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Article 4 — Regulations Concerning Speed and Safety

VenturaCounty Municipal Code · 2026-09 edition · updated 2026-09-27 · VenturaCounty

6404-1 - Speed limit rules.

(a)

No owner, operator or person in command of any vessel shall operate or permit a vessel to be operated within the Harbor at a speed in excess of five (5) miles per hour.

(b)

No person shall operate or permit to be operated a vessel at any speed that creates an unnecessary or excessive wake.

(c)

No person shall use any vessel or manipulate water skis, an aquaplane, or a similar device in a reckless or negligent manner so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person.

(d)

No person shall operate or permit to be operated a vessel at any speed that shows a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property taking into consideration the visibility and weather conditions occurring at that time.

(Ord. No. 4439, 8-9-2011)

6404-2 - Swimming and bathing.

No person shall swim or bathe in the Harbor except within those areas designated for bathing and swimming by the Director as indicated on Exhibits A and B attached hereto.

(Ord. No. 4439, 8-9-2011)

Editor's note— Exhibits A and B, referenced above, are set out at the end of this chapter.

6404-3 - Races and exhibitions.

It is unlawful for any person to conduct or take part in any race, demonstration, exhibition, or contest of any kind that interferes with the free and easy uses of the Harbor, unless a written permit has first been procured from the Director.

(Ord. No. 4439, 8-9-2011)

6404-3.1 - Permits.

No person shall sponsor an organized event on the navigable waters of the Harbor or Outer Harbor, beaches, public areas, or private leasehold areas within the Harbor without first obtaining a permit from the Director.

6404-3.1.1 - Organized events on land include, but are not limited to, weddings, car shows, memorial services, markets, art shows, performance programs, events that involve rental equipment, or gatherings where ten (10) or more persons are expected to attend. 6404-3.1.2 - Organized events on water include, but are not limited to, competitions, boat shows, boat operation training, group boating, or any other similar activity involving two or more vessels that has the potential to impede traffic in the waterways of the

Harbor, Outer Harbor, or beaches.

(Ord. No. 4439, 8-9-2011)

6404-3.2 - Application for permits.

Any person wishing to sponsor or hold a race or exhibition on the navigable waters of the Harbor must first make application to the Director for a permit to engage in such activity. The permit application must be submitted at least ten (10) days prior to the earliest date on which the applicant proposes to engage in the specified activities and shall set forth:

(a)

The names and addresses of each of the applicants;

(b)

The proposed dates, times, and location for the activities;

(c)

A detailed description of the activity requested, (e.g. wedding, boat parade, car show, etc.);

(d)

A diagram showing the proposed location and its relation to the remainder of the Harbor; and

(e)

Any request that the above-stated 10-day period required for the submission of applications for such permits be, in the sole discretion of the Director, shortened.

(Ord. No. 4439, 8-9-2011)

6404-3.3 - [Designated hours.]

Unless the permit otherwise specifies, the activities specified in Section 6404-3.2 shall be allowed only between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., and only on such days as shall be designated by the Director in the permit.

(Ord. No. 4439, 8-9-2011)

6404-3.4 - [Buoys and safety boats.]

All race or exhibition courses shall be adequately marked with buoys and, if required by the Harbor Director or the nature of the activity, safety boats. The adequacy of such markings and safety boats shall be determined by the Director.

(Ord. No. 4439, 8-9-2011)

6404-3.5 - [Distance from boating public.]

All race or exhibition courses shall be so marked and situated as to allow at least one hundred (100) feet of unobstructed navigable waters between such marks and the farthest extended pier along the shoreline adjacent to such events, in order to ensure free passage for the boating public.

(Ord. No. 4439, 8-9-2011)

6404-3.6 - [Inspection.]

The Director shall inspect or cause to be inspected all courses and markings to determine whether they comply with all provisions of this ordinance and with the requirements of the permit issued by the Director pursuant to this ordinance.

(Ord. No. 4439, 8-9-2011)

6404-3.7 - Muffler system.

Vessels, including motorboats, engaging in any activity or event permitted under the terms of this ordinance may, subject to the regulations herein set forth and any applicable permit, engage in such events with vessels not equipped with a muffler system.

(Ord. No. 4439, 8-9-2011)

6404-3.8 - [Trial or practice runs.]

