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Kittitas (pronounced 'KITT-i-tass') County is located in central Washington State. It spans from the lush forested Cascade Mountains to the upper Yakima River Valley plains and the Columbia River.
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Title 9 | Public Peace, Safety and Morals
Chapters 9.04 Repealed 9.08 Repealed 9.10 Boating Safety 9.12 Repealed 9.16 Motor Boats Prohibited on Cooper Lake 9.17 Boating on Gladmar Pond and Lavender Lake 9.18 Boating on Little Kachess Lake 9.20 Hunting Restrictions with High Powered Rifles 9.21 Supervised Hunting 9.24 Repealed 9.28 Repealed 9.30 Fireworks 9.32 Repealed 9.40 Firearms 9.45 Noise Control 9.50 Parks 9.55 Regulating Public Camping 9.60 Repealed 9.70 Alarm Systems
Chapter 9.04 CURFEW
(Repealed by Ord. 99-09)
Chapter 9.08 DEPOSITING TRASH IN PUBLIC LAKES
(Repealed by Ord. 94-21)
Chapter 9.10 BOATING SAFETY
Sections 9.10.010 Legislative findings - Purpose. 9.10.020 Definitions. 9.10.025 Public access area signs and buoys. 9.10.030 Prohibition. 9.10.035 Unlawful wake zone. 9.10.040 Violation - Penalty.
9.10.010 Legislative findings - Purpose. Recreational use of waters in Kittitas County has grown rapidly. Residents and visitors of Kittitas County use the waters of Kittitas County for swimming, boating, floating, wading, fishing and other recreational purposes. It is expressly the purpose of this Chapter to provide for and promote the health, safety and welfare of the general public. This Chapter is not intended to create or otherwise establish or designate any particular class or group of persons who will or should be especially protected or benefited by its terms. (Ord. 2011-02, 2011; Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 93-5 § 1, 1993).
9.10.020 Definitions. Terms in this chapter shall mean as follows:
9.10.025 Public access area signs and buoys. Upon all waters in the County at public access areas where the waters are used extensively for swimming, launching and removing boats, and water skiing, there shall be designated by proper signs and markers locations of boat launching ramps, skiing areas, and swimming areas, as well as appropriately marked safety buoys as required to separate and define the said boat ramp approaches, skiing areas, and swimming areas for the safety of the public. The county road engineer may have such markers installed. It is unlawful for any unauthorized person to move or tamper with such buoys. (Ord. 2011-02, 2011)
9.10.030 Prohibition.
9.10.035 Unlawful wake zone. It is unlawful for any person to operate a motor driven vessel at a speed of more than five miles per hour and create any wakes when said motor driven vessel is within 150 feet of any swimmer, shoreline, dock, float, launching ramp, or non-motorized vessel. Exceptions to this subsection are the Yakima and Cle Elum Rivers and their tributaries. (Ord. 2011-02, 2011)
9.10.040 Violation - Penalty. Any person, firm, or corporation who violates any of the sections of this Chapter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment in the county jail for a maximum term fixed by the court of not more than ninety days, or by a fine in an amount fixed by the court of not more than one thousand dollars per violation, or both such imprisonment and fine. (Ord. 2011-02, 2011; Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 93-5 § 4, 1993).
Chapter 9.12 MOTOR BOAT LICENSING - REGULATION OF OPERATION
(Repealed by Ord. 2011-02, 2011)
Chapter 9.16 MOTOR BOATS PROHIBITED ON COOPER LAKE
Sections 9.16.010 Violation. 9.16.020 Motor driven boats and vessels defined. 9.16.030 Penalty. 9.16.040 Purpose.
9.16.010 Violation. It is unlawful and a violation of this chapter to operate any motor driven boat, vessel or aircraft of any type on Cooper Lake located in Township 22 North, Range 13 East, Kittitas County, Washington. (Ord. 2011-02, 2011; Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 63-1 § 1, Vol. M, p. 517, 1963).
9.16.020 Motor driven boats and vessels defined. For the purpose of this chapter "Motor driven boats and vessels" are defined as all boats and vessels which are self-propelled by a motor. This does not include boats or vessels that are driven by wind energy or human effort. "Vessel" includes every description of watercraft on the water, other than a seaplane, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on the water. However, it does not include inner tubes, air mattresses, sailboards, small rafts, flotation devices or toys customarily used by swimmers. (Ord. 2011-02, 2011; Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 63-1 § 2, Vol. M, p. 517, 1963).
