HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 694ORDINANCE NO. 694
BEING AN ORDINANCE REGULATING THE USE AND OPERATION OF
SNOWMOBILES IN THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS.
THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS DOES ORDAIN:
Section 1.
The provisions of M.S.A., Section 84.81 through 84.872
are hereby specifically adopted by the City of
Columbia Heights by reference thereto.
Section 2.
As used in this ordinance, the term "snowmobile"
means a self-propelled vehicle designed for travel
on snow or ice, or a natural terrain steered by wheels,
skis or runners.
Section 3.
Snowmobiles may not be operated upon publicly owned
properties in the City of Columbia Heights unless
specifica'lly posted "Snowmobiles Allowed".
Section 4.
Snowmobiles may be operated on privately owned
properties by the owner of said property provided all
requirements by the City Nuisance Ordinances regarding
noise are met. No person shall operate a snowmobile
on any privately owned property unless he has received
the express permission of the owner of said property.
Section 5.
No person shall operate a snowmobile upon the roadway,
shoulder or inside bank slope of any street or highway
within the City of Columbia Heights, and in the case of
a divided highway, on the right of way between the
opposing lanes of traffic; except that a person may
operate a snowmobile upon those roads authorized under
M.S. § 84.87 provided such operation complies with the
manner of operation prescribed by M.S. § 84.87.
Section 6.
No snowmobile shall be operated within the City of
Columbia Heights unless it is registered in accordance
with M.S. 84.81 through 84.872.
Section 7.
No snowmobile shall be operated upon lakes within the
City of Columbia Heights after 10:00 p.m. and before
8:00 a.m. on the following day.
Section 8.
No vehicle shall be left on public property while
unattended unless the motor of such vehicle shall be
off and the ignition locked in a manner which will
prevent an unauthorized person from starting said
vehicle. This provision shall apply when the vehicle
is located in a public parking area. The vehicle
shall not be left unattended on other public property.
Section 9.
Section 10.
Section II.
Section 12.
No snowmobile shall be operated on a lake within the
City of Columbia Heights in any manner which would
bring it within ~00 feet of any fisherman, pedestrian,
skating rink, or sliding area or in any other area
where the operation would conflict with use or endanger'
other persons or property. In those areas where the
City of Columbia Heights ha s posted p~rtions of the
lake restricting the use of snowmobiles therein, it
shall, be unlawful to operate snowmobiles contrary
to the regulations so posted.
It shat1 be a sufficient defense to a prosecution for
violation of this ordinance that the defendant has
written unrevoked permission from the owner or lawful
occupant of the land or of the public board, body, or
commission which is auth~ized by law to hold and
exercise dominion over such land.
Notwithstanding the prohibitions of this ordinance the
City of Columbia Heights shall have authority to
authorize its officials er employees to supervise
and regulate events and programs under which exceptions
to this ordinance may be made to include use on otherwise
prohibited areas and use without certain otherwise
required equipment for snowmobile racing, derbys
and other competitive events; providing that no such
exception shat1 be made in the event~it conflicts
with the provisions of M.S. 84.82 through M.S. 84.872.
It shall be unlawful for any person to drive or
operate any snowmobile in the following unsafe or
harassing ways:
Subdivision l.At a rate of speed greater than reasonable
or proper under all the surrounding circumstances.
Subdivision 2. In a careless, reckless or negligent
manner so as to endanger the person or property of
another or to cause 'injury or damage thereto.
Subdivision 3. While under the influence of alcoholic
beverage or narcotics or habit forming drugs.
Subdivision 4. Without a lighted head and tail light
when required for safety.
Subdivision 5. In any tree nursery or planting in a
manner which damages or destroys growi, ng stock.
Section 13.
Any person violating: any of the provisions of this
Ordinance shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor
and punished by a fine of not more than Three Hundred
Dollars [$300.00) and by imprisonment for not more
than ninety (90) days for each offense.
Section 14.
Should any section, subdivision, clause, or other
provision of this ordinance be declared by a Court
of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such decision
shall not effect the validity of the Ordinance as a
whole nor any part thereof other than the part so
declared to be invalid.
Section 15.
This ordinance shall take effect and be in force from
and after thirty (30) days after its passage.
First reading: February 24, 1969
Second reading: November 10, 1969
Offered by: Land
Seconded by: Jeska
Roll Call: All Ayes