Chapter 9.41 PARKS AND RECREATION CODE

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. The public recreation programs consist primarily of activities planned and directed by the Department, and secondarily of recreation activities of community groups brought under control of the Department when authorized by and conducted under permit issued by the Department. Further, these codes were developed to define and regulate the organization of recreational activities and use of Skagit County park lands for the public good, the highest public benefit, and the preservation of park lands for the enjoyment of all. (Ord. 17255 Exh. A (part), 1998)

9.41.020 Penalties.

(1) Except where the failure to perform any act required by this Chapter or the performance of any act prohibited by this Chapter is identified as a misdemeanor, such violation shall be a civil infraction.

(2) Any notice of infraction of this Parks and Recreation Code shall be processed pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 7.80 RCW, rules of the Washington Supreme Court, and local court rules.

(3) Penalties for violations of the rules and regulations of this Chapter shall be as follows:

(a) Violation of any rule or regulation relating to traffic, including parking, standing, stopping, and pedestrian offenses, and which is described under subsection 6.2(d)(1), Infraction Rules for Courts of Limited Jurisdiction (IRLJ), shall be subject to the monetary penalty for infractions promulgated under that subsection.

(b) Violation of any other rule or regulation identified in this Chapter, including the failure to pay the posted fees for parking and watercraft launching and recovery identified under SCC 9.41.230(2), shall be subject to the following monetary penalties:

(i) The first violation by a person within a five (5) year period shall be a Class 3 civil infraction carrying a monetary penalty and default amount of fifty dollars ($50.00), not including statutory assessments.

(ii) The second violation by a person within a five (5) year period shall be a Class 2 civil infraction carrying a monetary penalty and default amount of one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125.00), not including statutory assessments.

(iii) A third or subsequent violation by a person within a five (5) year period shall be a criminal misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to one thousand dollars ($1,000), ninety (90) days in jail, or both.

(4) In addition to any prescribed penalty, where there is continued violation of any provision of this Chapter, of County rules, regulations or prohibitions promulgated and posted, or of violation of any County ordinance or State law, after being requested to cease such violation by a County parks employee, a person so failing to comply may be ejected from the County park within which the continuing violation occurred.

(5) Further, any person failing to comply with any provision of this Chapter may be subject to the loss of park or recreation facility use privileges from the County park, associated marine park area or recreation programs. The length of time of ejection, not to exceed twelve (12) months, shall be determined by the Director at his/her discretion, provided the subject was provided notice of the pending action and an opportunity to be heard at a hearing before the Director. Appeals of such Director’s ejectment may be appealed to the Board within fourteen (14) days of the date that the person subject to the ejectment receives notice of the Director’s decision and/or the decision was mailed to such subject by certified mail, return receipt requested, to a reasonably ascertained address. The appeal hearing before the Board shall be a closed record appeal.

(6) Violations of local, State, and Federal criminal ordinances and laws will be enforced and prosecuted under the appropriate codes. (Ord. O20110006 Exh. 1 (part): Ord. 17255 Exh. A (part), 1998)

9.41.030 Definitions.

Whenever used in this title the following items shall be defined as indicated in this Section:

(1) “Agreements” means all written agreements between a person or persons and the Department for the purpose of specific use of certain Department facilities.

(2) “Aircraft” means any machine or device designed to travel through the air, including but not limited to airplanes, helicopters, balloons, gliders and ultra-lights.

(3) “Alcoholic beverages” or “liquor” includes alcohol, spirits, wine, beer and all fermented, spirituous, vinous, malt liquor or otherwise intoxicating beverages. Any substance which contains more than one (1) percent alcohol by weight shall be conclusively deemed to be intoxicating.

(4) “Associated marine area” means any water area within one hundred (100) feet of any Skagit County trail, open space, park area or marine facility such as a dock, pier, float, buoy, log boom, or other object which is part of a Skagit County park area; provided, that such area does not include private property.

(5) “Board” means the current and duly elected Skagit Board of County Commissioners.

(6) “Boat” means any floating device, capable of traveling on water.