9.16.030 Penalty. Any person, firm, or corporation who violates any of the sections of this Chapter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment in the county jail for a maximum term fixed by the court of not more than ninety days, or by a fine in an amount fixed by the court of not more than one thousand dollars per violation, or both such imprisonment and fine. (Ord. 2011-02, 2011).
9.16.040 Purpose. It is expressly the purpose of this Chapter to provide for and promote the health, safety and welfare of the general public. This Chapter is not intended to create or otherwise establish or designate any particular class or group of persons who will or should be especially protected or benefited by its terms. (Ord. 2011-02, 2011)
Chapter 9.17 BOATING ON GLADMAR POND AND LAVENDER LAKE
Sections 9.17.010 Repealed. (Ord. 2011-02, 2011) 9.17.015 Gasoline-powered motor driven boats and vessels - Prohibited. 9.17.017 Gasoline-powered motor driven boats and vessels defined. 9.17.020 Gasoline-powered motor boats - Penalty for violation. 9.17.030 Purpose.
9.17.015 Gasoline-powered motor driven boats and vessels - Prohibited. It is unlawful and a violation of this chapter to operate any gasoline-powered motor driven boat or vessel on Lavender Lake, an inland body of water located within the borders of Kittitas County Township 20 North, Range 14 East. (Ord. 2011-02, 2011; Ord. 2006-42, 2006)
9.17.017 Gasoline-powered motor driven boats and vessels defined. For the purpose of this chapter "Gasoline-Powered Motor driven boats and vessels" are defined as boats and vessels which are self propelled by gasoline motors. "Vessel" includes every description of watercraft on the water, other than a seaplane, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on the water. However, it does not include inner tubes, air mattresses, sailboards, small rafts, flotation devices or toys customarily used by swimmers. (Ord. 2011-02, 2011)
9.17.020 Gasoline-powered motor boats - Penalty for violation. Any person, firm, or corporation who violates any of the sections of this Chapter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment in the county jail for a maximum term fixed by the court of not more than ninety days, or by a fine in an amount fixed by the court of not more than one thousand dollars per violation, or both such imprisonment and fine. (Ord. 2011-02, 2011; Ord. 9909, 1999; Ord. 82-1 § 2, 1982).
9.17.030 Purpose. It is expressly the purpose of this Chapter to provide for and promote the health, safety and welfare of the general public. This Chapter is not intended to create or otherwise establish or designate any particular class or group of persons who will or should be especially protected or benefited by its terms. (Ord. 2011-02, 2011)
Chapter 9.18 BOATING ON LITTLE KACHESS LAKE
Sections 9.18.010 Speed of motor boats - Limited. 9.18.015 Motor driven boats and vessels defined. 9.18.020 Speed of motor boats - Penalty for violation. 9.18.030 Purpose.
9.18.010 Speed of motor boats - Limited. It is unlawful and a violation of this chapter to operate any motor driven boat or vessel in excess of 10 miles per hour on Little Kachess lake, said lake being located in the northeast quarter and the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of Section 32 and in Sections 17, 20 and 29, all in Township 22, Range 13 EWM, Kittitas County, Washington. (Ord. 2011-02, 2011; Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 82-5 § 1, 1982)
9.18.015 Motor driven boats and vessels defined. For the purpose of this chapter "Motor driven boats and vessels" are defined as all boats and vessels which are self-propelled by a motor. This does not include boats or vessels that are driven by wind energy or human effort. "Vessel" includes every description of watercraft on the water, other than a seaplane, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on the water. However, it does not include inner tubes, air mattresses, sailboards, small rafts, flotation devices or toys customarily used by swimmers. (Ord. 2011-02, 2011)
9.18.020 Speed of motor boats - Penalty for violation. Any person, firm, or corporation who violates any of the sections of this Chapter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment in the county jail for a maximum term fixed by the court of not more than ninety days, or by a fine in an amount fixed by the court of not more than one thousand dollars per violation, or both such imprisonment and fine. (Ord. 2011-02, 2011; Ord. 9909, 1999; Ord. 82-5 § 2, 1982)
9.18.030 Purpose. It is expressly the purpose of this Chapter to provide for and promote the health, safety and welfare of the general public. This Chapter is not intended to create or otherwise establish or designate any particular class or group of persons who will or should be especially protected or benefited by its terms. (Ord. 2011-02, 2011)
Chapter 9.20 HUNTING RESTRICTIONS WITH HIGH POWERED RIFLES*
Sections 9.20.010 Areas closed to use of high powered rifles. 9.20.020 Carrying loaded rifles unlawful. 9.20.030 Big game hunting exempt. 9.20.040 Penalty for violations.
