Rock and Roll Marathon, Summer Concerts,
Patrons of the Prado, Philippine Art Festival, Balboa
Park 8 & 3 Mile Runs, 47th Balboa Park 4 Mile.
(ii) Mission Bay Park: Over the Line, Rock and Roll
Marathon, Kai Elua.
(iii) Shoreline Parks: La Jolla Concert Series, Summer Fest,
Taste at the Cove, Ocean Beach Street Fair and Chili
Cook-off.
(iv) Sports Leagues and Tournaments: Sports Leagues and
tournaments may be permitted in athletic areas in
Presidio Park, Robb Field, Santa Clara, Dusty Rhodes,
Mission Bay Athletic Area (Bob McEvoy Fields), and
Balboa Park.
(B) An applicant who seeks a waiver from this provision shall
make a written request to the City Manager not less than
120 days in advance of the event, describing the Special Event
and explaining why the waiver should be granted. Within
10 business days of the request, the City Manager shall place
the item on the next available agenda for the appropriate park
advisory committee. The City Manager shall issue a final
decision within 10 business days after the vote by the park
advisory committee.

(2) No permit, permission, or consent will be issued under this section for
events occurring in Balboa Park, Mission Bay Park, Presidio Park or
Shoreline Parks on Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day,
including the following Saturday or Sunday when the holiday falls on
Friday, or the preceding Saturday or Sunday when the holiday falls on
a Monday, except for permits for sports leagues and tournaments, and
for fireworks at Ellen Scripps Browning Park, Mission Bay, and
Ocean Beach for the Fourth of July.

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 6: Public Works and Property, Public Improvement and Assessment Proceedings (9-2024)

(3) Permits, permission, or consent required pursuant to the following
sections shall be issued at the discretion of the City Manager: 63.08;
63.20.11; 63.20.16; 63.20.20; 63.25.11; 63.25.51; 63.25.52, 63.25.72;
63.0102(b)(4), (5), (7), (10), (12), (13), (14); and 63.0201. The City
Manager shall consider applications for these activities filed 120 days
in advance; however, the City Manager may consider any permit
which is filed less than 120 days before the proposed activity. This
section shall not apply to permits required pursuant to sections 63.08
and 63.0102(b)(3) for the discharge of fireworks, which shall be issued
if there is park capacity for the event:

(e) Each permit shall state the date, time and area of the park for which it is
issued, and the name of the person or persons to whom it is issued;

(f) Every such permit shall be subject to the provisions regarding noise contained
in Chapter 5, Article 9.5, beginning with Section 59.5.0101 of this Code;

(g) If the application for a permit is denied, the applicant may submit a new
request proposing an alternate date, time, or location;

(h) The City Manager shall notify the applicant in person or by mail of the decision granting or denying the application or alternative application. The City Manager, in denying an application, may authorize the gathering at such other date, time, or location as may be available, based on park capacity. If the applicant wishes to accept the proposed alternate date, time, or location, the applicant shall, within two days of receiving the City Manager’s notification, file a notice of acceptance with the City Manager. The City Manager shall thereupon issue a permit.

(i) Any parade proposed to be conducted in or through any park shall be subject
to Chapter 2, Article 2, Division 40, of this Code.

(j) The City Manager may make such other rules and regulations as may be
reasonably necessary for the implementation of Section 63.0103. These rules
and regulations, including those determining park capacity, shall be based on
objective standards, except for those approvals referenced in section
63.0103(d)(1)-(3). An application submitted under this Article is subject to the
rules and regulations in place at the time the permit application is complete.
(Amended 11–18–1997 by O–18439 N.S.)
(Amended 5-26-2011 by O-20058 N.S.; effective 6-25-2011.)
(Amended 12-1-2011 by O-20111 N.S.; effective 12-31-2012.)
(Amended 6-29-2023 by O-21674 N.S.; effective 7-29-2023.)

Ch. Art. Div. 6 3 1 16

San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 6: Public Works and Property, Public Improvement and Assessment Proceedings (9-2024)

No person within the limits of any municipal golf course shall do any act or acts contrary to the rules established by the Park Department for the use of such golf course; provided, however, that such rules shall be conspicuously posted in the clubhouse of such golf course. (Renumbered from Sec. 63.02.29 on 8–9–1993 by O–17951 N.S.)

