Yreka Municipal Code Ch. 9.50 Park Regulations

For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall be applicable:

(a) "Alcoholic beverages" means beverages containing one-half of one percent or more of alcohol by volume.

(b) "Camping" means to occupy or prepare to occupy as exemplified by sleeping or making preparations to sleep, storing personal belongings (including, but not limited to, clothing, sleeping bags, bed rolls, blankets, sheets, luggage, backpacks, kitchen utensils, cookware, and similar materials), or igniting fires for food or beverage preparation or for warming. Camping may involve the use of a any trailer, mobilehome, camper or other vehicle equipped for human habitation; the erection of any tent or other shelter; or the arrangement of sleeping bags, bedding, bed rolls, blankets, sheets, luggage, backpacks, kitchen utensils, cookware, and similar materials for the purpose of or which will permit remaining overnight.

(c) "Overnight" means between the hours of eleven o'clock p.m. of one day and six o'clock a.m. of the following day.

(d) "Recreation area" includes all parks, plazas, greenbelts, gardens, lakes and any other property owned by the city, including structures thereon and used, operated or maintained for recreational purposes, whether active or passive. "Owned" means any property interest under which the city operates, maintains or controls any such property. The term additionally includes any and all property owned and maintained as open space.

(e) "Vehicle" means a device by which any person or property may be propelled, moved or drawn, including bicycles.

(Ord. 520 (part), 1975).

(Ord. No. 878, § 2, 8-20-2024)

It is unlawful to camp in any recreation area within the city without previously obtaining from the city clerk a permit. Camping shall be permitted only in those areas designed by resolution of the city council and pursuant to the terms and conditions as set forth in the resolution.

(Ord. 520 (part), 1975).

It is unlawful to build any fire or burn any combustible material within any recreation area except in fireplaces or barbecues constructed and maintained for such use by the city. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the use of a barbecue or similar type of cooking device when used or maintained in such a manner as not to injure or destroy vegetation or constitute a fire hazard.

(Ord. 520 (part), 1975).

The city council may by resolution adopt reasonable rules and regulations setting forth the times that specific designated areas are open to public use. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any and all recreation areas are closed to public use between the hours of eleven p.m. and six a.m.; and it is unlawful for any person to be in a recreation area during such prohibited times. This section shall not be applicable to a person or persons who have obtained a permit from the city clerk pursuant to this chapter, or a resolution adopted pursuant to this chapter.

(Ord. 520 (part), 1975).

It is unlawful to consume alcoholic beverages in any recreation area designated by a resolution adopted by the city council pursuant to this section. A permit may be obtained from the city clerk for the consumption of alcoholic beverages in any such prohibited areas for group activities, and the permit may impose reasonable rules and regulations relating thereto.

(Ord. 520 (part), 1975).

It is unlawful for any person within any recreation area to deposit, place, throw or in any manner dispose of any rubbish, trash, garbage, can, bottle, glass, paper or any decaying or putrid matter of any kind whatsoever except in containers provided for such purpose by the city.

(Ord. 520 (part), 1975).

Except as hereinafter provided, it is unlawful for any person to permit any dog, cat, fowl, or other domesticated animal to enter upon or be within any recreation area.

(1) Definitions.

(A) Recreation Area. A recreation area is defined as the following areas which have been commonly referred to as parks within the city of Yreka, and as they may be more particularly described by resolution adopted by the city council from time to time defining the boundaries thereof:

(i) Greenhorn Park;

(ii) Miner Street Park;

(iii) Discovery Park;

(iv) Lewis Park;

(v) Newton Park;

(vi) Ringe Park;

(vii) Shasta Avenue Park; or

(viii) Those additional or other parks which are designated from time to time by the city council by resolution.

(B) Other Definitions. Reserved.

(2) Dogs in Recreation Areas.

(A) Dogs are allowed in recreation areas as set forth in this section only.

(B) No owner or keeper of a dog shall allow or permit such dog to be within a recreation area unless such dog is securely restrained by a substantial leash not to exceed six feet in length and is under the charge and control of a person competent to keep such dog under effective charge and control.