* For the statutory provisions regarding game and game fish, see RCW Title 77, generally.
9.20.010 Areas closed to use of high powered rifles. During any special or regular deer or elk high powered rifle hunting season in Kittitas County, the following areas in Kittitas County shall be closed to use of high powered rifles:
(Ord. 2015-010, 2015; Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 73-1 § 1, 1973).
9.20.020 Carrying loaded rifles unlawful. During the deer and elk hunting season it is unlawful to carry loaded rifles of legal caliber for said hunting in said areas by any person or persons. (Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 73-1 § 2, 1973).
9.20.030 Big game hunting exempt. This chapter shall not apply to the hunting of big game under such seasons as may be established by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife for bow and arrow hunting and further shall not apply to the lawful use of shotguns for big game hunting. (Ord. 2015-010, 2015; Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 73-1 § 3, 1973).
9.20.040 Penalty for violations. Any violation of this chapter is a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished by not more than 30 days in the county jail and/or a fine of not more than $250.00, or both. (Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 73-1 § 5, 1973).
Chapter 9.21 SUPERVISED HUNTING
Sections 9.21.010 Department of Wildlife supervised hunts authorized. 9.21.020 Twenty-four hours prior notice of special hunts required.
9.21.010 Department of Wildlife supervised hunts authorized. Notwithstanding any other provision in this code, it shall not be unlawful to discharge a firearm in any area of the county if such discharge is done under the supervision and control of Washington State Department of Wildlife in the course of special hunts authorized by the Department of Wildlife to protect property or to manage wildlife populations. (Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 91-6, 1991).
9.21.020 Twenty-four hours prior notice of special hunts required. No Department of Wildlife special hunts shall be conducted in areas otherwise restricted or controlled to the use of firearms unless the Department of Wildlife agent has notified the Kittitas County sheriff, in writing, at least 24 hours prior to such special hunt. (Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 91-6, 1991).
Chapter 9.24 TOPLESS WAITRESSES AND ENTERTAINERS
Chapter 9.28 HARVESTING AND TRANSPORTING FIREWOOD
Chapter 9.30 FIREWORKS*
Sections 9.30.010 Purpose. 9.30.020 Definitions. 9.30.030 Prohibition against discharge. 9.30.035 Fire Marshal's authority to prohibit discharge 9.30.040 Sale limits. 9.30.050 Type of fireworks allowed without permit. 9.30.060 Seizure of fireworks. 9.30.070 Penalty. 9.30.080 Other liabilities and legal rights not affected. 9.30.090 Effective date.
* Prior legislation: Ords. 92-13 and 94-12.
9.30.010 Purpose. The board of county commissioners of Kittitas County recognizes that there are inordinately high risks to public health and safety within the unincorporated areas of Kittitas County due to fire hazards resulting from the sale and discharge of fireworks. It is necessary to protect the public health and safety by limiting the days upon which the sale of Class C (common) fireworks can occur in limiting the time during which said fireworks may be ignited. (Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 95-6, 1995).
9.30.020 Definitions. The words and phrases used for the purpose of this chapter shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this section, except in those instances where the context clearly indicates a different meaning.
(Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 95-6, 1995).