(a) Nothing in this Division shall be construed to prevent any employee or agent of the City of San Diego from performing any duty that, in the opinion of the City Manager or designee, may be thought necessary or proper for the maintenance, improvement, or betterment of any park as may be in the best interests of the City of San Diego.

(b) City sponsored events, which include those by City recognized Park and
Recreation Department Advisory Committees, are exempt from the
requirements set forth in section 63.0103.
(Renumbered from Sec. 63.02.30 and amended 8–9–1993 by O–17951 N.S.)
(Amended 5-19-2011 by O-20053 N.S.; effective 6-18-2011.)
(Amended 12-1-2011 by O-20111 N.S.; effective 12-31-2012.)
(Amended 6-29-2023 by O-21674 N.S.; effective 7-29-2023.)

Balboa Park

(a) It is unlawful for any person upon rollerskates, or riding on or by means of a
coaster, skateboard, toy vehicle or similar device to go on any roadway or
sidewalk in Balboa Park, the Cabrillo Bridge, the Park Boulevard pedestrian
overpass, any walkway, plaza, mall, arcade, stairs, building, or hallway in
Balboa Park, including the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Plaza de Balboa,
Spanish Village, along El Prado from the east side of Plaza de Panama to the
junction of Village Place and El Prado; upon any parking lot in Balboa Park;
or any other areas whatsoever connecting any and all park buildings.

(b) Section 63.0106 does not apply to Park Boulevard, Richmond Street or Sixth
Avenue, including the appurtenant sidewalks or those areas of Balboa Park
located west of the Cabrillo Bridge or east of Park Boulevard.

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(c) Every person violating Section 63.0106 is guilty of an infraction and subject
to a fine in an amount not to exceed $250 on a first conviction, and, on the
second conviction within one year, subject to a fine not to exceed $500.
(Renumbered from Sec. 63.02.33 and amended 8–9–1993 by O–17951 N.S.)

Diego

(a) It is unlawful for any person to use a skateboard, roller-skates, roller-blades,
in-line skates, or similar device(s) at any skate park facility located on
property owned by the City of San Diego, unless that person is:

(1) Wearing a helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads which are commercially
manufactured and designed specifically for the designated activity;
and

(2) twelve years of age or older, unless accompanied by a Responsible
adult. “Responsible adult” has the same meaning as in Municipal
Code section 58.0101.

(b) The only devices allowed in a skate park facility are skateboards, roller-
skates, roller-blades, and in-line skates. Any other devices, including but not
limited to bicycles, scooters, and motorized vehicles, are unlawful to use in a
skate park facility.

(c) It is unlawful for any person to bring into a skate park facility any item,
equipment, ramp or other material which can be used to perform tricks or
stunts.

(d) It is unlawful for an operator of a skate park facility located on property
owned by the City of San Diego, to fail to post signs at the facility:

(1) Providing reasonable notice that any person using the skate park
facility without wearing a helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads, is
subject to citation under the provisions of this Code; and

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(2) Providing reasonable notice that any person violating any of the
provisions of Section 63.0107 is subject to citation under the
provisions of this Code.
(“Use of Safety Equipment at City Skateboard Facilities” added 11-8-1999 by
O-18706 N.S.; “Park Rangers Authorized to Enforce State and Local Codes”
renumbered to Sec. 63.0108 on 11-8-1999 by O-18706 N.S.)
(Amended 9-11-2009 by O-19897 N.S; effective 10-11-2009.)

The Park Rangers of the City of San Diego are hereby authorized and empowered to enforce provisions of the San Diego Municipal Code and violations of the California State Codes which are designated as misdemeanors; to make arrests without a warrant whenever the Park Ranger has reasonable cause to believe that the person to be arrested has committed a misdemeanor in the Park Ranger’s presence which is a violation of a statute or Code the Park Ranger has the duty to enforce; and, while engaged in the performance of the Park Ranger’s duties, to arrest persons and issue citations under the provisions of sections 836.5 and 853.6 of the California Penal Code for violations which occur in the parks. (Renumbered from Sec. 63.0107 on 11-8-1999 by O-18706 N.S.) (Amended 6-29-2023 by O-21674 N.S.; effective 7-29-2023.)