(7) “Camper” means a motorized vehicle containing sleeping and/or housekeeping accommodations.

(8) “Camping” means erecting a tent or shelter, or arranging bedding, or both, for the purpose of, or in such a way as will permit, remaining overnight, or parking a trailer, camper, or other vehicle for the purpose of remaining overnight.

(9) “Camping unit” means any RV, trailer, camper or tent and all associated camping equipment including but not limited to vehicles, food, sleeping bags, backpacks and refuse.

(10) “Campsite” includes both utility and nonutility sites.

(11) “Concession” means the selling or renting of a product or service.

(12) “County park” means any area designated by the Board under the ownership/management of the Department, and shall include all parks, parkways, trails, golf courses, beaches, playgrounds, resource management areas and other recreational areas and facilities.

(13) “County parks employee” means any Skagit County employee while performing duties in any County park.

(14) “Day use” means recreation use of an area for one (1) day or less. “Day use” may include participation in a number of recreation activities, e.g., picnicking, play, water sports, sightseeing, etc., but excludes overnight use.

(15) “Department” means the Skagit County Parks and Recreation Department including the Administration Division, the Parks Division, the Recreation Division and the Fair Grounds Division.

(16) “Director” means the director of the Skagit County Parks and Recreation Department.

(17) “Domestic animals” means dogs, cats and other small, domesticated animals.

(18) “Drugs” means any mind or mood altering substance which is illegal to consume or possess.

(19) “Facilities or facility” means any building, structure, roadway, trail, path, equipment or area operated by the Department.

(20) “Facility Manager” means an assigned County parks employee serving as a manager of a duly assigned County park.

(21) “Fair Division” means the Skagit County Fair Division of the Department.

(22) “Fee” means the currently adopted fee schedule for use of the Department facilities or programs.

(23) “Fireworks” means any composition or device in a finished state containing any combustible or explosive substance for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration, or detonation.

(24) “Firearm” means any device from which a projectile may be fired by an explosive or propelled by air combustion.

(25) “Large animal” means horses, cattle and other large, domesticated animals.

(26) “Motor vehicle” means any self-propelled device capable of being moved upon a road, and in, upon, or by which any persons or property may be transported or drawn, and shall include, but not be limited to, four (4) wheel drive vehicles, two (2) wheel drive vehicles, three (3) wheelers, motorcycles, and snowmobiles. This Section shall not apply to wheelchairs powered by electric motor. Subject to RCW 46.04.320.

(27) “Nonmotorized vehicle” shall be defined as every device capable of transporting an individual that is not powered by a mechanical device including, but not limited to, unicycles, bicycles, electrically assisted pedaled bicycles (herein “e-bikes”), tricycles, quadcycles, scooters, roller blades and skateboards, with the exception of wheelchairs.

(28) “Nonutility site” means designated camping sites which have no water and/or electrical utilities available for hookup.

(29) “Parks Division” means the County Parks Division of the Department.

(30) “Permit” means any and all permits, licenses, or approvals required by Federal or State law, or required by County ordinance or the Department.

(31) “Person” means all natural persons, firms, partnerships, corporations, clubs and all associations or combination of persons whenever acting for themselves or by an agent, servant, or employee.

(32) “Personal watercraft” means a vessel of less than sixteen (16) feet that uses a motor powering a water jet pump, as its primary source of motive power and that is designed to be operated by a person sifting, standing, or kneeling on, or being towed behind the vessel, rather than in the conventional manner of sitting or standing inside the vessel.

(33) “Primitive trailer site” means a designated camping site which does not have water and/or electrical facilities available for self-contained trailers or campers.

(34) “Recreation Division” means the County Recreation Division of the Department.

(35) “Reservation” means any and all written reservations for a person or persons for the purpose of specific use of certain department facilities.

(36) “Resource management” means management of existing natural resources on undeveloped lands not currently being used for park and recreation purposes, e.g., harvesting timber or selective thinning of forested areas.

(37) “Rocket” means any device containing a combustible substance which when ignited propels the device forward or upward.

(38) “Trail” means any path designed for use by pedestrians, bicyclists, or equestrians.