9.30.030 Prohibition against discharge. Kittitas County prohibits the ignition or discharge of fireworks within the unincorporated areas of Kittitas County except between the period from 9:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on July 4th and from 9:00 a.m. December 31st to 1:00 a.m. of the following day (January 1st) of each year. (Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 956, 1995). The Kittitas County Fire Marshal may authorize ignition or discharge of fireworks on other days and times dependent on fire danger and subject to fireworks permit approval. As a condition of fireworks permit approval, the applicant shall be required to provide written notice to the landowners of all properties located within five hundred (500) feet of the site of the firework ignition or discharge. The notice shall include date and time of the proposed firework ignition or discharge. (Ord. 2019-006, 2019)
9.30.035 Fire Marshal's authority to prohibit discharge. The Kittitas County Fire Marshal is authorized to prohibit the ignition or discharge of fireworks within the unincorporated areas of Kittitas County whenever the following fire danger components and indices have been reached or exceeded in at least one of three Remote Automated Weather Stations (RAWS):
In the event that a burn ban has been established in accordance with KCC 20.08, the Fire Marshal is authorized to prohibit the ignition or discharge of fireworks, even if the above fire danger components and indicies have not been reached or exceeded. (Ord. 2019-006, 2019; Ord. 2016-005, 2016)
9.30.040 Sale limits. The county of Kittitas limits the sale of Class C (common) fireworks within the unincorporated areas of Kittitas County prior to 9:00 a.m. on July 1st or after 11:00 p.m. on July 4th and prior to 9:00 a.m. on December 31st or after 11:00 p.m. on December 31st of each year. (Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 95-6, 1995).
9.30.050 Type of fireworks allowed without permit. Only Class C (Common Fireworks USDOT 0336 1.4G) will be allowed to be sold, offered for sale, used, discharged, or possessed in Kittitas County, without additional permits and licenses as required by state law. All other types of fireworks, special, agricultural, wildlife, and public display will require additional permits from local officials. (Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 95-6, 1995).
9.30.060 Seizure of fireworks. Any fireworks which are illegally sold, offered for sale, used, discharged, possessed or transported in violation of the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to seizure by the director of public works, through the fire marshal, sheriff's department or code enforcement, or their deputies. Any fireworks seized under this section may be disposed of by the director of public works, through the fire marshal, by summary destruction at any time subsequent to 30 days from such seizure or 10 days from the final termination of proceedings under the provisions of RCW 70.77.440, whichever is later. (Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 95-6, 1995).
9.30.070 Penalty. Any person violating the provisions of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine of not more than $1,000 and by imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment. (Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 95-6, 1995).
9.30.080 Other liabilities and legal rights not affected. Nothing in this chapter shall add to or diminish any other legal rights, or liabilities, either civil or criminal, arising out of the negligent, reckless, knowing or intentional conduct of any person. (Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 95-6, 1995).
9.30.090 Effective date. Ordinance 95-6, codified in this chapter, shall be effective June 27, 1996, which is one year from the date of its adoption. (Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 95-9, 1995).
Chapter 9.32 SHOOTING IN GRAVEL PITS
Chapter 9.40 FIREARMS*
Sections 9.40.010 Exemption from state law.
* See RCW 9.41.050(4) relating to restrictions about carrying firearms.
9.40.010 Exemption from state law. The jurisdiction of Kittitas County is and shall be exempt from the prohibitions set forth in Subsection (4) [RCW 9.41.050(4)] as enacted and as may be hereafter modified or recodified. This exemption is made under the authority of RCW 9.41.050(6). (Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 94-16 § 1, 1994).
Chapter 9.45 NOISE CONTROL
Sections 9.45.010 Declaration of policy. 9.45.020 Public disturbance - finding of special conditions. 9.45.030 Public disturbance - noise unlawful when. 9.45.040 Exemptions. 9.45.050 Enforcement. 9.45.060 Violation - penalty. 9.45.070 Variances.
Prior ordinance history for Chapter 9.45: Ord. 2014-010, 2014; Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 95-14, 1995.
9.45.010 Declaration of policy. It is declared the policy of the county to minimize the exposure of citizens to adverse effects of excessive noise and to protect, promote, and preserve the public health, safety and welfare. It is the express intent of the board of county commissioners to control the level of noise in a manner which promotes commerce; the use, value, and enjoyment of property, sleep and repose; and the quality of environment. (Ord. 2016-009, 2016; Ord. 2016-002, 2016)
9.45.020 Public disturbance - finding of special conditions. The making, creation or maintenance of excessive, unnecessary or unusual loud noises which are prolonged and unusual in their time, place and use, affect and are a detriment to public health, comfort, convenience, safety, welfare and prosperity of the people of the county. The board of county commissioners and the county sheriff’s department have received numerous citizen’s complaints regarding noise and believe such noise constitutes a public disturbance. Special conditions within the county make necessary any and all differences between this chapter and regulations adopted by the Department of Ecology. (Ord. 2016-009, 2016; Ord. 2016-002, 2016)
