City of Beacon, NY Chapter 33 Harbor Management

[HISTORY: Adopted by the Council of the City of Beacon 11-6-1995 by L.L. No. 9-1995. Amendments noted where applicable.]

GENERAL REFERENCES

Waterfront consistency review — See Ch. 220.

§ 33-1 Title.

This chapter shall be entitled "Harbor Management." It shall be entered in the City of Beacon Code of Ordinances as Chapter 33.

§ 33-2 Authority, intent and purpose.

A. This chapter is enacted under the authority of § 10 of the Municipal Home Rule Law of New York State, the Waterfront Revitalization of Coastal Areas and Inland Waterways Act,[1] and applicable sections of the New York State Navigation Law.

[1] Editor's Note: See Art. 42 of the Executive Law.

B. The intent of this chapter is to regulate the speed, use, operation, anchoring, and mooring of vessels, and the use of waters within the jurisdiction of the City of Beacon in a manner to protect and promote the public health, safety and general welfare.

§ 33-3 Applicability.

[Amended 3-7-2011 by L.L. No. 1-2011]

A. This chapter shall apply to all waters within the jurisdiction of the City of Beacon, including the Fishkill Creek from the confluence with the Hudson River upstream to the South Avenue bridge and the waters of the Hudson River that are within a distance of 1,500 feet from the City's shoreline. These waters shall be known as the "City of Beacon Harbor Management Area."

B. The Beacon Harbor Area Existing Surface Water Uses and Structures Map contained in the City's Harbor Management Plan[1] identifies and establishes existing surface water uses, structures, mooring areas, the boat turning basin and the ferry navigational accessway.

[1] Editor's Note: Said map and plan are on file in the City offices.

§ 33-4 Definitions and word usage.

A. Definitions. As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

ABANDONED VESSEL

Any vessel not moored, anchored or made fast to the shore and left unattended for a period greater than 24 hours, or left upon private property adjacent to the Harbor Management Area without consent of the property owner, for a period greater than 24 hours.

AIDS TO NAVIGATION

All markers on land or in the water placed for the purpose of enabling navigators in the Harbor Management Area to avoid navigation hazards, regulatory markers and/or fix their position.

ANCHORAGE

Any water area designated for anchoring or mooring.

BOATHOUSE

Any building or similar superstructure used primarily for the storage and sheltering of watercraft, including such subordinate uses customarily incident to such primary use.

CHANNEL

Federal, state or locally designated water areas specifically reserved for unobstructed movement of vessels.

CITY COUNCIL

The City Council of the City of Beacon.

DOCK

Any dock, wharf, structure or fixed platform extending out over the water built on floats, columns, open timber, piles or similar open-work structures.

EMERGENCY

A state of imminent or proximate danger to life or property.

FAIRWAY

Any designated and/or maintained water area reserved for unobstructed movement of vessels, including an area at least 25 feet in width adjacent to both sides of the Federal Navigation Channel.

FEDERAL NAVIGATION CHANNEL

The designated navigation channel in the Hudson River authorized by an act of congress, specifically reserved for the unobstructed movement of vessels and which is marked in water by aids to navigation maintained by the United States Coast Guard.

FLOATING HOME

Any structure constructed on a raft, barge, hull or other platform and moored or docked in the Harbor Management Area and used primarily for single or multiple-family habitation or as the domicile of any individual(s).

HARBOR MANAGEMENT AREA

The area encompassing all waters designated by the Local Waterfront Revitalization Area within the jurisdiction of the City of Beacon, including Fishkill Creek from the confluence with the Hudson River upstream to the Wolcott Avenue Bridge and the waters of the Hudson River that are within a distance of 1,500 feet from the City's shoreline, and as depicted on the City's Official Harbor Management Map on file in the City Harbor Master's office. These waters shall be known as the "City of Beacon Harbor Management Area."

HARBOR MANAGEMENT LAW

This chapter of the City of Beacon establishing rules and regulations for the use and enjoyment of the waters of the City of Beacon Harbor Management Area and the lands immediately adjacent to the Harbor Management Area.

HARBOR MANAGER

That person appointed annually by the Mayor with the consent of the City Council who has full and primary responsibility and authority for implementing and enforcing all provisions of this chapter.

LITTER

Any bottles, glass, cans, scrap metal, junk, paper, garbage, rubbish, trash or similar refuse or human-generated or human-deposited debris.