(39) “Trailer” means any towed vehicle, whether used for transporting a boat or animal, vehicle or other object, or for sleeping accommodations or some other use.

(40) “Utility site” means a designated camping site which has water and/or electrical facilities available for hookup, and which is designed for RV, trailer, camper or tent requiring utilities.

(41) “Weapon” means any offensive or defensive instrument, which might be used to overcome, persuade, injure, defeat or destroy another person or animal. (Ord. O20220013 (Exh. 1); Ord. 17255 Exh. A (part), 1998)

9.41.040 Camping facility regulations in County parks.

(1) Overnight camping facilities within the Skagit County Parks and Recreation system are designed and administered specifically to provide recreational camping opportunities for park visitors. Use of park facilities for purposes of a nonrecreational nature, such as residency at park facilities, obstructs opportunities for recreational use, and is inconsistent with the purpose for which those facilities were developed. No person may use any County park for residence purposes and all persons shall comply with the following sections as herein set forth.

(2) No person shall camp in any County park except in areas specifically designated and/or marked for that purpose or as directed by County parks employee(s).

(3) Fees for the use of campsites are due and payable daily. Camping fees shall be paid directly to the County parks employee or the Pay Station within thirty (30) minutes of arrival to the park. The daily fee includes use of the facilities until the posted checkout time the following day.

(4) The public can make camping reservations for camping at Howard Miller Steelhead Park by submitting an approved reservation form to the staff of this facility. Reservations may be made up to a year in advance of the requested camping date. All other designated camping facilities will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

(5) A campsite is considered occupied when it is being used for the purposes of overnight camping by a person or persons who have paid the camping fee. No person shall take or attempt to take possession of a campsite when it is being occupied by another party, or when informed by the Facility Manager that such site is occupied or reserved or has been taken out of service by Skagit County.

(6) No person shall hold or attempt to hold campsite(s) for another camping unit for present or future camping dates. Any site occupied by a camping unit must be actively utilized for camping purposes.

(7) In order to afford the general public the greatest possible use of the facilities on a fair and equal basis and to prevent residential use of designated camping facilities, occupancy at any campsite by a camping unit shall be limited to a maximum of twenty-one (21) days in any particular month; provided, that at no time shall a person or persons stay for more than fourteen (14) days consecutively. Alterations to the limitation of occupancy may be established by the Department and will be posted in the affected areas.

(8) Occupants shall vacate camping facilities by removing their personal property therefrom prior to the designated time established and posted by the Department. Remaining in a campsite beyond the established checkout time shall subject the occupant to the payment of an additional camping fee and a penalty fee of ten dollars ($10.00) per night. The occupants may remain in the park for day use purposes until normal closing time of the park.

(9) Use of utility sites by campers shall be subject to the payment of the utility site fee, except when otherwise specified by the Department.

(10) Camping fees shall be established annually by resolution of the Board at the recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Department.

(11) Only one camping unit shall be permitted at a campsite, unless otherwise authorized by a County parks employee. If authorized, additional tents or camping units may be placed at a campsite(s) and additional fees will be imposed.

(12) The number of vehicles occupying a campsite shall be limited to two (2). Vehicles in excess of this limit are to park in designated parking areas.

(13) The number of tents and overnight campers allowed at each designated or developed nonutility site shall be posted at each respective County park camping facility.

(14) Persons who hike or travel by bicycles or motorbikes and who utilize nonutility sites for camping shall be limited to two (2) tents per designated nonutility site.

(15) Day use parking is available in designated areas only. Day use parking in campsites is prohibited.

(16) It shall be unlawful to withhold payment of fees due to the Department for the use of County parks.

