Title
Public workshop to consider amendments to Monterey County Code Chapter 14.12 (County Parks).
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Parks Commission recommend that the Board of Supervisors amend Monterey County Code Chapter 14.12.
SUMMARY:
Monterey County Code Chapter 14.12 establishes regulations for County Parks. The Chapter was created in 1970 and last updated in 2008. Amendments to Chapter 14.12 are needed to reflect Parks now being within the Resource Management Agency (RMA), to incorporate new smoking regulations, and to address fees. RMA has also proposed amendments to better organize and clarify the Chapter's authority and scope.
DISCUSSION:
Chapter 14.12 covers specific requirements for the operation of County Parks. The Chapter was originally codified in 1970, and many sections have not been updated since 2008. The overall age of the Chapter, along with past ad hoc interpretation and enforcement of the Chapter, has led to inconsistent application in the past.
On November 2, 2017, staff provided a workshop for the Parks Commission to allow input and direction on Chapter 14.12 amendments. Some of the comments provided to staff included:
- Reorganize the Chapter structure in a style similar to San Luis Obispo County, which is easier to read and understand;
- Ensure that fees are controlled by the Board or other approval mechanism, rather than leaving it up to RMA-Parks staff to decide; and
- Follow up with future review of a draft Chapter 14.12 for additional comment.
Staff has prepared an initial draft ordinance to bring the Chapter up to date and meet current organizational needs. Generally, the County Code (adopted by ordinance) should provide a high-level outline for regulations with specific program information and fees adopted by resolution. Typically, staff would present a redline version of the ordinance to illustrate changes being made to Chapter 14.12. However, due to the large number of changes being made, sta...
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