MOORING

The attachment of or to attach a vessel to a pier or dock or other structure or the attachment of or to attach a vessel to the ground by means of tackle so designed that, when such attachment is terminated, some portion of the tackle remains below the surface of the water and is not under the control of the vessel or its operator. The term "mooring" shall also include the placing of a boat at anchor for more then 12 hours consecutively.

PERSONS

Individuals, corporations, societies, associations, and partnerships using the facilities and areas within the Harbor Management Area.

PUMP-OUT FACILITY

A facility for pumping sewage from vessel holding tanks and other devices and containing those wastes before proper disposal into the City of Beacon sewage system.

STATE

The State of New York.

TRANSIENT BOATERS

Persons traveling into the Harbor Management Area by boat and staying for a temporary period of time.

UNDERWAY

The condition of a vessel not at anchor and not made fast to the shore or ground.

VESSEL

Every floating device used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water.

B. Word usage. "Shall" is mandatory; "May" is permissive.

§ 33-5 Severability; conflicts; penalties; liability.

A. Invalidity of provisions. Should any provision of this chapter be held invalid or inoperative, the remainder shall continue in full force and effect.

B. Conflict with other laws. In any case where a provision of this chapter is found to be in conflict with any other local provision, the article setting the higher standard in promoting the general public welfare shall be used.

C. Enforcement. Authorized public servants of the City as designated by the Mayor with consent of the City Council, the City Police Department, the State Police, the Dutchess County Sheriff's Department, and any other police or peace officer as defined in the New York State Criminal Procedure Law shall have authority to enforce the provisions of this chapter.

D. Penalties for offenses.[1]

(1) A person who violates any of the provisions of or fails to comply with any conditions imposed by this chapter shall have committed a violation, punishable by a fine not exceeding $350 for a conviction of a first offense and punishable by a fine of $700 for a conviction of a second or subsequent offense occurring within a period of five years. For the purpose of conferring jurisdiction upon courts and judicial officers, each week of continuing violation shall constitute a separate additional offense.

(2) The City Attorney is authorized and directed to institute any and all actions and proceedings necessary to enforce this chapter. Any civil penalty shall be in addition to and not in lieu of any criminal prosecution and penalty.

[1] Editor's Note: See also § 33-14.

E. Liability. Persons using the waters within the limits of the Harbor Management Area shall assume all risk of personal injury and loss or damage to their property. The City of Beacon assumes no risk on account of accident, fire, theft, vandalism or acts of God.

§ 33-6 Building permit required; exemptions; nontransferability.

Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, no person shall place, locate, construct, maintain, expand or use any dock, pier, boathouse, structure or mooring buoy in any waters within the Harbor Management Area without a building permit issued in accordance with this chapter, the City of Beacon Zoning Ordinance, and any other applicable local laws. Docks, piers, boathouses, or other structures under 200 square feet in area shall be exempt from the requirement for a building permit but shall comply with all other provisions of this chapter, the City of Beacon Zoning Regulations, and any other applicable local laws. Failure to comply with this section is a violation of this chapter. These permits are not transferable.

§ 33-7 Office of Harbor Manager.

[Amended 3-7-2011 by L.L. No. 1-2011]

A. Establishment. The office of the City Harbor Manager may be established by the Mayor with the consent of the City Council. If established, the Mayor, with the consent of the City Council, shall appoint a Harbor Manager on an annual basis.

B. Powers and duties. It shall be the duty of the Harbor Manager, or other public officer of the City so appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the City Council, to enforce the provisions of this chapter. The Harbor Manager or the Harbor Manager’s designee, or other public officer of the City so appointed, shall:

(1) Examine all applications for all permits and issue permits only for construction and uses therein in accordance with the requirements of this chapter and also other laws, rules and regulations of the City enforced at the time of application.

(2) Create a mooring permit system to control the placement of moorings in the harbor.

(3) Establish a permanent management structure for harbor activities, operations and implementation actions consistent with the provisions of the City’s Local Waterfront Revitalization Program and Harbor Management Plan.

§ 33-8 Permit applications and procedures.

A. Form and content of application. In any instance in which a permit is required by this chapter, an applicant shall submit an application on a form prescribed by the Harbor Manager or other public officer of the City so appointed. The application is hereby submitted with a fee as set forth in the City of Beacon fee schedule,[1] accompanied by a plot plan drawn to scale, adequately dimensioned, showing the location of all existing docks, piers, boathouses, structures, mooring buoys, aids to navigation, abandoned vessels, anchorage areas, navigation channels or fairways. The applicant shall provide such other information as the Harbor Manager may require, including but not limited to filings with or permits from federal, state, City or county authorities, description of the manner of construction and installation, the materials to be used, evidence of ownership or possessory right, by easement, license, right-of-way or other, regarding the abutting shoreline and grant or leases pursuant to Article 6 of the Public Lands Law of the State of New York, regarding lands under water.