(17) Use of utility site(s) by tent campers shall be subject to payment of the utility site fee. (Ord. 17255 Exh. A (part), 1998)

9.41.050 Hours of operations and closures in County parks.

County parks are open dawn to dusk unless open for scheduled or reserved recreational activities or closed for renovation, repair, activity preparation or hazardous or seasonal conditions. “Dawn” shall be defined as at sunrise. “Dusk” shall be defined as thirty (30) minutes after sunset. No person shall enter or be present in a County park during hours the park is closed except persons who have paid the applicable user fees to camp in designated campsites, persons mooring boats overnight at designated sites or persons using park facilities as part of an event authorized by the Department. (Ord. 17255 Exh. A (part), 1998)

9.41.060 Regulations of noise and nuisance in County parks.

(1) No person shall conduct themselves in a disorderly manner so that park users are disturbed in their campsites in campgrounds or County parks employees in their sleeping quarters during hours established by the Department.

(2) No person shall, at any time, use sound-emitting electronic equipment including electrical speakers, radio, phonographs, television, or other such equipment, at a volume which is audible beyond the immediate individual camp or picnic site unless authorized by a County parks employee.

(3) Engine-driven electric generators may be operated only during hours established and posted by the Department.

(4) No person shall permit their dog or other domestic animal to make noise which annoys or disturbs other persons in the County parks. (Ord. 17255 Exh. A (part), 1998)

9.41.070 Littering and illegal dumping of garbage and debris in County parks.

(1) No person shall leave, deposit, drop or scatter any bottles, broken glass, cigarette and cigar butts, paper, cans or other rubbish, litter or refuse in any County park except in a garbage can or other receptacle designed for such purposes. Depositing trash in fire pits or chemical toilets is prohibited.

(2) No person shall deposit in any County park garbage can or other receptacle, any household or commercial garbage, refuse, waste, or rubbish which is brought from any private property.

(3) All provisions of SCC 12.28.090 shall apply in County parks.

(4) No person shall clean or wash any automobile or other vehicle except in areas specifically designated for that use except for County parks employees cleaning Department vehicles and equipment.

(5) No person shall pollute, or in any way contaminate by dumping or otherwise depositing 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 County park. (Ord. 17255 Exh. A (part), 1998)

9.41.080 Glass beverage containers in County parks.

The use of glass beverage containers in any County park is prohibited. (Ord. 17255 Exh. A (part), 1998)

9.41.090 Alcohol and illegal substances in County parks.

(1) The possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages in any County park is prohibited unless the consumption of alcohol in these areas is approved in advance by the Department, or is in designated campsites by registered campers.

(2) Persons in a state of intoxication from alcohol or under the influence of drugs or illegal substances are prohibited in any County park. (Ord. O20110006 Exh. 1 (part): Ord. 17255 Exh. A (part), 1998)

9.41.100 Fires, fireworks and smoking in County parks.

(1) Fires in County parks shall be confined to camp stoves, fireplaces, or fire pits provided for such use. When fire hazard conditions exist, fires may be restricted or prohibited by the Department.

(2) No person shall possess, discharge, set off, or cause to be discharged, in or into any County park, any firecracker, torpedo, rocket, firework, explosive, or substance harmful to the life or safety of persons, animals or property, unless so authorized by the Department.

(3) Smoking is prohibited in all County-owned leased and/or maintained facilities including restrooms, shower facilities, club houses, and meeting rooms or where posted. (Ord. 17255 Exh. A (part), 1998)

9.41.110 Motor vehicles and equipment in County parks.

(1) It shall be unlawful to move or operate any motor vehicle in any County park except on roads, streets, highways, parking lots, parking areas, or where otherwise permitted by designation and posting, unless authorized by the Department.

(2) No person shall drive a motor vehicle within any park at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent or in excess of the posted speed limit. At no time shall a person drive a motor vehicle in excess of fifteen (15) miles per hour.

(3) Parking.

(a) No person shall park a motor vehicle, trailer, camper, or boat trailer in any County park except in a designated parking area or other area without the permission of a County parks employee. During the period in which the park is closed, no person shall leave parked or abandoned a motor vehicle, trailer, camper, or boat trailer in any County park except when camping in a designated area or with the permission of a County parks employee.

(b) It shall be unlawful for the operator of a motor vehicle to obstruct traffic with their vehicle upon any roadway or in any parking area.

(d) Any vehicle found parked or abandoned in violation of this Section may be towed at the owner’s expense pursuant to Chapter 10.20 SCC.

