St. Charles County, MO Chapter 250 County Park Regulations

Editor’s Note: In this Chapter the word "Sheriff" is changed to "Chief of Police"; the words "Sheriff’s Deputy" are changed to "police officer"; and the words "Sheriff’s Department" are changed to "Police Department" pursuant to the St. Charles County Charter Article IV, Sections 4.250 and 4.1300, as amended in 2012 and effective 1-1-2015, and St. Charles County Ord. No. 15-012, Section 2, adopted 1-26-2015.

Cross Reference—As to department of parks and recreation, see ch. 133; as to parks and recreation advisory board, see §§120.680—120.720.

Section 250.010 Purpose.

[Ord. No. 00-043 §1, 4-27-2000; Ord. No. 08-047 §1, 4-4-2008]

The provisions and prohibitions hereinafter contained and enacted are in pursuance of and for the purpose of securing and promoting the public health, morals and general welfare of persons in the County of St. Charles in their use of public parks.

Section 250.015 Application to County Employees.

[Ord. No. 15-044 §1, 4-27-2015]

None of the prohibitions within this Chapter shall apply to County employees or agents acting within their prescribed duties and by authorization of the Director.

Section 250.020 Definitions.

[Ord. No. 00-043 §2, 4-27-2000; Ord. No. 01-056 §2, 5-30-2001; Ord. No. 08-047 §1, 4-4-2008]

For purposes of this Chapter, the following terms shall be defined as follows:

AIRBORNE VEHICLES

Helicopters, airplanes, hot air balloons, ultralight aircraft, "kit" or "self-made" aircraft, rockets, personal rocket or jet-propelled flight apparatus, gliders, hang-gliders, kits, parasails or other similar flight vehicles. "Kit" and "self-made" aircraft shall be any motorized aircraft which is assembled and made operational by someone other than a manufacturer licensed and regulated by the FAA.

ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE

Any motorized vehicle manufactured and used exclusively for off-highway use.

ANIMAL

Cats, dogs, horses, any fowl or birds, fish and any living creatures, except humans, within the jurisdiction of the park or recreation area.

ANIMAL, DOMESTICATED

Cats, dogs, horses, livestock, potbellied pigs, chicken or other fowl.

ANIMAL, NON-DOMESTICATED OR EXOTIC

Primates, bears, lions, cougars, wolves, hawks, falcons, peacocks, coyotes, foxes, fish, ferrets, reptiles (venomous, non-venomous and constrictor), any crossbreeds of such animals, and any other animal not included under the definition of domesticated animal. This definition does not include wildlife as it exists within County parks.

COUNTY

St. Charles County.

CROSSING

The extension to any sidewalk space across any intersecting drive, street or highway whether marked by a pavement or otherwise.

CURB

Any boundary of any street, road, avenue, boulevard or drive, regardless of whether it is marked.

DEPARTMENT

The St. Charles County Department of Parks and Recreation.

DIRECTOR

The Director of the St. Charles County Department of Parks and Recreation or his duly authorized representative.

MIGRATORY WATERFOWL

Any species of birds commonly known as swans, geese, brants, river and sea ducks, and any other waterfowl falling under the jurisdiction of the Missouri Conservation Commission or otherwise defined by the Commission as migratory waterfowl.

PARK

All recreational areas, historical sites and other such properties devoted to active or passive recreation under the jurisdiction of the Department.

PARK ATTENDANT

Any person employed by the County as a parks attendant to perform duties or tasks within the parks and recreation areas.

PARK RANGER

A person authorized and commissioned by the County as a Law Enforcement Officer to perform general law enforcement duties within the boundaries of the St. Charles County parks and recreation areas.

PEDESTRIAN

A person afoot, or with a stroller, or using a wheelchair or other motorized or non-motorized device used by the disabled.

PERMIT

Any written license issued by or under the authority of the approving governing agency permitting a special event or activity in parks or their facilities.

PERSON

Any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, company or organization of any kind.

PERSONAL WATERCRAFT

A class of inboard vessel, as defined by the United States Coast Guard, which uses an internal combustion engine powering a jet pump as its primary source of propulsion, and is designed to be operated by a person or persons sitting, standing or kneeling on or being towed behind the product rather than in the conventional manner of boat operation.

POACHING

The illegal pursuing, taking or killing of game or fish.

POLICE CHIEF

The chief law enforcement officer of St. Charles County or his duly authorized representative.

[Ord. No. 15-044 §2, 4-27-2015]

POLICE OFFICER

A person authorized and commissioned by the County as a law enforcement officer.

[Ord. No. 15-044 §2, 4-27-2015]

PROGRAM

An educational, hands-on experience for the public provided by staff, guest speakers and/or instructors for which the Parks Department is incurring related costs. Programs are generally open to everyone that meets enrollment guidelines.

[Ord. No. 15-044 §2, 4-27-2015]

ROADWAY

A continuous trafficway designed to accommodate motorized traffic.

SOLICITING

Persons selling or giving goods or services by sample or taking orders for future delivery with or without accepting advance payment of the goods and persons seeking any form of contributions.

STOPPING OR STANDING

Any cessation of movement of a vehicle occupied or not, except when necessary by regulation or to avoid conflict with pedestrians or other traffic including vehicles, either singly or together.

TRAIL OR PATH

A continuous path or trafficway which is not designed for motorized traffic (except wheelchairs or other motorized devices used by the disabled) including, but not limited to, pavement, gravel, wood chip packed dirt, and synthetic surface such as ground tires.

VEHICLE

Any wheeled or tracked conveyance device, whether motor or battery powered, animal-drawn or self-propelled. The term shall include any trailer in tow of any size, kind or description. This definition shall not apply to the following: baby carriages, wheelchairs, bicycles in designated areas, vehicles in the service of the County parks or other devices designed to increase mobility of persons with physical limitations or disabilities as authorized by the Director.

VENDING

Selling or trading any item or service.

WASTEWATER

Water containing any contaminant or other substance including, but not limited to, soap, detergents, sewage, food, drinks or any debris or trash.

WATERCRAFT

Any boat, vessel or craft of any length propelled by machinery or any boat, vessel or craft over twelve (12) feet in length which is powered by sail alone or paddled by oars, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water.

WATERWAY

Any body of water, lake, pond or stream owned or controlled by St. Charles County.

WILDLIFE

Any animals not considered feral, including mammals, fish, birds, reptiles and any other living creatures, except humans, within the County parks or waterways in or adjacent to County parks.

Section 250.030 Hours, Restricted Areas and Closed Areas.

[Ord. No. 00-043 §3, 4-27-2000; Ord. No. 08-047 §1, 4-4-2008]

A. Hours. Except for unusual and unforeseen emergencies, parks shall be open to the public every day of the year during designated hours, subject to restrictions authorized by the Director. The designated opening and closing hours for each individual park, as well as any authorized restrictions, shall be posted therein for public information.

B. Quiet Hours. Quiet shall be maintained between the hours of 10:00 P.M. and 6:00 A.M. in all park areas, unless otherwise designated by the Director.

C. Closed Areas. Any section or part of any park or entire park may be declared closed to vehicles or the public by the County, a Police Officer, a Park Ranger or the Director at any time and for any interval of time, either temporarily or at regular and stated intervals, daily or otherwise, and either entirely or merely to certain uses, as may be reasonably necessitated by reason of public health, public safety, maintenance, protection of property (public or private) or for other reasons in the public interest. Such closing may be done by simply posting of signs to that effect or by other means which make it obvious that any County park or portion thereof is closed to the public entirely or closed for certain uses. The Director, a Police Officer, Park Ranger or Department employee may remove any person from the County park area upon its closing.

[Ord. No. 15-044 §3, 4-27-2015]

D. Entry Into Closed Areas Or During Closed Hours Prohibited. No person shall enter a County park or any waterway, facility or area posted as "Closed to the Public" or during closed hours. No person shall be in any County park, waterway, facility or area during closed periods or abet the use of any County park, waterway, facility or area in violation of posted notices, except as authorized by the Director.

E. Restricted Areas. The Director may designate certain areas within parks to be restricted or devoted to specific uses at all times. Any such area shall have signage posted to specify the permitted use(s) and identify the area to which such restriction applies.