9.45.030 Public disturbance - noise unlawful when.
(Ord. 2016-009, 2016; Ord. 2016-002, 2016)
9.45.040 Exemptions. The following sounds are exempt from the provisions of this chapter:
9.45.050 Enforcement. The county sheriff and other law enforcement officers are authorized and directed to enforce the provisions of this chapter. The provisions of this chapter shall be cumulative, nonexclusive, and supplementary, and shall not affect any other remedy, including without limitation, the provisions of Chapter 70.107 RCW. (Ord. 2016-009, 2016; Ord. 2016-002, 2016)
9.45.060 Violation - penalty. Any person who violates the provisions of this chapter, shall, upon a finding of having committed the civil infraction thereof, be punished by a civil penalty in the amount of $100 for the first offense, $250 for the second offense, and $500 for each offense thereafter. (Ord. 2016-009, 2016; Ord. 2016-002, 2016)
9.45.070 Variances. From time to time, upon application to the board of county commissioners, further specific exemptions may be granted to this chapter on a fact and date specific basis. An example is the request for and granting of a festival permit. All such exemptions shall be made through proper application to the board of county commissioners and in conformance with existing provisions of the Kittitas County Code, as it now exists, or as amended in the future. All requests for exemptions to this chapter are subject to a nonrefundable $25.00 fee, which must be paid at the time the request is made. All recipients of a variance must provide proof of notification of said variance (including dates and times of the variance) to all residents within 1,000 feet of the noise source property boundary. (Ord. 2016-009, 2016; Ord. 2016-002, 2016)
Chapter 9.50 PARKS
Sections 9.50.010 Definitions. 9.50.020 Purpose. 9.50.030 Hours. 9.50.040 Park facilities - Liability. 9.50.050 Park facilities - Liability insurance. 9.50.060 Park facilities - Cleanup. 9.50.070 Concessions. 9.50.080 Park misuse. 9.50.090 Motor vehicles - Parking. 9.50.100 Camping - Authorization. 9.50.110 Camping - Occupancy policy. 9.50.115 Swimming in boat launch areas prohibited. 9.50.120 Game fish. 9.50.125 Food fish. 9.50.130 Damage to park property prohibited. 9.50.135 Removal of park property. 9.50.140 Outside household or commercial waste. 9.50.145 Rubbish. 9.50.150 Waste from vehicles. 9.50.155 Dumping in water prohibited. 9.50.160 Solicitation. 9.50.165 Alcoholic beverages - Minors. 9.50.170 Fires. 9.50.175 Area closures. 9.50.180 Violation - Penalty. 9.50.190 City of Ellensburg Park Impact Fees adopted within the City's Urban Growth Area.
9.50.010 Definitions. Whenever used in this title, the following items shall be defined as indicated in this section:
(Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 95-4, 1995).
9.50.020 Purpose. The park playgrounds, passive use areas, special use areas, roads, paths, trails, activity centers and other park facilities of the department are established by law for public recreation purposes. Public recreation consists of passive use, appropriate to the facility, initiated by individuals, families or small groups with or without reservations and permits; or, large group activities planned by groups and brought under the control of the department when authorized by and conducted under reservation, permit, agreement or contract with the department. (Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 95-4, 1995).
9.50.030 Hours. The director of public works shall establish for each Kittitas County park area according to existing conditions, times and periods when the park area will be open or closed to the public. Such times and periods shall be posted at the entrance to the Kittitas County park area affected and at the park office. Park hours are subject to current conditions and may vary by season. Park front gates and offices may be open during normal business hours but the park area may be closed to public use when so posted. No person shall enter or be present at a Kittitas County park area after closing time, or when the park area is closed, except persons camping in a designated camping area who have paid the applicable use fee; or persons who have a reservation or are associated with the person or persons having a reservation at a department facility. (Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 95-4, 1995).
9.50.040 Park facilities - Liability. A person or persons using facilities by reservation or agreement may be required to protect and save Kittitas County, its elected and appointed officials and employees while acting within the scope of their duties as such, harmless from and against all claims, demands, and causes of action of any kind or character, including the cost of defense thereof, arising in favor of the persons, employees or third parties on account of personal injuries, death or damage to property arising out of the premises, or in any way arising out of the acts or omissions of the person and/or his agents, employees or representatives. Users of any and all Kittitas County park facilities or areas do so at their own risk. Kittitas County assumes no liability or responsibility due to accidents or injury through authorized or unauthorized use of department facilities. (Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 95-4, 1995).