[Amended 7-6-2010 by L.L. No. 10-2010]

[1] Editor’s Note: The fee schedule is on file in the City offices.

B. Issuance of permit. If the proposed activity conforms to all requirements of this chapter and does not impair navigational safety or unreasonably restrict public or private access to, on and within navigable waters within the Harbor Management Area, the Harbor Manager, or other public officer of the City so appointed, shall issue a permit for a one-year period commencing upon approval of the permit.

C. Beacon Ferry Pier.

[Added 7-2-2007 by L.L. No. 10-2007]

(1) Scheduling. The scheduling of all tour boat berthing and departure times, dock usage and tourism-related events shall be through the Office of the City of Beacon Harbor Manager or City Administrator. Such scheduling will be on first-come, first-served basis and as determined by the City of Beacon.

(2) General. The Harbor Manager or City Administrator and owner shall enter into a hold-harmless agreement with the City of Beacon and provide the necessary insurance certificates and registration/docking fees at the time of the scheduling of the usage of the dock.

(3) Insurance. General liability and property damage shall name the City of Beacon. The policy shall be in a form acceptable to the City of Beacon. Coverage shall be as follows:

(a) For boats under 100 feet, $1,000,000 aggregate and $500,000 per occurrence.

(b) For boats over 100 feet, $2,000,000 aggregate and $1,000,000 per occurrence.

(4) Fees and deposits. Such fees shall be placed in a separate account to be established as a specific repository for these fees. These fees shall be as set forth in the City of Beacon fee schedule.[2]

[Amended 7-6-2010 by L.L. No. 10-2010; 3-7-2011 by L.L. No. 1-2011]

(a) Permit registration fee.

(b) Security deposit.

[1] The annual security deposit shall be paid in cash or certified check at the time of the agreement.

[2] This deposit will be returned at the end of each season subject to Subsection C(4)(b)[3] immediately below.

[3] The purpose of this deposit is to assure that the dock and surrounding waterways are kept undamaged and clean of debris from the boat operation or boaters at all times when the boat is docked and upon arrival or departure of the boat. If damage or debris is found on the dock or around the waterway of the boat, and it is determined by the Harbor Manager that such damage or debris is because of the subject boat or boaters, this deposit will be used to repair and/or clean up the dock and waterway as necessary and will be nonrefundable.

[4] Nothing contained herein shall prevent the City from charging the owner and/or operator of the boat such additional fees as are incurred by the City to clean up or repair the dock and waterway as determined necessary in the Harbor Manager’s sole discretion.

(c) A dock fee shall also be collected.

[2] Editor's Note: The fee schedule is on file in the City offices.

(5) Site verification. Prior to entering the harbor area and the slipway leading to the ferry dock from the Hudson River, the Harbor Manager or City Administrator and owner shall physically visit the site, examine all existing conditions, including but not limited to verifying the water depth, checking for underwater obstructions, checking the width and length of the slipway approach, checking the berthing conditions, and checking all other conditions that will affect the operation of the boat during berthing and departure. The Harbor Manager or City Administrator and owner shall perform the site verification work prior to entering into the hold-harmless agreement with the City of Beacon. By signing the hold-harmless agreement, the Harbor Manager or City Administrator and owner state that they accept the docking conditions found and hold the City of Beacon harmless from all injuries and damages resulting therefrom.

(6) No person shall cause any barge, boat, ship or other vessel to be made fast to the public dock known as "Beacon Ferry Pier" or to be made fast to any ship or vessel lying at such dock without first obtaining a permit pursuant to this section.

(7) The application as referred to in Subsection A of this section must be submitted to the office of the City Administrator at least two weeks prior to the date when the dock is sought to be used. The Harbor Manager or City Administrator shall have the discretion to approve or disapprove a permit or to subject the permit to such conditions as he deems necessary to protect the public health, safety, convenience and welfare.

(8) Each permit issued by the Harbor Manager or City Administrator shall state the date and time that the use of the dock is permitted. No permittee shall utilize the dock outside of the time set forth in his permit unless the Harbor Manager or City Administrator shall, in his discretion, approve of an extension of the permit for good cause shown. Any such extension shall be made in writing and endorsed upon the original permit.

(9) Any person in charge of a vessel docking at the Beacon Ferry Pier shall exhibit the permit required by this section to any person so requesting.

§ 33-9 Vessel operation.