[Ord. No. 15-044 §3, 4-27-2015]

Section 250.040 Reservations.

[Ord. No. 00-043 §4, 4-27-2000; Ord. No. 08-047 §1, 4-4-2008]

A. Reserving Park Facilities. Park facilities, areas or equipment used for recreational activity as may be designated by the Director may be reserved for use on a "first-come, first-served" basis. Reservations shall be only by written authorization issued by the Director and shall be subject to such restrictions as set forth in the authorization. Reservation authorizations shall only apply to those activities, facilities, areas or equipment and the date and time specified on the authorization.

[Ord. No. 15-044 §4, 4-27-2015]

B. Fee Required For Validity. A reservation shall not be considered valid unless the Department has received the payment of any specified fee, if any, for the activity, area, waterway, facility or equipment and no reservation shall be considered held until such fee has been received by the Department and a written authorization issued.

C. Age Limitation. Park facilities, areas or equipment may only be reserved by persons eighteen (18) years of age or older.

[Ord. No. 15-044 §4, 4-27-2015]

D. Twenty-Four Hours' Notice Required. Reservations shall not be made for requests received less than twenty-four (24) hours prior to requested reservation time unless authorized by the Director.

E. Accountability. The person making the reservation shall be held accountable for the condition of the authorized facility, equipment or area at the end of the use. The person making the reservation shall also be responsible for the actions of those in their party.

F. Canceled Reservations. The Director may cancel any reservation previously made and permitted when the use of a facility, area or equipment would endanger the public safety or the property of others due to the physical condition of the facility, equipment or area or adverse weather conditions at the time of the intended use; or the facility, area or equipment reserved would be necessary for the use of persons or entities authorized by the County. Any person who has made a reservation may cancel any reservation subject to any terms imposed by the Parks and Recreation Department at the time such reservation is made, which may include imposition of a reasonable administrative fee.

G. Refunds. Any fees charged for reservations will be refunded to that person in the event the County or Director cancels such reservations for the purposes stated in this Section.

H. Use Of Reserved Areas Prohibited. No person shall occupy any area or facility, or section thereof, which may be reserved and designated by the Director for the use by certain other persons.

Section 250.050 Authorization of Director.

[Ord. No. 00-043 §5, 4-27-2000; Ord. No. 08-047 §1, 4-4-2008]

A. Required. Authorization of the Director is required to participate in the following activities and others named in this Chapter:

1. Sponsorship of or conducting a public picnic, parade, exhibition, festival, tournament, race, fundraiser, concert, or similar event open for registration or participation to the general public on County park land;

[Ord. No. 15-044 §5, 4-27-2015]

2. Camping in nondesignated areas;

[Ord. No. 15-044 §5, 4-27-2015]

3. Sponsorship of, or conducting for specific formal group(s) of, a parade, exhibition, festival, tournament, race, fundraiser, concert or other type of similar group event either by persons, schools, companies, organizations, or any type of formal group on County park land;

[Ord. No. 15-044 §5, 4-27-2015]

4. Any activity or use of park lands or waterways and the facilities or equipment therein which is reserved for exclusive use, or which would otherwise constitute a violation of a provision of this Chapter or of park rules or regulations authorized by this Chapter; and

[Ord. No. 15-044 §5, 4-27-2015]

5. Any commercial endeavor regulated by this Chapter or otherwise, or solicitation of donations.

B. Application. A person seeking issuance of a written authorization shall file an application with the Director on a form to be approved by the Director. The Director may request, and the applicant shall provide, any information necessary to make a fair determination as to whether a written authorization shall be issued, including, but not limited to, contact information for the applicant and a description of the activities to be conducted.

[Ord. No. 15-044 §5, 4-27-2015]

C. Standards For Issuance Of Authorization. The Director shall use the following standards when determining whether to issue an authorization for an activity:

1. Whether the proposed activity or use of the park will unreasonably interfere with or detract from the general public enjoyment of the park;

2. Whether the proposed activity or use will unreasonably interfere with or detract from the promotion of public health, welfare, safety and recreation;

3. Whether the proposed activity or use is reasonably anticipated to incite violence, crime or disorderly conduct;

4. Whether the proposed activity will entail unusual, extraordinary or burdensome expense by the Department or Police supervision by the County;

5. Whether liability insurance would be necessary for the activity and whether the applicant carries liability insurance in a sufficient amount;

6. Whether the facilities desired have been reserved for other use at the date and time requested in the application; and

7. Whether the proposed activity in conjunction with a reservation is for financial profit of a commercial business or private individual, except as provided for and regulated by the provisions of this Chapter relative to concessionaires with whom the County has a contract.

D. Decision And Appeal. Within ten (10) days after receiving a receipt of application for authorization, the Director shall provide the applicant with a written decision indicating approval or denial of the application. In event of a denial, notification shall include the reasons for the denial and shall state that the decision may be appealed within ten (10) days of the issuance of the denial to the St. Charles County Director of Administration. The Director of Administration shall consider the application under the standards set forth herein and sustain or overrule the Director's decision not later than fourteen (14) days after receipt of an appeal. The decision of the Director of Administration shall be final.

E. Effect Of Authorization. Authorization for use of specific park areas, facilities or equipment will be so marked and held until the time designated on said authorization. If the permittee does not arrive on time, the areas, facilities or equipment may be reassigned.

F. Restrictions. A permittee shall be bound by all department rules and restrictions set forth in the authorization. In addition, a permittee shall abide by all provisions of County ordinances. The permittee shall ensure that all persons involved in the authorized activity observe the terms and conditions of the written authorization, abide by all County Ordinances, and comply with requests of the Director, Park Rangers or Law Enforcement Officers concerning traffic arrangements, sound, crowd control measures and use of park facilities.

G. Liability Of Permittee. The permittee shall be liable for any loss, damage or injury to County property or operations or any loss, damage or injury that may be sustained by any person by reason of the negligence of the permittee. An applicant for a written authorization may be required to submit evidence of liability insurance covering property damage or loss or injury to the County, to participants of the authorized activity or to members of the general public arising out of the authorized activities in such amounts as may be from time to time determined by the Director prior to the commencement of any activity or issuance of any written authorization.

H. Revocation Of Authorization. The Director may revoke a written authorization upon a finding that the permittee has violated a provision of the authorization, County ordinance or State or Federal law. Absent special circumstances, no refund shall be issued for a written authorization that is revoked.

[Ord. No. 15-044 §5, 4-27-2015]

I. Exhibition And Display Of Written Authorization. Every permittee shall produce and exhibit a written authorization upon the request of the Director, Park Ranger, Law Enforcement Officer or other authorized person who desires to inspect the authorization in order to enforce compliance with County ordinance or authorization restrictions. Authorizations issued for the sale or advertisement of merchandise or other goods for sale or hire in any County park, or within facilities thereon, must be conspicuously displayed at all times.

Section 250.060 Fees.

[Ord. No. 00-043 §6, 4-27-2000; Ord. No. 01-056 §1, 5-30-2001; Ord. No. 08-047 §1, 4-4-2008; Ord. No. 15-044 §6, 4-27-2015; Ord. No. 16-084 §1, 10-24-2016]

A. Fees For Certain Activities. The County may charge fees for certain activities or the use of certain park areas, facilities or equipment. The fees shall be in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter.

B. Program Fees. The St. Charles County Department of Parks and Recreation shall charge reasonable fees for programs held by the St. Charles County Parks Department. Such fees shall be approved in advance by the Parks and Recreation Director.

C. Selling Of Goods. The Department may sell goods at County park facilities. Items for sale and their prices shall be approved in advance by the Director.

D. Admission; Membership Fees. The County's public parks shall generally be open to the public without admission fees, except for park facilities or areas for which admission fees are listed in the Standard Admissions Fees Table, set out as Exhibit A to this Chapter.

E. Special Promotions. The Director may authorize special promotions, rates, or fees.

F. Collecting And Accounting For Revenue; Refunds. The Director shall be responsible for collecting and accounting for all fees and other revenue generated by the Department. The Director may also authorize the refunding of deposits or other payments made to the Department.

Section 250.070 Public Indecency.

