Ventura Municipal Code Ch. 10.230 Use of City Pier

This chapter is adopted under the municipal affairs provision of the City Charter for the purpose of controlling the use of the city’s pier and beaches in a manner that promotes public safety and welfare. (Ord. No. 2009-022, § 1, 10-12-09)

For purposes of this chapter, the following terms apply:

“Bridge” shall mean any structure designed to transport vehicles, bicycles or people over a body of water or storm drain system.

“Groin” or “jetty” shall mean any pile of rocks extending into the ocean from the beach.

“Pier” shall mean the Ventura Pier, i.e., the elevated deck or wharf extending into the Pacific Ocean from the southern (seaward) edge of Harbor Boulevard in the city of San Buenaventura, including all access ramps, pilings and other standards, and any structures built or attached to the deck.

“Watercraft” shall mean any instrumentality capable of being used as a means of transportation on water which is propelled by machinery, wind, paddle, oar or other device used to push the craft through the water, including, but not limited to, boats, rafts, jet skis, motorized water bikes, sailboards and windsurf boards. (Ord. No. 2009-022, § 1, 10-12-09)

It is unlawful for any person, other than a city officer, employee or agent acting in the course of official duties, to do any of the following:

A. To dive, jump, fall or in any manner propel oneself from any portion of the pier, groins, jetties or bridges at any time.

B. To climb on or over the railing of the pier or otherwise be outside of any portion of such railing.

C. To drive any motor-driven vehicle upon any portion of the pier, except:

1. Emergency vehicles;

2. Public work vehicles engaged in repair or maintenance;

3. Vehicles making regular deliveries when necessary to do so and when so authorized by the department of public works or chief of police in writing; or

4. One- or two-passenger electrically powered golf carts, wheelchairs or other wheeled devices or conveyances when operated for the sole purpose of transporting people with physical disabilities.

D. To skate with roller skates, skateboard or similar device on the pier, except as may be authorized in writing by the department of public works.

E. To ride a bicycle or other pedal-propelled moving device on the pier in a dangerous or reckless manner or at a speed in excess of five miles per hour.

F. To operate an otherwise authorized or permitted vehicle, except emergency vehicles, at a speed in excess of five miles per hour on the pier.

G. To operate any watercraft within 100 feet of the pier or in areas so designated by lifeguards (unless approved in writing as part of a city-sanctioned event) or to launch, beach, weigh anchor (within 1,000 feet of the high tide line), or cast off any watercraft within 100 feet of the pier, except watercraft propelled solely by oars or paddles, or by sail if less than eight feet in length.

H. To camp, congregate, or remain in the area directly beneath the pier or in the area five feet to either side of the outer pylons of the pier, except as necessary to traverse from one side of the pier to the other side. The director of public works or their designee may issue a permit to allow a special event to occur in this restricted area; provided, that the steps are taken to mitigate any danger to the public.

I. To start or maintain any fire on the pier, under the pier or within the area five feet of the outer pylons of the pier. (Ord. No. 2009-022, § 1, 10-12-09)

A. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the city manager, the fire chief, the police chief or the director of public works may order the pier or any bridge owned or operated by the city to be closed to the public at regular hours as posted, or at any time when necessary to protect the public health, safety or welfare.

B. It is unlawful for any person to attempt to enter, enter or remain upon, any portion of a closed pier or bridge or to remove any barricade or signs erected to prevent access to a closed pier or bridge. (Ord. No. 2009-022, § 1, 10-12-09)

It is not a violation of this chapter for any person to take any action otherwise prohibited by Section 10.230.030 or 10.230.040 deemed necessary to save or attempt to save any person from drowning, injury, or other imminent peril. (Ord. No. 2009-022, § 1, 10-12-09)

A. Every violation of the provisions of this chapter is a misdemeanor punishable in the manner provided for by this code.

B. In addition to any criminal or civil remedies that may be imposed, any person who violates this chapter is liable for the actual cost of any emergency response by the city or other governmental agency resulting from the prohibited action. Such liability is a debt in favor of the city or other governmental agency and may be collected in any manner authorized by law. (Ord. No. 2009-022, § 1, 10-12-09)