9.50.050 Park facilities - Liability insurance. A person or persons using facilities by reservation or agreement may be required to obtain and maintain during all periods of use public liability insurance acceptable to the county and/or other insurance necessary to protect the public and the county on premises reserved, with coverage of liability not less than combined single limit personal injury and/or personal damage liability of $300.00 per occurrence. The group shall provide a certificate of insurance or an insurance binder prior to the reservation and upon written request of the county, a duplicate of the policy, as evidence of the insurance protection provided. This insurance shall not be cancelled or reduced without prior written notice to the county, 30 days in advance of the cancellation or reduction. (Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 95-4, 1995).
9.50.060 Park facilities - Cleanup. All groups must leave the facility or area in a condition considered satisfactory to the manager in charge. No group shall conduct activities causing extra custodial work unless previous arrangements have been made to pay for such work and are so stated in the reservation agreement. Causing extra custodial work without previous arrangements may subject the group to mandatory cleanup fees as listed in the currently adopted fee schedule. (Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 95-4, 1995).
9.50.070 Concessions. Kittitas County reserves all concession rights in county-owned parks. Nonprofit groups and organizations may sell or arrange for a concessionaire to sell concessions to members of their group or organization using a park facility and to spectators at that facility; provided, that arrangements and fees to the department are agreed upon in writing prior to the event(s). (Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 95-4, 1995).
9.50.080 Park misuse. The misuse of a park facility or the failure to conform with these regulations will be sufficient reason for denying any future application for use of park facilities. (Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 95-4, 1995).
9.50.090 Motor vehicles - Parking. No operator of any automobile, trailer, camper, boat trailer, or other motor vehicle, shall park such vehicle in any Kittitas County park area other than designated motor vehicle parking area, except where the operator is using the area for a designated recreational purpose and the vehicle is parked either in a designated parking area for the event, or in another area with the permission of the facility manager. No person shall park, leave standing, or abandon a motor vehicle, camper or trailer, in any Kittitas County park area after closing time, except when camping in a designated area, or with permission of the manager. Any vehicle found parked in violation of this section may be towed away at the owner's or operator's expense. (Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 95-4, 1995).
9.50.100 Camping - Authorization. No person shall camp in any Kittitas County park area except when specifically authorized by the facility manager or the director. (Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 95-4, 1995).
9.50.110 Camping - Occupancy policy. Occupancy of camping facilities shall be limited to the conditions of the group reservation, agreement, or contract; or limited to occupancy related to an event and so posted at the park. (Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 95-4, 1995).
9.50.115 Swimming in boat launch areas prohibited. No person shall swim or sunbathe in any designated boat launching area, except by permit issued by the department of public works. (Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 95-4, 1995).
9.50.120 Game fish. All laws, rules and regulations of the State Game Commission relating to season, limits, and methods of fishing are applicable to fishing for game fish in Kittitas County park areas. No person may fish for, or possess any fish taken from any dam, dike, bridge, dock, boat landing, or beach, which is posted with a sign prohibiting fishing. (Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 95-4, 1995).
9.50.125 Food fish. All laws, rules and regulations of the State Department of Fisheries relating to season, limits, and methods of taking are applicable to the taking of food fish in Kittitas County park areas except that in addition to such laws, the department, upon its finding and for good cause may close certain Kittitas County park areas for specific periods of time, to the taking of fish. Such closed areas shall be posted. (Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 95-4, 1995).
9.50.130 Damage to park property prohibited. No person shall cut down, destroy or in any way injure or damage any shrub, tree, vine, grain, grass or crop, standing or growing or which has been cut down, in any Kittitas County park area unless authorized to do so by the department. No person shall deface, damage or destroy any property, material, equipment or facility which is under the jurisdiction of the department. (Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 954, 1995).
9.50.135 Removal of park property. No person shall change the position of or remove any property, material, or equipment from its original position on or from any area under the jurisdiction of the Kittitas County parks department. (Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 954, 1995).
9.50.140 Outside household or commercial waste. No person shall deposit any household or commercial garbage, refuse, waste, or rubbish which is brought as such from any private property, in any Kittitas County park area garbage can or other receptacle designated for rubbish collection. (See Chapter 8.20 KCC, Depositing Garbage in Designated Places, for penalties.) (Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 95-4, 1995).