[Ord. No. 00-043 §7, 4-27-2000; Ord. No. 08-047 §1, 4-4-2008]

Public Indecency Prohibited. In any County park, no person shall appear in a state of nudity, engage in acts of sexual intercourse or otherwise violate the provisions of Section 210.160 of the St. Charles County Code of Ordinances.

Section 250.080 Buildings and Other Improvements.

[Ord. No. 00-043 §8, 4-27-2000; Ord. No. 08-047 §1, 4-4-2008]

A. Disfiguration And Removal Prohibited. No person shall willfully mark, deface, disfigure, inure, tamper with, or displace or remove, any building, playground, bridges, tables, benches, fireplaces, railing, paving or paving material, water lines or other utilities, signs, notices or placards whether temporary or permanent, monuments, stakes, posts, boundary markers, other structures, equipment, or facilities which are County property or property not belonging to that person, or any parts or appurtenances thereto whatsoever, either real or personal.

B. Damaging Public Safety Facilities Prohibited. No person shall willfully or intentionally break, deface, damage or otherwise interfere with any lamppost or public lamp or lamp of any kind, kept or maintained at any place within a County park for public safety or convenience or in compliance with the provision of any Section, or any telegraph pole, telephone pole, fire plug or hydrant; or, without authority, light or extinguish any such lamp or use any item herein described.

C. Affixing Posters Or Handbills Prohibited. No person shall paste, affix or inscribe any handbill, poster, card, device, inscription or similar thing to or upon any fence, utility pole, hydrant, equipment, existing sign, structure or the like within any County park.

D. Erection Of Structures And Improvements Prohibited. No person shall construct or erect any building, structure or improvement of whatever kind, whether permanent or temporary in character, or run or string any public service utility into, upon or across such lands, except on written authorization as provided in this Chapter. No person shall construct or in any way attach any improvement including, but not limited to, deer stands or steps, to any tree or other object.

E. Use Of Restrooms. All persons shall cooperate in maintaining restrooms in a neat and sanitary condition. No person over the age of five (5) years shall use the restrooms or washrooms designated for the opposite sex unless that person requires assistance due to a disabling condition or that person is assisting a disabled person or that person is a department employee or agents performing maintenance.

F. Climbing On Monuments, Rails Prohibited. No person shall climb, walk, stand or sit upon monuments, vases, fountains, railing, fences or upon any other property, natural or manmade, not designated or customarily used for such purpose.

Section 250.090 Artifacts and Items of Antiquity.

[Ord. No. 00-043 §9, 4-27-2000; Ord. No. 08-047 §1, 4-4-2008]

A. Collection Prohibited. No person shall collect any artifact or item of antiquity except by written authorization of the Director. All items of antiquity in or on County parks are protected and owned by the County unless by law otherwise owned.

B. Use Of Metal Detectors Or Other Means Of Archeological Excavation And Exploration. Metal detectors, shovels and other instruments for archeological excavation and exploration are prohibited in County parks without proper authorization. Authorization for metal detection or other means of archeological excavation and exploration may be issued by the Director for certain areas and shall be subject to such regulations as are herein set forth or may be hereafter adopted by the Director.

Section 250.100 Natural Resources, Trees and Wildlife.

[Ord. No. 00-043 §10, 4-27-2000; Ord. No. 08-047 §1, 4-4-2008; Ord. No. 09-066 §1, 7-13-2009; Ord. No. 15-044 §7, 4-27-2015]

A. General Prohibition. All trees, plants, vegetation, natural resources and wildlife within County park land and waterways are protected. No person shall disturb in any way the natural terrain, plants or animals in any County park except as provided in Subsection (B)(2) herein.

B. Prohibited Activities. The following provisions apply to all County park land and waterways:

1. Injury, damage, removal and transplantation of trees, plants and vegetation prohibited. No person shall damage, cut, carve any tree or plant, in part or whole and alive or dead, or injure the bark, or pick the flowers or seeds, of any tree or plant, except as provided in Subsection (B)(2) herein. No person shall dig in or otherwise disturb grassy areas, or in any other way injure or impair the natural beauty or usefulness of any area. No person shall collect, transplant or remove any tree, plant or other vegetation or part thereof, alive or dead, except as provided in Subsection (B)(2) herein.

2. Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsections (A) and (B) herein, persons may collect for personal consumption within the County park small quantities of wild edible fruit, berries, seeds, nuts, (excluding below-ground plant parts), and pine cones in quantities not to exceed a one (1) gallon container. Every person is permitted to collect by hand, edible mushrooms for personal consumption outside the County park site providing that the quantity collected daily does not exceed that which fills a two (2) gallon container.

3. Attachments and inscriptions to trees, plants and vegetation prohibited. No person shall permanently or temporarily attach any rope, wire or other contrivance to any tree or plant. No person shall paste, affix or inscribe any handbill, poster, card, device, inscription or similar thing to or upon any tree, shrub or other natural feature.

4. Disturbing wildlife prohibited. No person shall pursue, catch, kill, molest, harm, frighten, trap, chase, tease, shoot or throw objects at, possess, illuminate, spotlight, or take or attempt to take in any manner or any quantity any wildlife, or destroy the dens or nests of any wildlife except as otherwise provided for by this Chapter or by written authorization issued by the Director.

5. Collecting or removing wildlife prohibited. No person shall collect, remove, have in their possession, give away, sell or offer to sell, or buy or offer to buy, or accept as a gift, any specimen, alive or dead, of any wildlife except as otherwise provided for in this Chapter or by the written authorization of the Director.

6. Feeding wildlife prohibited. No person shall feed or bait any migratory waterfowl or other wildlife, including all mammals, birds (excluding songbirds at feeding stations), deer, raccoons and other species of wildlife, or create any condition, or allow any condition to exist, which results in a congregation or congestion of migratory waterfowl or other wildlife which results in a threat to the health, safety or welfare of the public, the migratory waterfowl or other wildlife or which draws birds or wildlife to an area for any purpose including hunting or poaching. No person shall feed non-game fish except at designated fish feeding stations.

7. Digging and excavation prohibited. No person shall dig or remove any beach, whether submerged or not, or any soil, rock, stones, trees, shrubs or plants, down-timber or other wood or materials, or make any excavation by tool, equipment, blasting, or other means or agency except on written authorization as provided in this Chapter.

8. Mining prohibited. No person shall mine or prospect for any mineral without written authorization of the Director.

9. Animal traps prohibited. No person shall use, carry or possess any traps or devices for trapping of any description for catching, pursuing or killing wildlife, unless authorized by a written permit issued by the Director.

Section 250.110 (Reserved) [1]

[1] Editor's Note—Ord. no. 08-047 §1, adopted April 4, 2008, repealed section 250.110 "animal traps" in its entirety. Former section 250.110 derived from ord. no. 00-043 §11, 4-27-2000. At the editor's discretion, this section has been reserved for the city's future use.

Section 250.120 Sanitation, Trash, Water Pollution.

[Ord. No. 00-043 §12, 4-27-2000; Ord. No. 08-047 §1, 4-4-2008]

A. Pollution Of Waters Prohibited. No person shall throw, discharge, or otherwise place or cause to be placed any substance, matter or thing, liquid or solid in the waters of any fountain, swimming pool, pond, lake, stream, or other body of water in or adjacent to any County park or any aquifer below the surface, or any tributary, stream, storm sewer, or drain flowing into such waters, which will or may result in the pollution of said waters or damage to equipment, individual, animal or fish. No person shall throw, discharge or otherwise place or cause to be placed on the ground any substance, matter or thing, liquid or solid, which will or may migrate, on or below the surface, into waterways or other bodies of water in or adjacent to any County park, or any aquifer below, or any tributary, stream, storm sewer, or drain flowing into such waters which will or may result in the pollution of said waters or damage to equipment, individual, animal or fish.

B. Glass Beverage Containers Prohibited. No person shall bring glass beverage containers into any County park unless authorized by a written permit issued by the Director. No person shall dump, deposit or leave any glass beverage containers upon the grounds of any County park.