Each permit issued for any trial or practice runs shall designate the area where the permittee may conduct such runs. The permittee and permitted vessel shall proceed, at a safe speed and in a reasonable manner, directly to such area using the shortest possible route, having in mind other traffic then present in the waters of the Harbor and along the shoreline.

(Ord. No. 4439, 8-9-2011)

6404-3.9 - Owner's responsibility.

It shall be unlawful for any person owning, possessing, or in charge of any vessel to knowingly permit such vessel to be operated in violation of any of the provisions of this Ordinance or permits issued hereunder.

(Ord. No. 4439, 8-9-2011)

6404-3.10 - Appeal.

Any permit applicant shall have the right to appeal the denial or conditioning of a permit to the County Executive Officer. Such appeal may be taken by filing an appeal with the Clerk of the Board within ten (10) days from the date the Director denied or issued the conditioned permit. The Clerk of the Board shall notify the Director of any such appeal. Thereafter, after consultation with the County Executive Officer, the Clerk shall set a date, time, and place for a hearing on the appeal and shall notify the appellant and Director thereof. The decision of the County Executive Officer shall be final and conclusive. There shall be no appeal to the Board of Supervisors.

ed permit. The Clerk of the Board shall notify the Director of any such appeal. Thereafter, after consultation with the County Executive Officer, the Clerk shall set a date, time, and place for a hearing on the appeal and shall notify the appellant and Director thereof. The decision of the County Executive Officer shall be final and conclusive. There shall be no appeal to the Board of Supervisors.

(Ord. No. 4439, 8-9-2011)

6404-4 - Launching vessels from a vehicle.

No person shall use a motor vehicle to launch or retrieve a vessel on or from a Harbor launch ramp unless the vessel trailer is attached directly to the control vehicle or attached to the control vehicle by a piece of solid material. See also subdivision (g) of Vehicle Code Section 21712, which provides that a person shall not drive a motor vehicle that is towing a trailer coach, camp trailer, or trailer carrying a vessel, containing a passenger, except when a trailer carrying or designed to carry a vessel is engaged in the launching or recovery of the vessel.

(Ord. No. 4439, 8-9-2011)

6404-5 - Operating near swimmers or bathers.

No person shall operate any vessel or aquaplane within one hundred (100) feet of any bathers or swimmers, or in any areas designated by the Director for bathing and swimming, without a permit from the Director.

(Ord. No. 4439, 8-9-2011)