9.50.145 Rubbish. No person shall leave, deposit, drop or scatter bottles, broken glass, ashes, waste paper, cans or other rubbish, in a Kittitas County park area, except in a garbage can or other receptacle designated for such purposes. (See Chapter 8.20 KCC, Depositing Garbage in Designated Places, for penalties.) (Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 95-4, 1995).
9.50.150 Waste from vehicles. No person shall in any Kittitas County park area, drain or dump refuse, oil, gas or waste from any trailer, camper, automobile, or other vehicle, except in designated disposal areas or receptacles. (See Chapter 8.20 KCC, Depositing Garbage in Designated Places, for penalties.) (Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 95-4, 1995).
9.50.155 Dumping in water prohibited. No person shall pollute, or in any way contaminate by dumping or otherwise depositing therein any waste or refuse of any nature, kind or description, including human or bodily waste, in any stream, river, lake or other body of water running in, through or adjacent to any Kittitas County park area. (See Chapter 8.20 KCC, Depositing Garbage in Designated Places, for penalties.) (Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 95-4, 1995).
9.50.160 Solicitation. No person shall solicit, sell, or peddle any goods, wares, merchandise, liquids, or edibles for human consumption or distribute or post any handbills, circulars, or signs, or use any loudspeakers or other amplifying device in any Kittitas County park area, except by concession contract or by permission by the department. (Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 95-4, 1995).
9.50.165 Alcoholic beverages - Minors. No person who has not reached his or her twenty-first birthday shall be in possession of or consume of any alcoholic beverage in a Kittitas County park facility or area. (Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 95-4, 1995).
9.50.170 Fires. Open fires and portable units using flammable material are restricted to designated park areas, fireplaces, fire rings or grills. (Ord. 9909, 1999; Ord. 95-4, 1995).
9.50.175 Area closures. Areas designated by signs or barricades are closed to public access or use. (Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 95-4, 1995).
9.50.180 Violation - Penalty. Every person who violates any of the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than $1,000 and/or by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than 90 days. In addition, every person failing to comply with any provision of this chapter shall be subject to immediate ejection from the Kittitas County park area. The Kittitas County public works director, public works employees, and other law enforcement officers are authorized and directed to enforce the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 95-4, 1995).
9.50.190 City of Ellensburg Park Impact Fees adopted within the City’s Urban Growth Area.
Pursuant to Kittitas County Resolution 2022-013 and consistent with Ellensburg City Code (ECC) Chapter 14.02 Park Impact Fees, Kittitas County agrees to collect park impact fees as described at ECC 14.02.150. Collection of the park impact fee shall occur when application is made for a building permit; provided, however, fees applicable to a single-family subdivision may be subject to an in-lieu-of fee arrangement at the preliminary plat stage. (Ord. 2023-006, 2023)
Chapter 9.55 REGULATING PUBLIC CAMPING
Sections 9.55.010 Purpose. 9.55.020 Definitions. 9.55.030 Unlawful camping. 9.55.040 Unlawful storage of personal property in public places. 9.55.050 Removal of unauthorized encampments and individual camps. 9.55.060 Penalty for violations. 9.55.070 Enforcement suspended. 9.55.080 No public duty created. 9.55.090 Severability.
9.55.010 Purpose.
It is the purpose of this chapter to prevent harm and to promote the public health, safety and general welfare and environment by keeping public streets, sidewalks, parks, and other county-owned and/or county-maintained public property and public rights-of-way within the county readily accessible to the public, and to prevent use of county-owned and/or county-maintained public property for camping purposes or storage of personal property which interferes with the rights of others to use the areas for the purposes for which they were intended. It is also the purpose of this chapter to establish a uniform policy for county departments to address the removal of unauthorized encampments from county property and, where applicable, temporarily store personal property in a manner consistent with local, state, and federal laws. (Ord. 2022-015, 2022)
9.55.020 Definitions.
The following definitions are applicable in this chapter unless the context otherwise requires:
(Ord. 2022-015, 2022)
