Chapter 7.05
RULES GOVERNING USE OF CITY PARKS – CIVIL INFRACTIONS
Sections:
7.05.010 Purpose.
7.05.020 Definitions.
7.05.030 Hours of operation.
7.05.040 No alcohol.
7.05.050 No firearms or fireworks.
7.05.060 Animal control.
7.05.070 No fires.
7.05.080 No camping.
7.05.090 Penalties – Civil infractions.
7.05.100 Enforcement.
7.05.010 Purpose.
A. This chapter is enacted as an exercise of the authority of the City of Maple Valley to establish rules governing the use of City parks. Its provisions shall be liberally construed for the accomplishment of these purposes.
B. It is the express purpose of this chapter to provide for and promote rules governing the use of City parks and not to create or otherwise establish rules that would extend beyond the purpose of this chapter.
C. It is the specific intent of this chapter to place the obligation of complying with its requirements upon any and all persons using park facilities. This chapter is not intended to impose any duty whatsoever upon the City of Maple Valley, its officers, employees, or agents. The implementation or enforcement of this chapter by the City shall be discretionary and not mandatory.
D. Nothing contained in this chapter is intended to be, nor shall be, construed to create or to form the basis for any liability on the part of the City of Maple Valley, its officers, employees, or agents. (Ord. O-03-242 § 1; Ord. O-03-232 § 1).
7.05.020 Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated, unless every context clearly requires otherwise:
A. "Alcoholic beverage" includes the four varieties of liquor defined as alcohol, spirits, wine and beer, all fermented, spirituous, vinous, or malt liquor, and all other intoxicating beverages, and every liquor, solid, or semisolid or other substance, patented or not, containing alcohol, spirits, wine or beer; all drinks or drinkable liquids and all preparations or mixtures capable of being consumed by humans. Any liquor, semisolid, solid or other substance that contains more than one percent alcohol by weight shall be conclusively deemed intoxicating.
B. "Camping" means the use of park land or other publicly owned property for living accommodation purposes including but not limited to any of the following:
1. Sleeping activities;
2. Making preparations to sleep;
3. Laying down of bedding for the purpose of sleeping;
4. Storing personal belongings;
5. Erecting any tent, tarpaulin, shelter, or other structure that would permit one to sleep overnight;
6. Using a motor vehicle for the purposes of sleeping.
C. "City park" means any park that is owned and maintained by the City of Maple Valley.
D. "Firearm" means firearm in its many forms, and as that term is defined in RCW 9.41.010.
E. "Fireworks" means any composition or device designed to produce a visible or audible effect by combustion, deflagration, or detonation, and which meets the definition of articles pyrotechnic or consumer fireworks or display fireworks, and as those terms are defined in RCW 70.77.126.
F. "Guardian" means a parent, legal guardian, an adult with custody, or temporary guardian who maintains responsibility, whether voluntary or otherwise, for the safety and welfare of a person under the age of 18 years.
G. "Person" means all persons, groups, firms, partnerships, corporations, clubs, and all associations or combinations of persons whenever acting for themselves or as an agent, servant, or employee.
H. "Special Use Permit" means a City authorization for the use of City parks that impose conditions on the permittee in addition to those conditions imposed on the general public. (Ord. O-03-242 § 1; Ord. O-03-232 § 1).
7.05.030 Hours of operation.
City parks shall be open daily from dawn to one hour after dusk, unless posted otherwise. Signs indicating the hours of operation shall be posted in each park. It is unlawful to remain in a City park after the posted closing time, except when engaged in activities described in the Lake Wilderness Annual Calendar of Events and/or approved by a Special Use Permit. (Ord. O-03-242 § 1; Ord. O-03-232 § 1).
7.05.040 No alcohol.
It is unlawful to possess or consume alcoholic beverages in a City park except in areas designated and approved by a Special Use Permit. (Ord. O-03-242 § 1; Ord. O-03-232 § 1).
7.05.050 No firearms or fireworks.
It is unlawful for any person except duly authorized law enforcement personnel to possess any fireworks, firecracker, torpedo, explosive, air gun, sword, bows and arrows, BB gun or slingshot. It is unlawful for any person to carry a firearm without the appropriate concealed weapon permit. (Ord. O-03-242 § 1; Ord. O-03-232 § 1).
7.05.060 Animal control.
A. Pursuant to Title 11 of the King County Code it is unlawful to allow or permit any domestic animal to run at large in any City park, or to enter into any swimming area, pond or fountain therein. Any animal brought into or kept in a park area shall be on a leash not more than eight feet in length. All other elements of King County Code Title 11 shall be enforced.
B. Any person with a dog or other pet in his/her possession in a City park shall be responsible for both the conduct of the animal and for the disposal or removal of feces deposited by such animal. The person with the dog or other pet must use the pet mitts provided at the City park to dispose of animal feces or, when pet mitts are not available, must have in his/her possession the equipment for feces removal. (Ord. O-03-242 § 1; Ord. O-03-232 § 1).
7.05.070 No fires.
It is unlawful to build any fires in any City park except in areas designated and set aside for such purpose, unless specifically approved by Special Use Permit. It is unlawful to use any portable barbecue over 36 inches in length or less than 30 inches in height over a combustible surface unless said surface is protected by a heat shield or fireproof device placed under the barbecue. (Ord. O-03-242 § 1; Ord. O-03-232 § 1).
7.05.080 No camping.
No camping shall be allowed in any City park, except by special permit for a City-sanctioned event or activity. (Ord. O-03-242 § 1; Ord. O-03-232 § 1).
7.05.090 Penalties – Civil infractions.
A. Civil Infraction. Any person, including a parent or guardian, found guilty of violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall have committed a civil infraction and shall be assessed a monetary penalty not to exceed $250.00.
B. Each violation of this chapter shall be a separate violation. (Ord. O-03-242 § 1; Ord. O-03-232 § 1).
7.05.100 Enforcement.
The City of Maple Valley Police Department shall be responsible for enforcing the provisions of this chapter excepting those violations covered by Title 11 of the King County Code related to animal control. (Ord. O-03-242 § 1; Ord. O-03-232 § 1).