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▸Contents — VenturaCounty Municipal Code
VenturaCounty Municipal Code
  1. 2.04 of Title 2.
  2. Division 1 — Government
  3. Chapter 1 — Business Taxes and Certificates
  4. Article 1 — General Provisions
  5. Article 2 — Definitions
  6. Article 3 — Imposition of Tax and Exemptions from Taxation
  7. Article 4 — Payment of Business Taxes
  8. Article 5 — Application and Renewal—Business Tax Certificate
  9. Article 6 — Penalties and Interest
  10. Article 7 — Refund of Overpayment
  11. Article 8 — Hearings and Appeals
  12. Article 9 — Enforcement and Violations
  13. Article 10 — Additional Tax Collector Powers
  14. Article 11 — Miscellaneous Provisions
  15. Chapter 2 — Licenses
  16. Article 2 — License Applications— Procedures and Appeals
  17. Article 1 — Temporary Shows
  18. Article 2 — Dance Halls
  19. Article 2.5 — Teen-Age Dances
  20. Article 3 — Billiard Rooms
  21. Article 4 — Motor Vehicle Races
  22. Article 5 — Card Rooms
  23. Article 1 — Auctioneer
  24. Article 2 — Collectors, Dealers and Brokers
  25. Article 3 — Peddlers, Solicitors, and Telephone Solicitors
  26. Article 1 — Rubbish Collection
  27. Article 2 — Ambulances
  28. Article 3 — Private Patrolmen
  29. Article 4 — Taxicabs
  30. Article 5 — Massage Businesses and Massage Technicians
  31. Article 5.5 — Solemnization of Marriages
  32. Article 6 — Kennels
  33. Article 1 — Licensing of Cannabis Operations
  34. Article 2 — Tax on Cannabis Operations
  35. Chapter 6 — Sidewalk Vending
  36. Chapter 1 — Standards and Permits
  37. Chapter 2 — Facilities Fees
  38. Article 1 — Sheriff's Facilities
  39. Article 2 — Fire Protection Facilities
  40. Article 1 — Nuisance
  41. Article 3 — Power of Arrest
  42. Article 1 — Tents and Lean-tos
  43. Article 2 — Enforcement
  44. Article 3 — Tents and House Courts
  45. Article 4 — Violation
  46. Article 1 — Camps
  47. Article 2 — Camp Fires
  48. Article 3 — Bathing, Surfing, Surfboards
  49. Chapter 4 — Animals
  50. Article 1 — License Tag
  51. Article 2 — Animal Shelter
  52. Article 3 — Dogs Used by Peace Officers
  53. Article 4 — Rabies Control
  54. Article 5 — Animal Control
  55. Article 6 — General
  56. Article 7 — Wild Animal Control
  57. Article 8 — Administrative Enforcement Alternative
  58. Article 9 — Roosters
  59. Chapter 5 — Hazardous Substances
  60. Article 1 — Unified Program Generally
  61. Article 1.1 — Unified Program— Hazardous Waste Producers
  62. Article 1.2 — Unified Program—Underground Storage of Hazardous…
  63. Article 1.3 — Unified Program—Aboveground Storage of Hazardous…
  64. Article 1.4 — Unified Program—Business Plan/Risk Management Plan
  65. Article 1.5 — Unified Program—Inspection of State Authorized F…
  66. Article 1.6 — Participating Agency Fees
  67. Article 1.7 — Unified Program Hearing Procedure
  68. Article 2 — Liability for Violation of Hazardous Waste and Sub…
  69. Article 3 — Medical Waste Management and Safe Body Art
  70. Article 5 — Business Plans and Risk Management and Prevention …
  71. Article 1 — General
  72. Chapter 7 — Regulation of Solid Waste Storage, Collection, Dis…
  73. Article 1 — Regulation of the Disposal and Handling of Solid W…
  74. Article 3 — Solid Waste Programs for Unincorporated Areas
  75. Article 4 — County Integrated Waste Management Plan Fee
  76. Article 1 — Groundwater Conservation
  77. Article 2 — Private and State Small Water Systems
  78. Article 3 — Administrative Enforcement of Private and State Sm…
  79. Chapter 9 — Alcoholic Beverage Warning Signs
  80. Chapter 10 — Safer Sex in the Adult Film Industry
  81. Chapter 1 — Fire Protection
  82. Article 1 — Discharge
  83. Chapter 3 — Public Emergency
  84. Article 1 — General
  85. Article 2 — Emergency Planning Council
  86. Chapter 4 — Prices of Emergency Items and Services
  87. Chapter 5 — Courthouse Security Screening
  88. Article 1 — Preliminary Matters
  89. Article 3 — General Provisions
  90. Article 4 — Administration and Permitting
  91. Article 5 — Provisions for Flood Hazard Reduction
  92. Article 6 — Variance Procedure
  93. Chapter 7 — Protection of Watercourses and Related Critical Pu…