C. Disposal Of Refuse And Trash. No person shall dump, deposit or leave any bottles, broken glass, ashes, paper, boxes, cans, dirt, rubbish, waste, garbage, limbs or brush, leaves, grass clippings, or refuse or other trash on the grounds of any County park or in the water of any County waterways. All refuse and trash shall be placed in the proper receptacles where these are provided; where receptacles are not so provided, all such rubbish or waste shall be carried away from the County park by the person responsible for its presence, and properly disposed of elsewhere. All areas shall be left in a clean and orderly condition. No person shall dispose of any refuse or trash in any containers provided by the Department except refuse or trash generated from recreational activities in County parks.

D. Littering—Person Presumed Responsible. The operator of a vehicle or vessel shall be presumed to be responsible for litter which is thrown, dropped, or left from the vehicle or vessel on County property or waters. The person under written authorization shall be presumed to be responsible for litter, refuse or other trash generated from any activity so authorized.

Section 250.130 Fires.

[Ord. No. 00-043 §13, 4-27-2000; Ord. No. 08-047 §1, 4-4-2008]

A. Certain Fires Prohibited. No person shall build, attempt to build, ignite or maintain any fire on County park grounds except as authorized by the Director or this Chapter and which are in designated ovens, stoves, fire rings or other fireplaces provided for the purpose by the County and under such regulations as may be designated by the Director. Portable "Bar-B-Q" braziers may only be used in areas posted by the Director. No person shall build, attempt to build, ignite or maintain any fire in an area within a County park that has been posted by special notice by the Director or County Executive as a no-fire zone.

B. Certain Acts Prohibited. No person shall drop, throw or otherwise dispose or scatter lighted matches, burning cigarettes or cigars or other tobacco products, tobacco paper or other inflammable material, within any park area or on any highway, road or street abutting or contiguous thereto.

C. Authorized Fires. All authorized fires shall be continuously under the care and direction of a competent adult from the time it is kindled until it is extinguished. All fires must be extinguished after use.

Section 250.140 Firearms and Other Weapons.

[Ord. No. 00-043 §14, 4-27-2000; Ord. No. 08-047 §1, 4-4-2008]

A. Weapons Prohibited—Exceptions. No person shall use, carry or possess a firearm of any description, or an air gun, spring gun, bow, arrow, sling or any other form of weapon potentially dangerous to wildlife or humans, or any instrument that can be loaded with and fire blank cartridges, except as otherwise permitted by this Chapter or by written authorization of the Director. The possession of a handgun is permitted in park areas only if possessed in compliance with Chapter 571, RSMo. (2000), as amended, and shall be subject to all applicable Federal, State and local laws and regulations.

B. Shooting Weapon Prohibited Except In Designated Areas. No person shall shoot any firearm or weapon in any park area except within designated shooting ranges, and no person shall shoot any firearm or weapon into any park area from beyond park boundaries.

C. Shooting Range And River Access—Authorized Firearms. Rifles and shotguns may be transported to and from established shooting ranges and navigable waterways designated by the Director. All weapons to be used at established shooting ranges and navigable waterways shall be carried to the designated area in an unloaded state and in carrying cases or broken down.

D. Application Of Provisions To Law Enforcement Officers. The prohibitions and provisions of this Section shall not apply to Law Enforcement Officers including the Chief of Police, police officers, County Park Rangers and others authorized by law while exercising their official duties.

Section 250.150 Fireworks and Explosives.

[Ord. No. 00-043 §15, 4-27-2000; Ord. No. 08-047 §1, 4-4-2008]

A. Fireworks Prohibited. No person shall bring, have in his possession, set off or otherwise cause to explode, discharge or burn any firecrackers, torpedo, rocket of other fireworks unless the use of fireworks has been permitted by written authorization of the Director. No person shall discharge or throw fireworks into any County park from any waterway, land or highway adjacent thereto.

B. Explosives Prohibited. No person shall bring, have in his possession, set off or otherwise cause to explode, discharge or burn any explosives, inflammable material of any substance, compound, mixture or article that in conjunction with any other substance or compound would be dangerous or explosive. No person shall discharge or throw explosives or explosive devices into any County park from any waterway, land or highway adjacent thereto. No person shall leave at any place within a County park any explosive, incendiary bomb, lethal device of any object which purports to be of is an imitation of or resembles any such explosive or incendiary bomb or lethal device, calculated to or of a character reasonably expected to create public apprehension of danger of to cause public authorities to expend time or money in investigating the character of such device for the purpose of protecting the public or any person from anticipated danger.

Section 250.160 Musical Instruments and Sound Equipment.

[Ord. No. 00-043 §16, 4-27-2000; Ord. No. 08-047 §1, 4-4-2008]

Certain Sound Sources Prohibited. No person shall operate or play any musical instrument, radio, stereo, mechanical record or tape player, loudspeaker, public address system or sound amplifying equipment of any kind within the boundaries of any County park in such a manner as to cause the sound emanating therefrom to exceed a loudness of seventy-five (75) decibels for ten (10) minutes from a distance of fifty (50) feet from the sound source or would otherwise cause a peace disturbance without written authorization issued by the Director.

Section 250.170 Solicitation, Merchandising, Advertising and Promotion.

[Ord. No. 00-043 §17, 4-27-2000; Ord. No. 08-047 §1, 4-4-2008]

A. Solicitation Prohibited. No person shall solicit alms or contributions for any purpose, whether public or private, without written authorization of the Director.

B. Merchandising, Vending And Peddling Prohibited. The use of any County park facility, trail, road, waterway or other park property for commercial purposes is prohibited, except as provided in this Chapter. No person shall expose or offer for sale any service, article, item or thing within any County park, facilities, land or water. No person shall station or place any stand, cart of vehicle for the transport, sale or display of any article, item or thing in any County park, facilities, land or water.

C. Advertising And Promotion Prohibited. No person shall announce, advertise, give away or, in any way, call to the public attention any article, item or service for sale or hire. No person shall paste, glue, tack or otherwise post any sign, placard, advertisement of inscription whatever, nor shall any person erect or cause to be erected any sign whatever on any public lands or highways or roads adjacent to a park. No person shall pass out handbills, newspapers, pamphlets, newsletters, literature or pictures, make speeches or sermons designed to promote the sale of any item or service.

D. Application Of Prohibitions To Authorized Concessionaires. The County may enter into contracts with concessionaires permitting them to sell products or services in County parks or on waterways within or adjacent to County parks when concession facilities are moored thereto. The foregoing prohibitions relating to solicitation, merchandising, advertising and promotion shall not apply to the operations of the Department or any authorized concessionaires or organizations acting under authorization of the County.

Section 250.180 Animals.

[Ord. No. 00-043 §18, 4-27-2000; Ord. No. 08-047 §1, 4-4-2008]

A. General Prohibition. No person shall bring, walk, play with, feed or be in the company of an animal in a County park, except as authorized by this Chapter, by authorization of the Director or otherwise authorized by law relating to service animals for the persons with disabilities.

B. Non-Domestic Or Exotic Animals Prohibited. No person shall bring or cause a non-domestic or exotic animal to enter a park area, except when acting under written authorization of the Director and in accordance with such regulations, requirements, compensation and restrictions as may be prescribed in the written authorization of the Director.

C. Domestic Animals Prohibited in Certain Areas. No person shall allow or cause a domestic animal to enter into an area designated as a wildlife management area, museum, stable, barn, farm, historical area, public building, beach or other aquatic facility or pool, waterway, athletic field or court, playground of restroom within a County park, unless such areas are on designated trail crossings. No person shall allow or cause a domestic animal to enter an area designated for a special event area and so posted during the period of the special event, unless such animal is used by the Police Department or the Department as a part of crowd control at the special event.

D. Livestock Prohibited. No person shall allow or cause horses, cattle or other livestock to enter or graze in a park area except by written authorization of the Director; such authorization shall specify, at minimum, the specific use permitted; a commencement and expiration time and date for the specified use; the park area designed for use; and any regulations, requirements, compensation and restrictions as may be prescribed by the Director.

E. Control Of Domestic Animals. All animals, except permitted horses and other livestock, shall be:

1. Fastened to a leash, cord or rope and shall be in fact controlled by the person holding the leash, cord or rope, unless a leash is not required under other provisions of this Chapter or in areas as designated by the Director; and

2. Prevented from damaging the park or threatening, annoying or obstructing the safe passage of any other person or animal.