(4) No ultra-lights, hang gliders, para-sails or parachutes shall be operated in, upon, or within two hundred (200) feet above any County park under the management of the Department unless a specified area for such use is designated by the Board. (Ord. 17255 Exh. A (part), 1998)

9.41.120 Nonmotorized vehicles in County parks.

(1) Operation of nonmotorized cycles or similar devices, including electrically assisted pedaled bicycles (“e-bikes”), shall be permitted upon roads and trails in County parks, except:

(a) Upon designated special use trails such as interpretive or exercise trails;

(b) Upon docks, piers, floats and connecting ramps;

(2) Persons operating nonmotorized vehicles in County parks shall:

(a) Only operate them during park hours;

(b) Restrict speed and manner of operation to reasonable and prudent practices relative to terrain, prevailing conditions, equipment, personal capabilities, personal safety and the safety of all park visitors;

(d) Dismount and walk in congested areas and posted walk zones;

(e) Slow down, make presence known well in advance, and use courtesy and caution when approaching or overtaking other persons or animals;

(f) Use caution when approaching turns or areas of limited sight distance;

(g) Not disturb or harass wildlife;

(h) Operate bicycles and e-bikes as closely to the right-hand curb or right-hand side of the path, trail, or roadway as conditions will permit, and not more than two bicycles and/or e-bikes shall be operated abreast;

(i) Not travel on a trail in such a manner as to endanger or be likely to endanger persons, property or animals.

(j) All bicycles and all electrically assisted pedaled bicycles (“e-bikes”) shall not exceed a speed limit of 15 miles per hour (15 MPH).

(3) This Section shall not apply to wheelchairs. (Ord. O20220013 (Exh. 1); Ord. 17255 Exh. A (part), 1998)

9.41.130 County parks trail policies.

(1) Regional trails, local trail corridors, and paved pathways are open to all nonmotorized users unless otherwise designated and posted. Pedestrians, bicyclists, electrically assisted pedaled bicycles (“e-bikes”), and equestrians are permitted on all maintained soft or hard surface trails unless otherwise posted and designated. Trail use designations will be based on the master plan, resource conservation, trail user conflicts, maintenance issues, and safety hazards.

(2) Persons traveling on a trail shall obey the instructions of any official signage. For the purposes of this Section, “travel” shall be construed to include all forms of nonmotorized movement or transportation on a trail by foot, bicycle, electrically assisted pedaled bicycles (“e-bikes”), horse, skateboard, roller blades and roller skates.

(3) It shall be unlawful to move or operate a motor vehicle on or over any County trail or designated trail system, unless authorized by the Department.

(4) All bicycles and all electrically assisted pedaled bicycles (“e-bikes”) shall not exceed a speed limit of 15 miles per hour (15 MPH). (Ord. O20220013 (Exh. 1); Ord. 17255 Exh. A (part), 1998)

9.41.140 Equestrian and large animal regulations in County parks.

(1) No horses, pack animals or large animals shall be permitted in any County park except in such areas or trails that have been designated by the Department.

(2) No person shall ride a horse or other large animal in a manner which might endanger any person or animal, and no person shall allow a horse or other large animal to stand unattended or insecurely tied.

(3) All park patrons, whether traveling by foot, nonmotorized or motorized vehicle, shall yield to large animals carrying persons or packs in County parks. (Ord. 17255 Exh. A (part), 1998)

9.41.150 Pets and animals in County parks.

(1) All dogs or other pets must be physically controlled by a leash no greater than eight (8) feet in length while in a County park, except in areas designated and posted by the Department as “off leash pet areas.”

(2) Any person whose dog or other pet is in any County park shall be strictly liable for the conduct of the animal.

(3) Owners of all animals are responsible for removing feces deposited by their animals from County parks.