A. Dangerous operation prohibited. No person shall operate any vessel in any manner that unreasonably interferes with the free and proper use of the Harbor Management Area or any property on, in or contiguous to the Harbor Management Area, or which endangers the users of the Harbor Management Area.

B. Identification.

(1) No person shall operate or permit the operation of a vessel within the Harbor Management Area unless such vessel is required by law to be registered and numbered and bears a current validation sticker in accordance with the provisions of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law, if so required.

(2) Every person operating a registered vessel shall, upon demand of any peace officer, federal officer or other person having authority to enforce the provisions of this chapter, produce the certificate of registration for inspection. Failure to produce the certificate of registration shall not be an offense, but shall be presumptive evidence of operating a vessel which is not registered as required by the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law.

C. Vessel speed and restricted speed areas.

(1) Every operator registered of a vessel shall at all times navigate the same in a careful and prudent manner in such a way as not to unreasonably interfere with the free and proper use of the navigable waters of the Harbor Management Area or unreasonably endanger any vessel or person. Reckless operation is prohibited as is operation under the influence of controlled substances.

(2) No person shall operate a vessel within the Harbor Management Area at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing.

(3) No person shall operate a vessel within the Harbor Management Area at such a speed as to cause a dangerous wake. The operator of a vessel shall be held responsible for any damage caused by such wake.

(4) No person shall operate a vessel within the Harbor Management Area at a speed in excess of five miles per hour or at a speed that will cause a dangerous wake, whichever is the lesser speed.

D. Mufflers. No person shall operate a power vessel without having the exhaust from the engine run through a muffling device, so constructed and used as to muffle the noise from the exhaust in a reasonable manner.

E. Vessel enforcement authority.

(1) The City of Beacon Police Department, the State Police, the Dutchess County Sheriff's Department, and any other police or peace officer, as defined in the New York State Criminal Procedure Law, shall have the authority to enforce waterborne traffic in any part of the Harbor Management Area by use of authorized regulatory markers, signals, orders or directions at any time when deemed necessary in the interest of the safety of persons and vessels or other property.

(2) No person shall moor or anchor any vessel so as to interfere with the free and unobstructed use of any channel, fairway, or berthing space in the Harbor Management Area.

F. Anchoring in Federal Navigation Channel prohibited. No person shall anchor any vessel in the Federal Navigation Channel, except in cases of emergencies.

G. Fishing. No person shall fish in the Harbor Management Area in such a manner so as to impede navigation. Vessel-based fishing in a manner that provides a hazard or inconvenience to navigation is prohibited.

§ 33-10 Sanitation.

A. Littering and discharge of pollutants prohibited. No person shall place, throw, deposit or discharge or cause to be placed, thrown, deposited or discharged into the Harbor Management Area any litter or other materials, including but not limited to any refuse or waste matter, sewage, petroleum products or by-products, paint, varnish, dead animals, fish parts or debris of any kind which renders the waters unsightly, noxious, unwholesome, or otherwise detrimental to the public health or welfare or to the enjoyment of the water for recreational purposes.

B. Marine toilets. No person shall operate a marine toilet at any time so as to cause or permit to pass or be discharged into the Harbor Management Area any untreated sewage or other waste matter or contaminant of any kind pursuant to § 33-c of the New York State Navigation Law.

C. Responsibility for sanitation of facilities. The owner, lessee, agent, manager or person in charge of a marine facility or water area shall at all times maintain the premises under his/her charge in a clean, sanitary condition, free from malodorous materials and accumulations of garbage, refuse, debris and other waste materials.

D. Marine facility sanitation requirements.

(1) The owner or other person vested with the possession, management and control of a marine facility shall provide and maintain a sufficient number of trash receptacles for the deposit of litter at locations convenient to vessel users of such marine facilities. A maximum spacing of 100 feet between receptacles shall be maintained on all piers and docks. Failure to comply with this provision is a violation of this chapter.

(2) The owner or other person vested with the possession, management and control of a marine facility shall maintain suitable toilet facilities on shore for the accommodation of vessel users who are patrons of their marine facility. Failure to comply with this provision is a violation of this chapter.

(3) The owner or other person vested with the possession, management and control of a marine facility shall post a sign, clearly visible to vessel owners and operators, that states: "The Navigation Law of the State of New York provides strict penalties for the discharge of sewage in the waters of New York State. The local laws of the City of Beacon prohibit the discharge of litter, sewage, and refuse within the Beacon Harbor Management Area." Failure to comply with this provision is a violation of this chapter.

