City Expands and Invites Recreational Activities on Lake Elsinore
City Council Adopts Ordinances Easing Restrictions on the Lake
Posted Date: 3/23/2016 8:00 AM
On Tuesday, March 22, 2016, the City Council completed the process and formally adopted several ordinances amending the Lake Elsinore Municipal Code to expand recreational activities on and around Lake Elsinore.
Lake Elsinore is Southern California’s largest natural, freshwater lake. With more than 3,000 surface acres and 14 miles of shoreline, it is a recreational destination for both residents and visitors hosting numerous water and recreational activities from picnics at public beaches to major high speed boating and Jet Ski race events.
The proposed changes to the lake use municipal codes will take effect 30 days from approval. Therefore, starting Friday, April 22nd, 2016 the following key uses will be allowed on or around Lake Elsinore:
Inflatable towables with the following rules and restrictions:Commercially manufactured onlyDesignated observer of age 12 or olderLife vests at all timesNo donuts. Vessels must abide by the established lake traffic pattern, i.e. counter clockwiseOne tube per vesselProhibits inflatable towables intended to fly above/lift out of the water for extended periods of time Designated, non-directional personal water craft zones with City approvalSwimming at City beaches including Elm Grove Beach and La Laguna Resort & Boat Launch.Alcohol at the beaches within La Laguna Resort & Boat LaunchNight boating events as set and approved by the CityNew Lake Use Annual Passes including an Annual Resort Use Pass and Annual Launch Pass for La Laguna Resort & Boat Launch. Fees for these passes will be set by the City Council in April 2016. View existing annual use passes.
Other key changes to the municipal codes include:
Formatting and consistency changes to update the outdated municipal codes including the addition of several key definitions and a purpose statement.Eliminating inconsistencies between local, state and federal regulations. Creating definitions and regulations regarding other recreational uses including non-motorized vessels, jet propulsion propelled devices, water scooters, aircrafts, and radio-controlled model replica devices. Ensuring there are adequate distinctions in regards to private property versus commercial and city-owned property.
For more information about these changes and the rules and regulations related to these expanded uses, please review each of the following ordinances amending and restating the following municipal codes:
• Chapter 9.96 Lake Use Ordinance
• Chapter 8.40 Parks Beaches Ordinance
• Chapter 8.44 Fishing Ordinance
To access the proposed City Council agenda and/or listen to the recording of the City Council meeting regarding the approved Lake Use changes to the Municipal Code Ordinances, click the links below:
City Council Meeting on March 22, 2016 - Agenda regarding Second Reading and Adoption
City Council Meeting on March 8, 2016 - Agenda regarding First Reading
City Council Meeting March 8, 2016 - Recording & Discussion
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