(4) Dogs, pets or domestic animals are not permitted on any designated swimming beach, or play area in any County park unless specifically permitted by posting. This Section shall not apply to guide animals. (Ord. 17255 Exh. A (part), 1998)

9.41.160 Disturbance of wild fish and animals in County parks.

(1) It is unlawful to harass, annoy, disturb, catch, injure or kill any animal, bird or fowl, or to feed any fowl in any park, except specifically for hunting on the Padilla Bay Shore Trail while in possession of a valid Washington State Hunting Permit, and only during a designated State waterfowl hunting season.

(2) It is unlawful to disturb, deface, remove or destroy animal nesting areas including beaver dams, nests, dens or other habitat areas.

(3) With the exception of authorized and legal fishing and shellfishing, it is unlawful to attempt to capture, tease, annoy, disturb or strike any animal with any stick, weapon or other device or to throw or otherwise propel any object at or in the vicinity of any such animal. (Ord. 17255 Exh. A (part), 1998)

9.41.170 Solicitation in County parks.

(1) 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 County park except by concession contract or by permission by the Department.

(2) Skagit County reserves all concession rights in County-owned parks. Nonprofit groups and organizations may sell or arrange for a concessionaire to sell to members of their group or organization or to spectators using a park facility. Arrangements for permits and fees must be made with the Department and authorized in writing prior to the event(s).

(3) The use of park facilities for financial gain shall be allowed only through concession contracts secured through the County’s competitive bid process, negotiated concession contracts or special permit issued by the Department. (Ord. 17255 Exh. A (part), 1998)

9.41.180 Damage or disturbance to County park property.

It is unlawful for any person, except a duly authorized County parks employee in the performance of his or her duties, or other person duly authorized pursuant to law, to knowingly remove, alter, destroy, mutilate or damage any structure, lawn, sign, monument, statue, vase, fountain, wall, fence railing, vehicle, bench, shrub, tree, geological formation, plant, flower lighting system, sprinkler system, gate, barricade or lock or other property lawfully in any park. No person shall knowingly cut down, destroy, or in any way injure any vegetation, living or dead, in any Skagit County park area unless authorized to do so by the Department. No person shall deface, damage, or destroy any property, material or equipment, which is under the jurisdiction of the Division. (Ord. 17255 Exh. A (part), 1998)

9.41.190 Weapons and hunting in County parks.

(1) There shall be no hunting in any County park except Padilla Bay Shore Trail.

(2) No person, except duly authorized law enforcement personnel, shall possess or discharge any bow and arrow, crossbow, air or gas weapon, or any similar device, other than a lawfully possessed firearm, capable of injuring or killing any person or animal or damaging or destroying any public or private property in any County park.

(3) Except when engaged in lawful hunting activities in Padilla Bay Shore Trail, a person may not discharge a firearm in any County park. (Ord. O20110006 Exh. 1 (part): Ord. 17255 Exh. A (part), 1998)

9.41.200 Aircraft, model aircraft and rockets in County parks.

(1) No aircraft shall land or take off from any body of water or land area in a County park not specifically designated for such use with the exception of bona fide emergency landings. Following such an emergency landing, the aircraft may be allowed to take off from the park if it is deemed safe and permission is granted by the Director.

(2) Model Aircraft and Rockets.

(a) No one shall fly rockets or model aircraft in any County park except in areas specifically designated and/or posted for that purpose;

(b) All engines over 0.15 CI used in model aircraft being flown in a designated County park shall be muffled;

(c) All persons flying model aircraft in a designated County park shall abide by the official Academy of Model Aeronautics code;

(d) No one shall shoot or fly model rockets in a County park without permission from the Department. (Ord. 17255 Exh. A (part), 1998)

9.41.210 Water safety.

(1) No person shall operate a boat, float, personal watercraft, raft or other water craft, whether or not powered by motor, in or upon any bay, lake, slough, river or creek within the boundaries of a County park which has been posted to prohibit such operation.

(2) No water skiing or operation of boats or personal watercraft shall occur within one hundred fifty (150) feet of designated swimming areas, or boat launching areas, except at idle or no-wake speed. (Ord. 17255 Exh. A (part), 1998)

9.41.220 Swimming regulations in County parks.

(1) All persons swimming at County parks shall do so at their own risk.

(2) Swimming shall be permitted only in areas specifically designated by the Department and marked with buoys, log booms, or other markers for such use.