F. Dog Training. Unleashed dog training is only permitted in areas designated for that use and so posted. A dog being trained is not required to be on a leash, cord or rope if the dog is within voice or sound control of the person training the dog and the dog is sufficiently obedient to voice or sound command and the dog does not damage the park or threaten or annoy any other person or animal.

G. Horseback Riding. No person shall engage in the riding of horse, ponies, mules, donkeys or similar animals in County parks except where designated by the Director and so posted such as on bridle paths, polo grounds or staging areas. Where permitted, such equestrian animals shall be thoroughly broken and properly restrained and ridden with due care and shall not be allowed to graze or go unattended. No equestrian animal shall be hitched to any rock, tree or shrub.

H. Animal Waste. Every person shall dispose of any solid animal waste deposited by an animal in the custody or control of that person in designated receptacles. If no receptacles are provided, every person shall remove any solid animal waste from the park area.

Section 250.190 Intoxicating Beverages.

[Ord. No. 00-043 §19, 4-27-2000; Ord. No. 08-047 §1, 4-4-2008]

A. General Provision. The possession, transportation and consumption of intoxicating beverages shall be permitted in County parks subject to the restrictions provided in this Chapter or of applicable State law.

B. Security Deposit. Before authorizing a reservation for a picnic shelter or site of other park facility or area at which intoxicating beverages may be consumed, the Director may require a security deposit and may declare all or any part of such deposit forfeited if damage is done to park property.

C. Drunkenness Prohibited. No person shall be in a state of intoxication on any County park property.

D. Individual Beverage Containers Limitation. No person shall possess, bring or cause to be brought into any County park any beverage containing any percentage of alcohol in a container holding more than one (1) gallon unless by written authorization of the Director.

E. Intoxicating Beverages Prohibited In Certain Areas. No person shall possess or consume any alcoholic beverage in any area or facility posted by the Director.

F. Concessionaires. All concessionaires dispensing alcoholic beverages shall operate in accordance with a contract with the County and shall obtain all required licenses. The alcoholic beverages shall be served for consumption on the immediate premises of the concession and not in a manufacturer- sealed container or in bulk. Sales of alcoholic beverages shall cease one (1) hour prior to the closing time of the facility or event.

Section 250.200 Use of Picnic Areas and Park Facilities.

[Ord. No. 00-043 §20, 4-27-2000; Ord. No. 08-047 §1, 4-4-2008]

A. General Provisions. The Director may designate certain areas in County parks for picnic areas. Picnic areas include the tables, grills, shelters of any structures designed for the purpose of holding picnics. The Director shall have the authority to regulate the activities in such areas.

B. Availability. Unless the use of a particular site is scheduled by paid reservation, the individual picnic areas are available on a "first come-first served" basis. Unless a particular picnic site has been reserved, the picnic areas shall not be used to the exclusion of others.

C. Duty Of Users. Users shall not leave a picnic area before any fire in a fireplace or grill is completely extinguished. All picnic areas shall be left by the users in a clean and orderly condition; the users shall deposit trash and other refuse in proper containers. Users shall only clean or wash grills, dishes, beverage containers, cooking or eating utensils and similar instruments at those facilities designated for such purpose.

Section 250.210 (Reserved) [1]

[1] Editor's Note—Ord. no. 08-047 §1, adopted April 4, 2008, repealed section 250.210 "use of tennis courts" in its entirety. Former section 250.210 derived from ord. no. 00-043 §21, 4-27-2000. At the editor's discretion, this section has been reserved for the city's future use.

Section 250.220 Use of Park Trails.

[Ord. No. 00-043 §22, 4-27-2000; Ord. No. 08-047 §1, 4-4-2008]

A. General Provisions. Designated trails may be used by pedestrians, joggers, bicyclists, equestrian riders where permitted or authorized, cross-country skiers, skaters and skateboarders, unless the trail is otherwise posted by the Director. All persons using County park trails shall do so in a careful and prudent manner and shall exercise the highest degree of care. Trails shall be used at a speed that does not endanger the person or property of others. Persons using trails shall refrain from intentionally impeding the flow of trail traffic by obstructing the trail when being passed by another trail user or by obstructing trail traffic moving in the opposite direction from that person. Trail users shall remain to the right of the trail and shall pass other users only when it is safe to do so and shall pass only on the left of the person being passed.

B. Hours Of Trail Use. Park trails shall be open only during regular park hours, as determined by the Director unless otherwise designated and posted by the Director.

[Ord. No. 15-044 §8, 4-27-2015]

C. Motorized Vehicles Prohibited. No person shall operate any motorized vehicles on trails except for emergency vehicles, law enforcement vehicles, County vehicles or motorized wheelchairs or other conveyance devices to assist the persons with disabilities.

Section 250.230 Bicycling.

[Ord. No. 00-043 §23, 4-27-2000; Ord. No. 08-047 §1, 4-4-2008]

A. Where Allowed. A person may only ride a bicycle on the right-hand side of a vehicular road of the right-hand side of a trail or path designated and posted for that purpose. A bicyclist shall be permitted to wheel or push a bicycle by hand over any grassy, paved or wooded area or trail reserved and posted for pedestrian or other specified use.

B. Operation. Bicyclists shall, at all times, operate their bicycles with reasonable regard to the safety of others, signal all turns and stops and pass to the right of any vehicles they may be meeting.

C. Operation At Night. Any person riding a bicycle on any road, trail or path between thirty (30) minutes before sunset and thirty (30) minutes after sunrise shall have an attached headlight on the bicycle which is plainly visible at least five hundred (500) feet in front of the bicycle and shall have a red tail light or red reflector on the bicycle which is plainly visible from at least five hundred (500) feet from the rear of such bicycle.

Section 250.240 Games or Activities With Thrown or Propelled Objects.

[Ord. No. 00-043 §24, 4-27-2000; Ord. No. 08-047 §1, 4-4-2008]

No person shall shoot, drive, throw or otherwise propel any projectile or object in a manner that creates a risk of personal injury or property damage.

Section 250.250 Use of Remotely-Controlled Equipment.

[Ord. No. 00-043 §25, 4-27-2000; Ord. No. 08-047 §1, 4-4-2008; Ord. No. 15-044 §9, 4-27-2015]

A. Where Authorized. A person shall not operate a remotely controlled aircraft, watercraft, ground running vehicles, rockets or any other similar device except in areas designated for such operation by the Director and only after written authorization for such operation has been issued by the Director. Such authorization may be conditioned upon proof of satisfactory liability insurance and may include noise level restrictions.

B. Operation — Special Restrictions. No person shall operate any remotely controlled equipment in such a manner as to endanger any member of the public, park resource or the property of others. The Director may impose special restrictions on the operation of remotely controlled equipment as necessitated for reasons of public safety and protection of park resources or the property of others.

Section 250.260 Camping.

[Ord. No. 00-043 §26, 4-27-2000; Ord. No. 08-047 §1, 4-4-2008]

A. Where Permitted. A person shall only engage in camping at sites designated for such activities by the Director and with appropriate written authorization and payment of associated fees.

B. Prohibitions. No person shall:

1. Use camping equipment or park any movable structure or special vehicle that could be used for camping, such as a house-trailer, camp-trailer, camp-wagon, etc., in any area not designated for such purpose by the Director;

2. Enter a campground or park area where an entrance authorization is required or place camping equipment on a campsite for the purpose of reserving a campsite for future occupancy without having first obtained appropriate written authorization and paid any associated fees;

3. Leave the campsite unattended for more than twenty-four (24) hours;

4. Dump wastewater on the ground or in any waterway;

5. Enter a campground without camping authorization during non-visiting hours;

6. Fail to observe quiet hours in the campground;

7. Use water hydrants to clean or wash clothes or utensils in areas not designated for that purpose; or

8. Camp at one (1) or more campsites in a County park for more than fourteen (14) days during any thirty (30) day period without written authorization of the Director.

[Ord. No. 16-084 §2, 10-24-2016[1]]

[1] Editor's Note: Section 2 of Ord. No. 16-084 also added the word "or" as the end of Subsection (B)(7) above.

C. Cleaning Of Campsites Required. No person shall leave any campsite or the park facilities within a campground unclean. Campsites must be cleaned daily.