  94. Article 1 — Alcoholic Beverages
  95. Article 1.1 — Social Hosts Liability
  96. Article 2 — Nudism
  97. Article 3 — Prostitution & Lewd Acts
  98. Article 4 — Unlawful Exposure of Private Parts and Female Brea…
  99. Article 5 — Harmful Substances
  100. Article 6 — Sale and Display of Drug Paraphernalia to Minors
  101. Article 7 — Place of Business Where Drug Paraphernalia is Kept…
  102. Article 1 — Imprisonment
  103. Article 2 — Juvenile Confinement
  104. Article 3 — Registration of Hotel and Motel Guests
  105. Article 4 — Miscellaneous
  106. Article 4.5 — Bingo Game Licenses
  107. Article 5 — Enclosing Swimming Pools and Other Bodies of Water
  108. Article 6 — Bicycle Registration and Licensing
  109. Article 7 — Abandoned or Inoperative Motor Vehicles
  110. Article 7.1 — Abandoned Vehicles
  111. Article 8 — Alarm Systems
  112. Article 9 — Commercial Weighing and Measuring Instruments
  113. Article 9.5 — Consumer Protection Business Permit
  114. Article 10 — Graffiti
  115. Article 11 — Loud or Raucous Nighttime Noise in Residential Zo…
  116. Chapter 3 — Ventura County Parks
  117. Article 1 — Applicability and Authority
  118. Article 2 — Definitions
  119. Article 3 — Powers and Duties of the Director
  120. Article 4 — Permits
  121. Article 5 — General Regulations
  122. Article 6 — Public Health and Sanitation
  123. Article 7 — Public Safety
  124. Article 8 — Preservation of County Parks
  125. Article 9 — Overnight Camping
  126. Chapter 4 — Ventura County Harbor Ordinance
  127. Article 1 — Definitions
  128. Article 2 — Powers and Duties of the Director
  129. Article 3 — Applicability and Authority
  130. Article 4 — Regulations Concerning Speed and Safety
  131. Article 5 — Navigation
  132. Article 6 — General Regulations
  133. Article 7 — Regulations Covering Mooring, Floats, and Other Ha…
  134. Article 8 — Health and Sanitation
  135. Article 9 — Severability and Preeminence
  136. Article 10 — Parking Area Regulations
  137. Chapter 5 — Ventura County Airport
  138. Article 3 — Powers and Duties
  139. Article 4 — Fire Regulations
  140. Article 5 — Aircraft Fuel Servicing
  141. Article 6 — Aircraft Operations/Aeronautical Activities
  142. Article 7 — Airports Regulations
  143. Article 8 — Traffic Regulations
  144. Article 9 — Health, Environment and Sanitation
  145. Article 11 — General Conditions
  146. Article 12 — Administration of System
  147. Article 13 — Wastewater Discharge Into County Sewerage System
  148. Article 14 — Pretreatment Requirements
  149. Article 15 — Industrial Discharge Permit System
  150. Article 16 — Industrial Wastewater Monitoring & Reporting
  151. Article 17 — Fees, Charges and Computations
  152. Article 18 — Enforcement
  153. Article 19 — Miscellaneous Provisions
  154. Chapter 6 — Regulation of Parking Facilities
  155. Chapter 6.5 — Regulation of Skateboarding and Similar Activiti…
  156. Chapter 7 — Ventura County Comprehensive Smoke-Free Regulations
  157. Chapter 8 — Regulating Tobacco Vending Machines
  158. Chapter 8.5 — Sale of Flavored Vaping Products and Flavored Va…
  159. Chapter 9 — Stormwater Quality Management
  160. Article 2 — Prohibition of Non-Stormwater Discharges
  161. Article 3 — Prohibition of Illicit Connections
  162. Article 4 — Reduction of Pollutants in Stormwater
  163. Article 5 — Requirements for the Control of Urban Runoff
  164. Article 6 — Inspections
  165. Article 7 — Enforcement
  166. Article 8 — Permits
  167. Article 9 — Miscellaneous
  168. Chapter 10 — Rincon Parkway
  169. Article 1 — Applicability and Authority
  170. Article 2 — Definitions
  171. Article 3 — Powers and Duties of the Director
  172. Article 4 — Permits
  173. Article 5 — General Regulations
  174. Article 6 — Public Health and Sanitation
  175. Article 7 — Public Safety
  176. Article 8 — Recreational Vehicle Parking Meter Zone
  177. Article 9 — Preservation of Rincon Parkway
  178. Chapter 1 — Traffic Ordinance
  179. Chapter 2 — Regulation of Riding and Hiking Trails in the Los …
  180. Chapter 3 — Large Truck Terminal Access
  181. Article 1 — Authority, Purpose, and Application of Chapter
  182. Article 3 — Establishment of Zones, Boundaries and Maps