(3) Children under six (6) years of age must be accompanied by an adult when they are in or near any designated swimming area.

(4) Clothes or swimsuits must be worn at all times in designated swimming areas.

(5) Persons using a designated swimming area shall obey all posted beach or pool rules and/or the directions of lifeguards or other County park employees.

(6) No person shall swim in any designated boat launching areas. (Ord. 17255 Exh. A (part), 1998)

9.41.230 Use of boat launch facilities in County parks.

(1) Fees for a permit to launch or recover a watercraft and/or to park in a County boat launch facility are set by resolution and are posted at designated boat launch facilities. Such fees are due and payable daily. A daily launch permit fee covers the purchaser’s use at all County launch facilities for launching and/or recovery of a watercraft on the day issued.

(2) It is unlawful for any person to:

(a) Launch or recover a boat in any County park except in areas specifically designated and/or marked for that purpose; provided, that this provision does not apply to an emergency situation;

(b) Operate a boat within one hundred fifty (150) feet of any County park designated swimming area, beach, or dock facility except at its idle or no-wake speed;

(c) Launch or recover a boat at any County park boat launch facility unless daily fees have been paid or an annual or multi-day pass has been obtained that covers the day of use;

(d) Park a vehicle at a County park boat launch facility unless daily fees have been paid or an annual or multi-day pass has been obtained that covers the day of use;

(e) Swim in any designated boat launching area;

(f) Launch or retrieve boats in a manner that obstructs the boat launch ramp area;

(g) Fish from docks and piers at a boat launch facility;

(h) Moor a boat alongside a dock or in a manner that obstructs the use of a County park boat launch facility;

(i) Moor a boat alongside a dock, pier, or other boat launch facility for longer than thirty (30) minutes; or

(j) Launch or recover commercial marine vessels unless written permission or a permit has been first obtained from the Department. For purpose of this subsection, a “commercial marine vessel” includes commercial fishing vessels; tour boats; commuter ferries; guide boats; concession watercraft such as kayaks, paddleboats, or canoes; and commercially operated white water rafts. (Ord. O20110006 Exh. 1 (part): Ord. 17255 Exh. A (part), 1998)

9.41.240 Signs within County parks.

(1) It is unlawful to use, place or erect any signboard, sign or device of any kind for advertising in any park, or to attach any notice, poster or sign to park property or structure in any park without the written consent of the Department. Exceptions:

(a) Temporary directional signs or decorations on occasions of public celebration and picnics.

(b) Skagit County may enter into agreements for the installation of signs which depict the layout of trails or park facilities. Said signs may contain advertising. (Ord. 17255 Exh. A (part), 1998)

9.41.260 Severability.

If any provision of this Chapter is in conflict with the laws of the State of Washington or the United States, that provision shall be considered invalid and the balance of the Chapter shall remain in effect. (Ord. 17255 Exh. A (part), 1998)

9.41.270 Special exceptions.

(1) This Chapter shall apply to all property under the control or administration of the Department in Skagit County except the following, which are exempt from this Chapter:

(a) The Skagit County Fairgrounds (1410A Virginia Street, Mount Vernon WA 98273).

(i) PARCEL “B”: That portion of the Northwest 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 30, Township 34 North, Range 4 East W.M., described as follows: Beginning at the Southeast corner of Block 22, “PLAT OF THE SOUTHERN ADDITION TO MOUNT VERNON”, as per plat recorded in Volume 2 of Plats, page 110, records of Skagit County, Washington; thence East along the South line of the “PLAT OF THE SOUTHERN ADDITION TO MOUNT VERNON”, and said South line produced, a distance of 160 feet; thence South to the South line of the said Northwest 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of said Section 30; thence West along the South line of said Northwest 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4, a distance of 160 feet; thence North to the place of beginning; EXCEPT the West 60 feet thereof as conveyed to the City of Mount Vernon, a municipal corporation, by deed recorded under Auditor’s File No. 811230001, records of Skagit County, Washington.