Section 250.270 Wading and Swimming.

[Ord. No. 00-043 §27, 4-27-2000; Ord. No. 08-047 §1, 4-4-2008]

A. Where And When Permitted. A person may only swim in the waterways in any County park where such activities are permitted and posted and between such hours of the day as shall be designated by the Director and posted. No person shall swim and/or wade in other areas or where the Director has closed the area to such activities because of dangerous conditions or where such activities would be otherwise inadvisable.

B. Prohibitions. No person shall:

1. Disregard or disobey any rules regulating the use of swimming areas as established by ordinance or by the Director and posted at the area; or

2. Dive or jump from any natural or manmade structure into any County waterway.

Section 250.280 Scuba Diving.

[Ord. No. 00-043 §28, 4-27-2000; Ord. No. 08-047 §1, 4-4-2008]

A. Where Permitted. A person may only scuba dive or snorkel in such waters and at such places as are provided for this purpose.

B. Authorization Required. Any person desiring to scuba dive in County waterways must contact the Director at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the dive and make application for appropriate authorization. Said application shall include at minimum the name, social security number, phone number and address of the applicant; valid certification of the applicant's diving skill; the time, place and purpose of the activity; and a signed waiver by each applicant releasing the County and its employees from all liability which results from the diving activity. The authorization may only be issued if, in the Director's opinion, the activity will not endanger wildlife, the applicant's safety or the public's safety. Any activity or use under the granted authorization shall be conducted only as specified in said authorization. This Section shall not apply to law enforcement or other public safety officials while in the performance of their duties or involved in recovery or rescue operations or persons employed by the County in the performance of their duties.

C. Dive Flag Required. All persons engaged in scuba diving shall mark their general location within or under the water with a red flag at least twelve (12) inches by sixteen (16) inches with a two (2) inch diagonal white bar to be displayed on the water or from a boat or raft in the vicinity of the diver's location. All divers shall be within a fifty (50) yard radius of said flag. The flag shall be visible for three hundred sixty degrees (360°) and stand three (3) feet above the water. No warning flag shall be placed as to impede the normal flow of watercraft traffic.

D. Impeding Normal Waterway Activity Prohibited. No diver shall impede or interfere with the normal waterway activity unless by written authorization of the Director.

Section 250.290 Fishing.

[Ord. No. 00-043 §29, 4-27-2000; Ord. No. 08-047 §1, 4-4-2008]

A. Authorized Fishing. Where fishing is authorized, all persons shall comply with Missouri State law and such regulations of the Director in the pursuit of fish, crawfish and other waterbound wildlife in County park waterways.

B. Prohibited Fishing. No person shall fish in any waterways in County parks, whether off-shore or by boat and whether by the use of hook-and-line, net, trap or other device, in areas posted "No Fishing" by the Director.

C. Fish Stocking Prohibited. No person shall place or cause to be placed any fish or other aquatic life, unless acting under written authorization of the Director, in any waterway in or adjacent to any County park or into any stream, tributary or other waterway flowing into such waters for any purpose.

D. Creating Fish Habitat Prohibited. No person shall place or cause to be placed any brush, debris of other material or thing, unless acting under written authorization of the Director, in any waterway in a County park for the purposes of creating or enhancing the habitat for fish or other aquatic life.

E. Fish Cleaning. All persons shall clean fish only in those facilities designated for such activity and shall dispose of the remains only in designated receptacles for such purpose. When no receptacles are provided, the remains shall be carried away from the park by the person cleaning fish and properly disposed of elsewhere.

F. Commerce Prohibited. No person shall engage in commercial fishing or the buying and selling of fish, crawfish or other waterbound wildlife caught in any waterways in County parks.

Section 250.300 Boating — Use of Waterways.

[Ord. No. 00-043 §30, 4-27-2000; Ord. No. 08-047 §1, 4-4-2008]

A. Designated Areas. A person may only bring into, moor or operate a boat, canoe, raft or other watercraft, with motor-power or not, upon any waterway which has been designated for such purposes by the Director.

B. Types Of Watercraft Permitted. A person may only operate a watercraft on the waterways within a County park which is not over ten (10) feet in width or over thirty (30) feet in length or under eight (8) feet in length, except personal watercraft. A person may not launch or land any other watercraft other than those types permitted by this Section from any dock or launching area within a County park. No person shall operate any type of airboat or hovercraft on County park waterways except upon written authorization of the Director or in case of emergency. This Section shall not apply to law enforcement or other public safety officials while in the performance of their duties or involved in recovery or rescue operations or persons employed by the County in the performance of their duties.

C. Docks And Launching Areas. No person shall park or stand a vehicle on a boat ramp for more than fifteen (15) minutes.

Section 250.310 Use of Animal-Drawn Vehicles. [1]

[Ord. No. 15-044 §10, 4-27-2015]

A. Permitted On Park Roads. Animal-drawn vehicles may be operated in County parks for non-commercial purposes subject to the requirements below.

B. Requirements.

1. Such vehicles may only be operated on County park roads that are open to public use. No animal-drawn vehicles may be operated in other portions of County parks without the advance, written permission of the Director.

2. No animal shall be used to draw a carriage or other type of vehicle on County park roads unless equipped with a waste-catching device. Any waste or debris falling on the ground use shall be immediately removed by the driver.

3. Such vehicles shall be equipped with, at a minimum:

a. Braking equipment in good working order; and

b. A reflective, triangular, orange or red "slow moving vehicle" type of placard visible from the rear.

4. The driver must have a valid driver's license.

[1] Editor's Note: Former Section 250.310, Certain Equipment Required for Boating and Use of Waterways, derived from Ord. No. 04-043 §31, 4-27-2000 was repealed 4-4-2008 by §1 of Ord. No. 08-047.

Section 250.320 through Section 250.370. (Reserved) [1]

[1] Editor's Note—Ord. No. 08-047 §1, adopted 4-4-2008, repealed Sections 250.320, Operation of Watercraft, 250.330, Personal Watercraft, 250.340, Unsafe Watercraft, 250.350, Water Skiing, Boarding, Tubing or Use of Similar Towing Devices, 250.360, Regattas or Other Waterway Special Events, and 250.370, Sailboarding and Windsurfing, in their entirety. Former Sections 250.310—250.370 derived from Ord. No. 04-043 §§31—37, 4-27-2000. At the editor's discretion, these sections have been reserved for the City's future use.

Section 250.380 Use of Airborne Vehicles.

[Ord. No. 00-043 §38, 4-27-2000; Ord. No. 08-047 §1, 4-4-2008; Ord. No. 15-044 §11, 4-27-2015]

Airborne Vehicles Prohibited. No person shall operate airborne vehicles of any type having the capacity to carry human beings or animals from any park land or waterways except as authorized by the Director, when an emergency landing is necessary to avoid in any other way the endangerment of human life or the property of others or when such vehicles are used and/or requested by law enforcement officers by in the performance of their duties.

Section 250.390 Miscellaneous Activities.

[Ord. No. 00-043 §39, 4-27-2000; Ord. No. 08-047 §1, 4-4-2008]

A. Ice Skating Or Other Activities On Ice. No person shall ice skate, fish, sled, drive or walk on or in the ice of any waterway in a County park, except at areas designated by the Director and posted for that purpose provided that a safety signal is displayed.

B. Roller Skating, Skateboarding, In-Line Skating. Roller skating, skateboarding and in-line skating shall be confined to paved trails or those areas specifically designated and posted for such purposes by the Director.

C. Parasailing. No person shall launch, land or operate any parasailing equipment or similar device on or above any waterway within a County park except by written authorization of the Director.

D. Sport Leagues And Tournaments. No person shall promote, schedule, organize or engage in any league play, contest or tournament for any game, sport or any other recreational activity without written authorization issued by the Director and payment of associated fees.

E. Rock Climbing And Rapelling. No person shall engage in rock climbing or rapelling within a County park except by written authorization of the Director.

F. No person shall engage in downhill skiing in any park area.

Section 250.400 Traffic.