9.55.030 Unlawful camping.
9.55.040 Unlawful storage of personal property in public places.
9.55.050 Removal of unauthorized encampments and individual camps.
9.55.060 Penalty for violations.
Violation of any of the provisions of this chapter is a misdemeanor and shall be punished upon conviction of such violation by a fine of not more than $ 1,000 or by confinement not to exceed 90 days, or by both such fine and confinement. Each and every day, or portion thereof, that the violation continues shall constitute a separate violation. (Ord. 2022-015, 2022)
9.55.070 Enforcement suspended.
9.55.080 No public duty created.
9.55.090 Severability.
If any portion of this chapter, or its application to any person or circumstances, is held invalid, the validity of the chapter as a whole, or any other portion thereof, or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected. If any portion of this ordinance is declared invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion(s) of this ordinance. (Ord. 2022-015, 2022)
Chapter 9.60 WEAPONS FREE AREAS IN COUNTY BUILDINGS
(Repealed by Ord. 2009-02. Weapon restricted areas of the Courthouse are designated by judicial order.)
Chapter 9.70 ALARM SYSTEMS
Sections 9.70.010 Legislative declaration. 9.70.020 Definitions. 9.70.030 Prohibited equipment—Automatic dialing device. 9.70.040 Required equipment—Standby power backup source. 9.70.050 Audible alarms—Time limit. 9.70.060 Emergency response information. 9.70.070 False alarms prohibited—Penalties. 9.70.080 Enforcement—Policies. 9.70.090 Penalties. 9.70.100 Grace period. 9.70.110 Distribution of funds. 9.70.120 Severability. 9.70.130 Effective date.
9.70.010 Legislative declaration. The Board of County Commissioners declares that response to false alarms to be an unnecessary, wasteful use of the limited personnel and other resources of the Sheriff's Office. Such unnecessary responses divert those resources from being devoted to those actually in need of law enforcement services. Therefore, the purpose of this chapter is to promote more effective and efficient law enforcement services to the public through prevention of false alarms and reduction of responses to false alarms. (Ord. 2016-021, 2016).
9.70.020 Definitions. In construing the provisions of this chapter, except where otherwise plainly declared or clearly apparent from the context, words used in this chapter shall be given their common and ordinary meaning and in addition, the following definitions shall apply:
9.70.030 Prohibited equipment—Automatic dialing device. Any alarm system designed to alert any law enforcement agency of an emergency by providing unattended automatic dialing to 911 or any public telephone number of a law enforcement agency for the purpose of transmitting a preprogrammed signal, message or code is prohibited. (Ord. 2016-021, 2016).
9.70.040 Required equipment—Standby power backup source. All alarm systems shall have a standby backup power supply which will automatically continue the operation of the alarm system should any interruption occur in power to the system. The transfer of power from the primary source to the backup source must occur in a manner that does not activate the alarm. (Ord. 2016-021, 2016).
9.70.050 Audible alarms—Time limit. It shall be unlawful to operate an audible alarm system which does not shut off within a maximum of thirty minutes from the time of activation. Shutoff may be accomplished either with an automatic cutoff or by manual operation. If the alarm system has an automatic cutoff with a rearming phase, the rearming phase must be able to distinguish between an open and closed circuit and if the circuit is broken, the system will not rearm. (Ord. 2016-021, 2016).
9.70.060 Emergency response information.
9.70.070 False alarms prohibited—Penalties.
9.70.080 Enforcement—Policies.
9.70.090 Penalties. The violation of any of the provisions of this chapter, except subsections 9.70.070(2) and (3), shall constitute a misdemeanor as defined in RCW 9A.20.010. (Ord. 2016-021, 2016).
9.70.100 Grace period. There shall be a three month grace period beginning at the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter, during which time no punitive action will be taken against alarm users violating section 9.70.070(3) of this Chapter; provided, the Sheriff may require alarm users to provide information as required by Section 9.70.080(3) (a), and further provided that the grace period for the provisions of 9.70.060(1) shall be as specified in .060(2). There shall be no grace period for enforcement of 9.70.070(2). (Ord. 2016-021, 2016).
9.70.110 Distribution of funds. All funds collected from fines imposed by the district courts for violation of this chapter shall be distributed as provided in RCW 3.62.020. (Ord. 2016-021, 2016).
9.70.120 Severability. If any provision of this chapter is held invalid, the remainder of the chapter is not affected. (Ord. 2016-021, 2016).
9.70.130 Effective date. This chapter shall take effect at 12:01 a.m. on December 1, 2016. (Ord. 2016-021, 2016).