(ii) PARCEL “C”: That portion of the Southwest 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 30, Township 34 North, Range 4 East W.M., lying North of a line that is parallel to and 544.5 feet South of the North line of said subdivision, and lying East of the East line of Walter Street in the City of Mount Vernon, as said street was conveyed by deeds recorded December 12, 1957, under Auditor’s File Nos. 559564 and 559565, records of Skagit County, Washington.

(iii) PARCEL “D”: Tract “B” of Short Plat No. MV-10-79, approved October 4, 1979, and recorded October 5, 1979, under Auditor’s File No. 7910050028, in Volume 3 of Short Plats, page 141, records of Skagit County, Washington; being a portion of the Southwest 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 30, Township 34 North, Range 4 East W.M.

(iv) PARCEL “E”: That portion of the Southwest 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 30, Township 34 North, Range 4 East W.M., described as follows: Beginning at a point on the East line of said Southwest 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4, which is 544.5 feet South of the Northeast corner thereof; thence South along said East line, 384 feet, more or less, to the South line of Taylor Street, produced West from “COLVIN’S RE-PLAT BLOCKS 3 & 4, McLEAN’S THIRD STREET ADDITION, MOUNT VERNON, WASH.” as per plat recorded in Volume 6 of Plats, page 40, records of Skagit County, Washington, thence West along the South line of said Taylor Street, produced West, 246 feet; thence north parallel with the East line of said Southwest 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 to a point West of the point of beginning, said point being 544.5 feet South of the North line of said Southwest 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4; thence East 246 feet, more or less, to the point of beginning.

(v) PARCEL “I”: That portion of the Southeast 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 30, Township 34 North, Range 4 East W.M., described as follows: Beginning at the Northwest corner of said subdivision; thence East along the North line of said subdivision, a distance of 198.6 feet, more or less, to a point that is 216 feet West of the West line of Cleveland Street; thence South parallel to the West line of Cleveland Street, a distance of 140 feet; thence East on a line parallel to and 140 feet South of the North line of said subdivision to a point that is 160 feet West of the West line of Cleveland Street; thence South parallel to the West line of Cleveland Street, a distance of 239.5 feet, more or less, to the North line of “COLVIN’S RE-PLAT BLOCKS 3 & 4, McLEAN’S THIRD STREET ADDITION, MOUNT VERNON, WASH.”, as per plat recorded in Volume 6 of Plats, page 40, records of Skagit County, Washington; thence West along the North line of said Plat to the West line of the Southeast 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of said Section 30; thence North along the West line of the Southeast 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of said Section 30, a distance of 379.5 feet, more or less, to the point of beginning.

(vi) PARCEL “J”: The West 56 feet of Lots 6 to 10, inclusive, Block 3, and all of Block 4, and all of Tract “A”; all in “COLVIN’S RE-PLAT BLOCKS 3 & 4, McLEAN’S THIRD STREET ADDITION, MOUNT VERNON, WASH.” as per plat recorded in Volume 6 of Plats, page 40, records of Skagit County, Washington.

(vii) PARCEL “K”: The South 10 feet of Lot 6 and all of Lots 7, 8, 9 and 10, Block 20, and Lots 11 and 12, Block 21; all in “PLAT OF THE SOUTHERN ADDITION TO MOUNT VERNON”, as per plat recorded in Volume 2 of Plats, page 110, records of Skagit County, Washington.

(viii) PARCEL “L”: Lots 8, 9 and 10, Block 21, PLAT OF THE SOUTHERN ADDITION TO MOUNT VERNON”, as per plat recorded in Volume 2 of Plats, page 110, records of Skagit County, Washington.

(ix) PARCEL P63467: McLEAN’s Third Street to Mount Vernon, Lot 3, Block 3 and vacated road except East 160' of North 120.38' of Section 30 TWP34N Range 4 EW.

(b) The Parks and Recreation Administration Building (315 S Third Street, Mount Vernon WA 98273).

(i) MOEN BUILDING: Mount Vernon Lots 7 and 8, Block 11, Section 20, Township 34N Range 4 EW. (Ord. 17255 Exh. A (part), 1998)