[Ord. No. 00-043 §40, 4-27-2000; Ord. No. 08-047 §1, 4-4-2008]

A. Compliance With County Traffic Regulations And Directions Required. The County may enact specific traffic regulations in accordance with State law for roads within County parks. All persons shall comply with such regulations and shall also comply with all current State and County traffic codes while within County parks. Where no speed limit is posted, no person shall operate a vehicle at a rate of speed exceeding fifteen (15) miles an hour. All persons shall comply with traffic directions given by a law enforcement officer, Park Ranger, Department employee, or person designated by one of the foregoing. In addition, park roads or driveways or any sections thereof may be declared closed to vehicles or the public by the County, Director, a Police Officer or a Park Ranger at any time and for any interval of time, either temporarily or at regular and stated intervals, daily or otherwise and either entirely or merely to certain uses, as may be reasonably necessitated by reason of public health, public safety, maintenance, protection of property (public or private) or for other reasons. The closing of park driveways or any section thereof shall be accomplished by the erection of a suitable barrier or other visible marker across the driveway and any closing specific to certain use shall additionally be so posted. All persons shall comply with such postings and closings.

[Ord. No. 15-044 §12, 4-27-2015]

B. Operating And Parking Vehicles Off Designated Areas Or In Closed Area Prohibited. No person shall operate or park any vehicle in any area within County parks except the designated roads or parking areas or such other areas as may on occasion be specifically designated as temporary roads or parking areas by the Director, Police Officer or a Park Ranger acting in his official capacity. No person shall operate or park a vehicle on a closed driveway, through, around or beyond a restrictive sign, recognizable barricade, fenced gate or other traffic control device. No person shall remove a barricade for the purpose of riding or driving a vehicle onto a closed driveway or other area of a County park, unless acting under the authority of the Director or the Police Chief.

[Ord. No. 15-044 §12, 4-27-2015]

C. Certain Trucks And Buses Prohibited. Buses are prohibited in all areas except those designated by the Director. No person shall operate a truck in excess of one (1) ton gross vehicle weight upon the driveways, roads, parking lots of other areas within County parks except for delivery of operational, construction or maintenance supplies to the Department; the Department or County vehicles in the performance of their respective work; or those belonging to an entity operating an activity or function under authorization of the Director.

D. Vehicle Repair And Maintenance Prohibited. No person shall repair, service, clean or otherwise maintain a vehicle within County parks; however, this prohibition shall not apply to the emergency repair of vehicles and shall not apply to County vehicles and workshops and garages in the parks.

E. Vehicle Demonstration And Instruction Prohibited. No person shall use any area, road, parking area or driveways for the purpose of demonstrating any vehicles for the purpose of instructing another to drive or operate any vehicles, except by written authorization of the Director.

F. Prohibited Parking. No person shall park a vehicle in areas which are not designated parking areas. No person shall park on the road or driveway at any time except in areas signed for said parking. No stopping or parking is permitted, even briefly, on the left-hand shoulder of any one-way road or driveway except by direction of the Director, a Police Officer or Park Ranger. No person shall leave a vehicle parked in established parking areas or elsewhere in County parks during hours when the area or the park is closed to public use. No person shall leave a vehicle standing or parked at night without lights clearly visible for at least five hundred (500) feet from both front and rear on the shoulder of any driveway or road.

[Ord. No. 15-044 §12, 4-27-2015]

G. Trailer Parking. No person shall park or leave unattended a motor vehicle with attached trailer of a trailer alone, except in places clearly marked for trailer parking. No person shall park a trailer or other conveyance device designed to transport horses in a designated trail head parking area without written authorization of the Director, unless such trailer is used for participation in a reserved event, as designated by the Director.

Section 250.410 All-Terrain Vehicles.

[Ord. No. 00-043 §41, 4-27-2000; Ord. No. 08-047 §1, 4-4-2008]

A. Where Authorized. No person shall operate an all-terrain vehicle on a paved vehicular road or parking area or on off-road areas which have not been designated by the Director and when written authorization has not been obtained. The following persons are excepted from this provision: special events participants who have written authorization from the Director, public safety officials exercising their lawful duties or involved in recovery or rescue operations and persons employed by the County or the Director performing services germane to their employment.

B. License Required. An authorized person operating an all-terrain vehicle within a County park shall have a valid operator's or chauffeur's license, but shall not be required to have passed an examination for the operation of a motorcycle.

C. Operation Of All-Terrain Vehicles. No all-terrain vehicle shall be operated at speeds in excess of the posted speed limit or fifteen (15) miles per hour, whichever is less. When operated on a paved vehicular road or parking area within a County park, an all-terrain vehicle shall have an approved bicycle safety flag, which extends not less than seven (7) feet above the ground, attached to the rear of the vehicle. The bicycle safety flag shall be triangular in shape with an area of not less than thirty (30) square inches and shall be dayglow in color.

D. No person shall operate an all-terrain vehicle:

1. In any careless way so as to endanger the person or property of another;

2. While under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance; or

3. Without a securely fastened safety helmet on the head of an individual who operates an all-terrain vehicle or who is being towed or otherwise propelled by an all-terrain vehicle.

E. Passengers Prohibited. No operator of an all-terrain vehicle shall carry a passenger except in emergency rescue operations.

Section 250.420 Areas Reserved For Persons With Disabilities.

[Ord. No. 00-043 §42, 4-27-2000; Ord. No. 08-047 §1, 4-4-2008]

Use Prohibited. No person shall use an area reserved for persons with disabilities unless that person is disabled as defined by Federal and State law.

Section 250.430 Loitering.

[Ord. No. 00-043 §43, 4-27-2000; Ord. No. 08-047 §1, 4-4-2008]

Loitering Prohibited. No person shall sit or lounge on vehicles without the permission of the owners. No person shall sleep or protractedly lounge on the seats or benches of other structures or improvements.

Section 250.440 Disorderly Conduct and Peace Disturbance.

[Ord. No. 00-043 §44, 4-27-2000; Ord. No. 08-047 §1, 4-4-2008]

A. Disorderly Conduct And Peace Disturbance Prohibited. No person shall engage in disorderly conduct so as to disrupt the peace of another by:

1. Unreasonably and knowingly disturbing or alarming another person or persons;

2. Creating loud noise;

3. Using offensive language addressed in a face-to-face manner to a specific individual and uttered under circumstances which are likely to produce an immediate violent response from a reasonable recipient;

4. Threatening to commit a felonious act against any person under circumstances which are likely to cause a reasonable person to fear that such threat may be carried out;

5. Fighting or threatening to fight with another;

6. Creating a noxious and offensive odor; or

7. Purposely causing inconvenience to another person or persons by unreasonably and physically obstructing vehicular or pedestrian traffic or the free ingress or egress to or from a public or private place.

Section 250.445 Loitering in County Parks Prohibited By Certain Persons.

[Ord. No. 08-031 §1, 3-3-2008; Ord. No. 08-047 §1, 4-4-2008]

A. Any person who is required to register with the Chief Law Enforcement Official of the County in which such person resides pursuant to the provisions of Sections 589.400, et seq., RSMo., when such registration is required as a result of the person's conviction for the child sexual offenses set out in Subsection (B) shall not enter into or loiter in any County park unless the person has permission to be present for a designated function from the Director of Parks and Recreation or his designee. The Director of Parks and Recreation shall develop a system to document permission for events, as well as written warnings to provide notice of this Section and citations for violation. That system shall provide that if permission is granted, the Director shall inform the Chief Park Ranger and the Police Chief where and when the child sex offender will be present.

[Ord. No. 15-044 §13, 4-27-2015]

B. The list of offenses referenced in Subsection (A) above shall be as set forth herein:

1. Subsection (2) of Section 568.080, RSMo., use of a child in a sexual performance; or

2. Section 568.090, RSMo., promoting a sexual performance by a child; or

3. Section 573.023, RSMo., sexual exploitation of a minor; or

4. Section 573.025, RSMo., promoting child pornography in the first degree; or

5. Section 573.035, RSMo., promoting child pornography in the second degree; or

6. Section 573.037, RSMo., possession of child pornography; or

7. Section 573.040, RSMo., furnishing pornographic material to minors; or

8. Section 566.067, RSMo., child molestation in the first degree; or

9. Section 566.083, RSMo., sexual misconduct involving a child; or

10. Section 566.062, RSMo., statutory sodomy in the first degree; or

11. Section 566.032, RSMo., statutory rape in the first degree.

C. A copy of this Section shall be provided by the Chief of Police without charge to all registered sex offenders who have been convicted of Statutes set forth in Subsection (B) above.