(C) This section does not apply to service animals certified as trained for and providing aid to a person with a disability and whose presence is reasonably necessary.

(D) It is unlawful to kill, wound, chase or capture any bird or animal within any recreation area.

(E) Dogs in Greenhorn Park.

(i) Prohibited Areas. No dog, cat or other animal, even if securely leashed, shall be permitted in any area specifically designated from time to time by the city council or the city manager. Prohibited areas designated by the city manager or his or her designee shall be subject to council approval within sixty days of the designation.

(ii) Leash-Required Areas (Developed Areas). No person shall bring into, or permit any dog, cat or animal to enter any developed area, unless such animal is securely leashed and under control of that person.

(a) Developed areas are defined as any public road open to vehicular traffic, lawn or play field, deck, parking lot, picnic area, campground, concession area, equestrian center, archery facility, gun range, paved multi-use trail, or any other area specifically designated from time to time by the council as so restricted.

(b) Other leash-required areas may be designated from time to time by the city council or the city manager or his or her designee.

(c) Leash-required areas designated by the city manager or his or her designee shall be subject to council approval within sixty days of the designation.

(d) An animal is leashed within the meaning of this section when such animal is securely tied, or otherwise attached, to one end of a chain, rope or other type of leash or restraining device, or such animal is otherwise physically restrained (excluding electronic collars).

(e) Such leashes or devices shall be no longer than six feet; the other end of which is retained in the possession of a person capable of exercising control.

(f) Extendable leashes are permissible provided they are not extended beyond six feet in leash-required areas.

(g) No dog, cat or other animal may be left unattended (if not contained) at any parkland.

(h) At campgrounds, dogs, cats or other animals must be attended and either leashed, or contained within a vehicle, tent or other type of physical confinement.

(i) An owner or keeper of a dog may exercise the dog without leash, in areas specifically designated by this section, in the conduct of obedience trials and training classes, or to herd, guard, gather or otherwise work domestic animals or fowl, so long as such dog is under the charge and control of a person competent to keep such dog under effective charge and control and so long as such dog does not harm or damage or threaten to harm or damage any person or public property or private property. The areas in which this activity may occur include those areas immediately north and east of Greenhorn Reservoir, and such other areas as the city manager designates, which shall be subject to council approval within sixty days of when the area is so designated.

(iii) Leash-Optional Areas (Undeveloped Areas). A dog may run at large under the control of its owner or handler within undeveloped areas of Greenhorn Park; provided, however, that the owner or handler shall have a leash in his or her possession and keep the dog under control at all times.

(a) This leash-optional provision does not apply in areas regulated under subsection (2)(E)(ii)(e) of this section.

(b) For the purpose of this subsection, a dog is considered under control when the owner or handler is aware of its conduct and when it returns to the owner or handler when called. The owner or handler may not be aware of the animal's conduct when it is out of sight.

(c) Dogs are presumed to not be under control when:

1. They threaten, harass, chase or harm other animals or wildlife. This does not include play chase with other dogs.

2. They display threatening behavior.

3. They physically harm people directly or indirectly by their actions.

4. They run at large in leash-required areas or enter dog-prohibited areas.

5. They touch or jump on other park users who have not invited or engaged in interaction with the dog.

(F) Ringe, Shasta or Miner Street Park. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no dogs under any circumstances are permitted in Ringe Park, Shasta Park, or Miner Street Park, unless specifically approved from time to time by the council by resolution.

(3) Disposal of Dog Waste.

(A) Any person owning, possessing, harboring or having the care, charge, control or custody of any dog shall immediately remove and thereafter dispose of any fecal matter deposited by said dog on public property. For the purpose of this section, dog fecal waste shall be immediately removed by placing said waste in a closed or sealed container and thereafter disposing of it by depositing said waste in a trash receptacle, sanitary disposal unit, or other closed or sealed container. The waste shall not be disposed of in a private trash container without the permission of the container's owner. The waste may be disposed of in a publicly owned trash container.

(B) Violation of this section shall be an infraction punishable upon a first conviction by a fine of not exceeding fifty dollars and, for a second conviction within a period of one year, by a fine of not exceeding one hundred dollars and, for a third or subsequent conviction within a period of one year, by a fine of not exceeding two hundred fifty dollars.