(4) Any sewage pump-out facility required as a condition of City, state or federal approval of a marine facility in the Harbor Management Area shall be maintained in proper working order and available for use as specified in City, state or federal permits. Failure to comply with this provision is a violation of this chapter.

§ 33-11 Removal of abandoned or derelict vessels and structures.

A. Abandoned vessels and structures prohibited. No person shall abandon, sink or place a vessel, mooring or other structure within the Harbor Management Area where it may constitute a danger to navigation or to the safety of persons or property, or where it may prevent optimum use of the area.

B. Removal of abandoned vessels and structures.

(1) Any vessel or other structure abandoned or sunk or so placed may be removed or relocated at the direction of the Harbor Manager if corrective action is not taken by the owner, if known, within seven days after notification, or, if not known, after notice has been posted for that period on the vessel or object.

(2) Nothing herein contained shall prevent the Harbor Manager from taking measures with or without notice, if, in its judgment, such measures are necessary in order to provide for the safety of persons or property. The expense of such removal or relocation and any liability from injury to person or property incurred thereby shall be the responsibility of the owner.

§ 33-12 Living aboard vessels.

A. Regulation of floating homes. In order to provide for adequate access for vessels, for the safety of persons and property, for the protection of environmental quality, and for the optimum use of the Harbor Management Area, the City Council or its designated agent(s) may regulate the use of floating homes in the Harbor Management Area.

B. Living aboard vessels permitted on temporary basis.

(1) Sleeping aboard vessels on a temporary basis is allowed as a secondary use to the vessel's principal commercial or recreational uses, provided that the vessel is berthed at a marine facility and where consistent with all City, state and federal requirements concerning anchoring, lighting, taxation and other pertinent concerns, and provided that land-based support facilities and utilities, including sewage disposal facilities, are available.

(2) Sleeping aboard vessels moored or anchored within the Beacon Harbor Management Area on a temporary basis, not to exceed two weeks, is allowed as a secondary use to the vessel's principal commercial or recreational uses where consistent with all City, state, and federal requirements concerning anchoring, lighting, taxation and other pertinent concerns. For purposes here, the term "moored" shall only refer to vessels that are attached to the ground by means of tackle so designed that, when such attachment is terminated, some portion of the tackle remains below the surface of the water and is not under the control of the vessel or its operator.

§ 33-13 Berthing, mooring and anchoring of vessels.

A. Owner responsibility for secure berthing, mooring and anchoring. The owner of any vessel berthed, moored or anchored within the Harbor Management Area shall be responsible for causing such vessel to be tied and secured or anchored with proper care and equipment and in such manner as may be required to prevent the vessel from breaking away.

B. Owner responsibility for damage. Each person anchoring or mooring a vessel in the Harbor Management Area shall be responsible for any damage to that vessel, or to any other vessel or any other property, caused by that vessel. The City of Beacon assumes no liability for personal injury or property damage that may result from the use of unsafe or otherwise inadequate anchoring or mooring tackle and assumes no risk on account of accident, fire, theft, vandalism or acts of God related to the anchoring or mooring of vessels in the Harbor Management Area.

C. Locations for moorings. No person shall place a mooring or anchor such that the vessel moored or anchored, at full swing of its mooring or anchor line will be within 75 feet of the Federal Navigation Channel of the Hudson River, or within 25 feet of any City- or state-designated channel, fairway, or within 75 feet from any dock or other marine facility within the Harbor Management Area.

D. Regulation of moorings. In order to provide for adequate access for vessels, for the safety of persons and property, for the protection of environmental quality, and for the optimum use of the Harbor Management Area, the City Council or its designated agent(s) may regulate the placement of all moorings in the Harbor Management Area in accordance with rules and procedures adopted by the Council.

§ 33-14 Penalties for offenses. [1]

A. A person who violates any of the provisions of or who fails to comply with any conditions imposed by this chapter shall have committed a violation, punishable by a fine not exceeding $350 for a conviction of a first offense and punishable by a fine of $700 for a conviction of a second or subsequent offense occurring within a period of five years. For the purpose of conferring jurisdiction upon courts and judicial officers, each week of continuing violation shall constitute a separate additional offense.

B. The City Attorney is authorized and directed to institute any and all actions and proceedings necessary to enforce this chapter. Any civil penalty shall be in addition to and not in lieu of any criminal prosecution and penalty.

[1] Editor's Note: See also § 33-5D.

§ 33-15 When effective.

This chapter shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council, approval by the New York State Secretary of State pursuant to Article 42 of the New York State Executive Law and its filing with the New York State Department of State in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Home Rule Law.