  183. Article 4 — Purposes of Zones
  184. Article 5 — Uses and Structures by Zone
  185. Article 6 — Lot Area and Coverage, Setbacks, Height and Relate…
  186. Article 7 — Standards for Specific Uses
  187. Article 8 — Parking and Loading Requirements
  188. Article 9 — Standards for Specific Zones and Zone Types
  189. Article 10 — Sign Requirements
  190. Article 11 — Entitlements—Process and Procedures
  191. Article 12 — Limitations on Issuance of Building Permits in th…
  192. Article 13 — Nonconformities and Substandard Lots
  193. Article 14 — Enforcement and Penalties
  194. Article 15 — Amendments to This Chapter
  195. Article 16 — Density Bonus and Affordable Housing Incentives P…
  196. Article 17 — Mobilehome Park Closure Permit Requirements
  197. Article 18 — Official Zoning Data
  198. Article 19 — Specific Standards for Area Plans
  199. Article 1 — Authority, Purpose, and Application of Chapter
  200. Article 3 — Purposes of Zones
  201. Article 4 — Permitted Uses
  202. Article 5 — Development Standards/Conditions—Uses
  203. Article 6 — Parking and Loading Requirements
  204. Article 7 — Standards For Specific Zones
  205. Article 8 — General Development Standards/Conditions—Resource …
  206. Article 9 — Zoning Maps
  207. Article 11 — Entitlements—Process and Procedures
  208. Article 12 — Nonconformities and Substandard Lots
  209. Article 13 — Enforcement and Penalties
  210. Article 14 — Amendment to the local coastal program
  211. Chapter 2 — Subdivisions
  212. Article 1 — Authority, Purpose, and Application of Chapter
  213. Article 3 — Fees and Charges
  214. Article 4 — Parcel Map Waivers
  215. Article 5 — Tentative Maps
  216. Article 6 — Final and Parcel Map Requirements
  217. Article 7 — Amendment of Recorded Final and Parcel Maps
  218. Article 8 — Improvements, Dedications, Reservations and Fees
  219. Article 9 — Lot Line Adjustments
  220. Article 10 — Voluntary Mergers
  221. Article 11 — Conservation Subdivision
  222. Article 12 — Reversions to Acreage
  223. Article 13 — Mobilehome Park Conversions to Resident Ownership…
  224. Article 14 — Certificates of Compliance and Conditional Certif…
  225. Article 15 — Notice, Hearings, and Decisions
  226. Article 16 — Appeals
  227. Article 17 — Enforcement
  228. Article 18 — Amendments to this Chapter
  229. Chapter 3 — Places
  230. Article 1 — House Numbering
  231. Chapter 4 — Urban Area Development
  232. Chapter 6 — Traffic Impact Mitigation Fees for Maintenance and…
  233. Chapter 7 — Protection of Flood Control Facilities
  234. Chapter 8 — SE (Miscellaneous) Projects
  235. Chapter 9 — School Facilities Fee/Dedication Ordinance
  236. Chapter 10 — Mobile Home Park Rent Control
  237. Chapter 11 — Augmented Piru Transportation Impact Mitigation Fee
  238. Article 1 — Fees
  239. Article 2 — Right-To-Farm
  240. Article 3 — Mediation Services
  241. Article 1 — Regulations
  242. Article 1 — Identification of Agricultural Commodities Being T…
  243. Article 1 — Certification
  244. Chapter 5 — Apple Maggot Infestation Control
  245. Chapter 6 — Cultivation of Industrial Hemp
  246. Division 10 — Domestic Partnership Registration
  247. Chapter 1 — General
  248. Chapter 2 — Specific Provisions
  249. Article 1 — Imposition of Tax
  250. Article 2 — Registration
  251. Article 3 — Reporting and Remitting
  252. Article 4 — Penalties and Interest
  253. Article 5 — Failure to Collect and Report Tax
  254. Article 6 — Appeal
  255. Article 7 — Refunds
  256. Chapter 3 — Enforcement
  257. Article 1 — Civil Action
  258. Article 2 — Violations
  259. Division 12 — Highway Encroachments
  260. Chapter 1 — Definitions and Construction of Division
  261. Chapter 2 — General Provisions
  262. Chapter 3 — Encroachment Work Standards
  263. Chapter 4 — Application Requirements
  264. Chapter 5 — Permit Issuance
  265. Chapter 6 — Permit Fees and Deposits
  266. Chapter 7 — Maintenance and Repair of Sidewalks
  267. Chapter 8 — Wireless Telecommunication Facilities-Public Right…
  268. Chapter 9 — Transportation Permits
  269. Chapter 10 — Appeal and Violation
  270. Division 13 — Abatement of Public Nuisances

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