It is unlawful for any person to exceed 8 miles per hour in the following places as shown on the map on file in the office of the City Clerk as Document No. 00–18425:

(a) on Ocean Front Walk (Mission Beach)boardwalk from the South Mission
Beach Jetty to the terminus of the Walkway on Ocean Boulevard at Law
Street;

(b) on all public park pathways, excluding roads open to the public for motorized
vehicle traffic, on the north and west sides of Mission Bay Park from San
Diego Place (adjacent to the South Mission Beach Jetty) through Crown Point
Shores;

(c) on all park pathways in the Bonita Cove, Ventura Cove, Bahia Point, and Sail
Bay areas.

This limitation applies to all wheeled methods of transportation.
(Renumbered from Sec. 63.0108 on 11-8-1999 by O-18706 N.S.)

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Whenever the term “City Manager” is used in this Division, it means the City Manager, the Park and Recreation Director, or any other person authorized or designated by the City Manager to carry out and enforce the provisions of this Division. (Renumbered from Sec. 63.0108 and amended 3–20–1995 by O–18166 N.S.)

Pedestrian Bridge

(a) It is unlawful for any person to be on the grounds of the following parks from
midnight until 6:00 a.m.: Children’s Park, Gaslamp Square Park, Pantoja
Park, the Children’s Museum Park, Fault Line Park, Cortez Hill Park, North
Park Community Park, Montclair Neighborhood Park, Cedar Ridge Mini
Park, and North Park Mini Park.

(b) It is unlawful for any person to be on the Spruce Street Pedestrian Bridge
from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.

(c) It is unlawful for any person to be on the portions of the University Heights
Open Space Park depicted in map 63.0120-A from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
between April 1 and October 31 and from 8:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. between
November 1 and March 31.

(d) It is unlawful for any person to be on the grounds of the City Heights Square
Mini Park from 9:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.

(e) Map 63.0120-A It is unlawful for any person to be on the portions of
Pasatiempo Neighborhood Park (undeveloped) and Pasatiempo Park West
Open Space depicted in map 63.0120-B from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
between April 1 and October 31 and from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. between
November 1 and March 31.

(Retitled from “Nighttime Curfew for Certain Downtown Public Parks” to
“Nighttime Curfew for Certain Downtown Public Parks and the Spruce Street
Pedestrian Bridge” and amended 11-27-2000 by O-18891 N.S.)
(Amended 7-31-2009 by O-19891 N.S.; effective 8-30-2009.)
(Amended 7-15-2015 by O-20539 N.S.; effective 8-14-2015.)

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(Retitled from “Nighttime Curfew for Certain Downtown Public Parks and the
Spruce Street Pedestrian Bridge” to “Nighttime Curfew for Certain Public Parks and
the Spruce Street Pedestrian Bridge” and amended 7-19-2016 by O-20678 N.S.;
effective 8-18-2016.)
(Amended 4-11-2019 by O-21061 N.S.; effective 5-11-2019.)
(Amended 8-5-2024 by O-21857 N.S.; effective 9-4-2024.)

Map 63.0120-A
University Heights Open Space Park

(Added 7-19-2016 by O-20678 N.S.; effective 8-18-2016.)

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 6: Public Works and Property, Public Improvement and Assessment Proceedings (9-2024)

Map 63.0120-B

Pasatiempo Neighborhood Park (undeveloped) and Pasatiempo Park West Open Space

(Added 8-5-2024 by O-21857 N.S.; effective 9-4-2024.)

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(a) As used in Section 63.0130, turf area means: an area of grass, which may also include dirt or soil, maintained for recreation or recreational activities.

(b) Subject to Section 63.0130(c), and in accordance with policies and procedures
for turf area closures as adopted by the City Manager and as amended from
time to time, the City Manager shall close for renovation and maintenance the
turf areas of the upper field at Allied Gardens Community Park, the Lower
Lewis Middle School joint-use area, and Skunk Hollow, for at least thirty
consecutive days each between May 1st and August 31st of each year, which
areas are more specifically shown on the map on file with the Office of the
City Clerk of the City of San Diego as Document No. 00-19175. Closure of
these turf areas shall be determined by the City Manager and shall be
staggered so that only one turf area is closed at a time.

(c) Any turf area subject to a joint-use agreement or lease shall be closed only if
the closure is in compliance with the terms of that joint-use agreement or
lease, and only with the consent of any other party to the joint-use agreement
or lease.
(Amended 5-6-2003 by O-19175 N.S.)

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Article 3: Public Parks, Playgrounds, Beaches, Tidelands and other Property