(C) This section shall not apply to blind persons accompanied by a dog used for their assistance.

(4) Signage. Signs shall be erected within the parks or recreation areas or portions thereof affected to inform the public of the substance of this section, and it is unlawful for any person to fail to comply therewith.

(5) Violation of subsection (2) of this section shall be an infraction punishable upon a first conviction by a fine of not exceeding fifty dollars and, for a second conviction within a period of one year, by a fine of not exceeding one hundred dollars and, for a third or subsequent conviction within a period of one year, by a fine of not exceeding two hundred fifty dollars.

(Ord. 794 § 2, 2007).

It is unlawful to sell, offer for sale, advertise for sale or solicit for future delivery or for performance of any goods, wares, merchandise services, food or beverages in any recreation area. It is unlawful to promote, conduct or manage any game, contest, show, exhibition, concert or lecture when an admission charge thereto is made. A permit may be obtained upon application to the city council if any such activity is for the benefit of a nonprofit corporation and otherwise not inconsistent with the use of the recreation area and which does not substantially interfere in any manner with the use of the recreation area by the general public.

(Ord. 520 (part), 1975).

It is unlawful for any person or persons to use, maintain or permit the use and maintenance of a loud speaker, sound amplifier or other similar device within any recreation area. The city council may by resolution adopt reasonable rules and regulations for the issuance of permits for use of such devices within any recreation area.

(Ord. 520 (part), 1975).

It is unlawful to use, operate or maintain any vehicle within a recreation area except on streets, roadways or parking areas located therein, unless otherwise prohibited by resolution of the city council.

(Ord. 520 (part), 1975).

(1) The following rules and regulations shall apply to any skate park owned and maintained by the city:

(a) Unless modified as hereinafter set forth, the skate park hours shall be from nine a.m. until dusk.

(b) Only use of skateboards and inline skates is permitted in the skate park. No bicycles or scooters are allowed.

(c) Spectators must remain outside the fenced skate park area.

(d) All persons utilizing the skate park must wear a helmet, elbow pads and kneepads.

(e) No dogs or animals are allowed in the skate park area.

(f) No dogs or animals are allowed in the skate park.

(g) Use of amplifiers or amplified music is prohibited.

(h) No person shall place additional skate apparatus, obstacles, ramps, or jumps, or jumps within the skate the skate park area.

(i) No horseplay, foul language, discourteous behavior, or any conduct that is a nuisance to adjacent properties or persons utilizing adjacent park areas is permitted.

(2) The chief of police or any designated peace officer of the city is authorized to modify the hours the park is open or to close the park for serious or repeated violations of the skate park rules for a period not to exceed two weeks.

(3) It is unlawful for any person to violate or fail to comply with any of the rules and regulations adopted pursuant to this section or the direction of a peace officer in regard to utilization of the skate park.

(Ord. 765, 2002).

In order to promote the safety, comfort and convenience of persons using any park or recreation area, the council may from time to time by resolution adopt rules and regulations not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter and make the same applicable generally or to a particular park or recreation area or portion thereof. Such rules and regulations may include regulating the speed of vehicles, establishing campsites, parking areas and areas where parking or driving of vehicles is prohibited, areas where certain games or activities are prohibited, and such other rules and regulations as in the opinion of the council are necessary for the safety, comfort and convenience of persons using such park or recreation area. When such rules and regulations have been adopted and signs erected within the park or recreation area or portions thereof affected thereby informing the public of the substance of such rules and regulations, it is unlawful for any person to fail to comply therewith.

(Ord. 520 (part), 1975).

A violation of any provision of this chapter shall be an infraction; provided, however, for the second or any additional violation, within any one-year period, may be treated as a misdemeanor. The maximum fine for the first violation is: Fifty dollars for the first offense; two hundred dollars for the second offense within one year and each subsequent offense within one year shall be five hundred dollars, and imprisonment not exceeding six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The prosecuting attorney may treat any third offense occurring within one year as a misdemeanor.

(Ord. 520 (part), 1975).

(Ord. No. 878, § 2, 8-20-2024)