Section 250.450 Ejection or Banishment From Park.

[Ord. No. 00-043 §45, 4-27-2000; Ord. No. 08-047 §1, 4-4-2008; Ord. No. 15-044 §14, 4-27-2015]

A. Ejection. The Director, other Department employees authorized by the Director, Park Rangers, and Police Officers shall each have the ability to eject any person from any County park if such official, in his judgment, determines that such person is not complying with park rules or regulations or is otherwise creating a nuisance. Upon ejection, such person shall leave the park immediately and it shall be deemed a violation of this Chapter to re-enter the park within twenty-four (24) hours of being ejected.

B. Banishment; Procedures; Appeals.

1. The Director, other Department employees authorized by the Director, Park Rangers, and Police Officers may each, by delivering a Notice of Banishment to a person, banish any person from any County park who, while present in a County park, (1) violates any County park ordinance, rule, or regulation or any other provision of Ordinances of St. Charles County that: (a) results in danger to one or more persons or property, (b) constitutes abusive behavior, or (c) constitutes the second or subsequent violation or infraction committed by such person within a period of one year; or (2) commits a criminal offense in violation of the Revised Statutes of Missouri.

2. The Notice of Banishment shall be in writing and shall be signed by the issuing individual. It shall specify the date of issuance, the length of exclusion, and specify whether the exclusion applies to all County parks or only to a certain park or parks. The Notice shall also describe the process for appeal.

3. A violator need not be charged, tried or convicted of any crime or infraction in order for a Notice of Banishment to be issued or effective. The exclusion may be based upon observation by an employee or agent of the Department, or by law enforcement, video recording, or any other form of observation ordinarily relied upon by law enforcement.

4. If an incident giving rise to consideration of a Notice of Banishment involves a minor, all communication with the minor must have parent/guardian involvement.

5. Any person receiving a Notice of Banishment that is effective for a period of more than ten (10) days may submit a timely appeal. Such appeal must be made in writing within ten (10) days from the date of issuance of the Notice of Banishment. All appeals must be sent to the Director at the Director's regular office address.

6. Appeals will be reviewed by the Director or a designee of the Director, who shall render a written, final decision. Decisions shall be sent to the appellant within fifteen (15) business days from the date an appeal is received at the office of the Director, unless the investigation process or other circumstance warrants additional time.

Section 250.460 False Declarations.

[Ord. No. 00-043 §46, 4-27-2000; Ord. No. 08-047 §1, 4-4-2008; Ord. No. 15-044 §15, 4-27-2015]

False Declarations Prohibited. No person shall make any false declaration with the purpose of misleading the Director, a law enforcement officer or Park Ranger in the performance of his duty.

Section 250.470 Lost and Abandoned Property.

[Ord. No. 00-043 §47, 4-27-2000; Ord. No. 08-047 §1, 4-4-2008]

A. Lost And Abandoned Property Impounded. Any vehicle, watercraft or other property of value found abandoned, adrift or unattended in or on County park land or waterways shall be removed and impounded by the Director. Any vehicle left for more than twenty-four (24) hours without being moved and without a driver within the immediate vicinity shall be deemed to be abandoned and/or unattended.

B. Contact Of Owner. Following impoundment, the Director or the Director's designee shall make a reasonable attempt to contact the owner of the property.

C. Impoundment Fee And Lien On Property. The County may assess a reasonable towing, impoundment and storage fee against the owner of the property impounded. The owner shall pay such fee to the County prior to the release of the property. The County shall have a lien on the property until such time as the towing, impoundment and storage fees have been paid.

D. Disposal Of Abandoned Property. In the event that an owner is not located and the property owner does not claim the property within ninety (90) days, the property shall become the property of the County and shall be disposed of in the same manner as surplus County property.

Section 250.480 Penalty For Violation.

[Ord. No. 00-043 §48, 4-27-2000; Ord. No. 08-047 §1, 4-4-2008]

Violation Is Class A Misdemeanor. Any person violating any provision of this Chapter is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. Any person violating a provision of this Chapter and convicted of a Class A misdemeanor may be sentenced up to one (1) year in the County Jail or fined up to one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) per incident, or both.

Section 250.490 Enforcement.

[Ord. No. 00-043 §49, 4-27-2000; Ord. No. 08-047 §1, 4-4-2008]

A. Criminal Prosecution. The St. Charles County Counselor shall be responsible for the criminal prosecution following violations of the provisions of this Chapter.

B. Civil Remedies. The office of the St. Charles County Counselor shall be responsible for pursuing any and all available civil remedies to ensure compliance with or enforce the provisions of this Chapter.

Section 250.500 Policies and Fees.

[Ord. No. 00-082 §1, 7-13-2000; Ord. No. 01-052 §1, 4-25-2001; Ord. No. 03-153 §1, 10-1-2003; Ord. No. 05-177 §1, 11-29-2005; Ord. No. 08-063 §1, 5-28-2008; Ord. No. 09-067 §1, 7-13-2009; Ord. No. 12-092 §1, 11-27-2012; Ord. No. 15-044 §16, 4-27-2015; Ord. No. 16-084 §3, 10-24-2016]

A. Rental Rates.

1. Rental fee table. Except as otherwise provided for in this Chapter, the Parks and Recreation Department shall charge fees and damage deposit amounts, if any, for rental of park facilities, including picnic shelters, pavilions, group picnic areas, buildings, and/or rooms, in accordance with the Standard Rental Fees Table, Set out as Exhibit B to this Chapter.

2. The rate schedule shall be regularly published on the County's website and made available upon request at the administrative offices of the Department.

3. The Director shall have the authority, for a period of time not to exceed ninety (90) days, to establish temporary rental fees and damage deposit amounts for facilities added to County parks that are not covered by the Rental Fee Table provided for herein.

B. Special Event Reservations.

1. One (1) or more sections of a park may be reserved by individuals, organizations, businesses or groups for special events. The Director may approve an appropriate fee based on the event details.

2. The Director may require the provision of additional temporary facilities, amenities, supplies, or contracted services, such as (but not limited to) portable toilets, water trucks, tents, tables, chairs, program personnel, operations personnel or security personnel to accommodate the special event and protect the park.

3. The Director shall use the following standards when determining an appropriate fee:

a. The rental fees for facilities within the park or section that would be affected.

b. Staffing costs that would be incurred by the County due to the reservation. This includes but is not limited to operations and ranger staff.

c. The costs to be incurred to provide the items the Director requires pursuant to Subsection (b) above.

d. The impact on the general public's enjoyment of the park.

4. A refundable damage deposit not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) may be charged for these special events.

5. Such reservations shall be subject to approval of a contract between the County and the reserving person or entity. Such approval may be by the Director for fees up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00) and may be by the County's Director of Administration for fees up to twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00). Contracts for fees of higher amounts shall require approval of the County Council.

C. Additional Costs Incurred By The County. If, due to the reservation of any facility, the County incurs costs providing additional staffing, temporary facilities, amenities, supplies or contracted services including without limitation portable toilets, water trucks, tents, tables, chairs, grills, program personnel, operations personnel or security personnel to accommodate the group and protect the park, the cost of such staffing, temporary facilities, amenities, supplies or any needed contracted services shall be disclosed in advance and added to the applicable fee.

D. Agricultural Leases.

1. The Director may request bids through a competitive bidding process for leases for agricultural use of portions of County park land for a term not to exceed one (1) year for each site, provided that the Director makes a determination that such a lease will not be expected to infringe upon public access to the park.

2. Such leases shall be subject to approval of a specific contract between the County and the lessee. Such approval may be by the Director for rent amounts up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00) per year and may be by the County's Director of Administration for rent amounts up to twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) per year. Leases for higher amounts, or for durations in excess of one (1) year, shall require approval of the County Council.

E. Reservation Policies And Procedures. Subject to this and other ordinances of the County, the Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation shall develop policies and procedures for the orderly accepting and processing of reservations, the payment and refunding of fees, and the handling of cancellations.