Chapter 12.20
CITY LAKES AND WATERWAYS

Sections:

12.20.010    Definitions.

12.20.020    Limitation of motorized uses on Lake Lucille and Wasilla Lake.

12.20.030    Prohibition of motorized uses.

12.20.040    Remedies and penalties.

12.20.010 Definitions.

When used in this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings set forth in this section:

“Motorized use” means the operation of any equipment, watercraft or vehicle powered or propelled by a force other than human muscular power, gravity or wind including, without limitation, automobiles, aircraft, boats, personal watercraft, hydroplanes, all terrain vehicles, three-wheelers, motorcycles, snow machines and stationary equipment such as generators and pumps.

“Special event permit” means a permit approved by the mayor for a special purpose and limited to a specific time to conduct an event that otherwise would involve activities in violation of one or more provisions of this chapter.

“Wake” means the track in the water left after the passage of a boat or other vehicle as defined by waves. (Ord. 08-29 § 14, 2008; prior code § 13.02.010)

12.20.020 Limitation of motorized uses on Lake Lucille and Wasilla Lake.

A.    No-Wake Zone. There is established a no-wake zone extending from a shoreline, lakeward a distance of one hundred (100) feet. It is unlawful for a motorized use to operate within that zone so as to create a wake. The no-wake zone may be extended or reduced as required to protect unusually sensitive wildlife habitat or to provide access to erosion resistant shorelines or for other reasons as determined by the mayor or his or her designee. The no-wake zone may be presumptively identified by appropriately labeled floating buoys.

B.    Hours of Operation. Motorized uses producing continuous or repetitive noise which would or could disturb the peaceful enjoyment of lake shore residents and users of public areas is prohibited between the hours of ten p.m. and eight a.m. Specifically, use of personal watercraft known as “jet skis” or “wave runners” and similar acrobatic or stunt equipment is prohibited between the hours of ten p.m. and eight a.m. This restriction shall not be construed to prohibit the operation of aircraft, boats or other vehicles while transiting the lake in route to their destinations.

C.    Noise Control. All motorized uses on the surface of lakes must be equipped with manufacturers standard noise reduction equipment including mufflers, cowlings and exhaust systems. Special purpose or home-built equipment shall be similarly equipped to minimize noise generation. Open exhaust systems are prohibited. Aircraft operators shall minimize their take-off noise by utilizing the most central portions of lakes, away from residences, business and public areas.

D.    Safety. Watercraft using lakes shall obey the inland rules of the road and small craft regulations as promulgated by the U. S. Coast Guard, including use of personal floatation devices. Lights are required on watercraft and vehicles during night operation.

E.    Buoys and Signs. It is unlawful to strike, destroy, move, deface or otherwise tamper with floats, buoys, signs or other notices placed by or with the approval of city, borough, state or federal agencies.

F.    Special Events Permits.

1.    Special events permits may be issued by the mayor subject to the following criteria:

a.    Event activities are limited to eight hours in any one day, between the hours of eight a.m. and eleven p.m.

b.    Event activities may occur on a maximum of three consecutive days.

c.    Event activities must be located so as to avoid hazard to or damage of sensitive wildlife habitat, erosion-prone shorelines, public swimming areas and residential areas.

2.    The special event permittee shall demonstrate that adequate and appropriate safety measures are taken to protect participants, spectators and bystanders including marking of activity area, safety patrols and public notice. A city special event permit does not release the event organizers or participants from rules or regulations of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, state of Alaska or the U. S. Government, especially the U. S. Coast Guard. (Ord. 03-57 § 2, 2003; prior code § 13.02.020)

12.20.030 Prohibition of motorized uses.

A.    Motorized uses are prohibited on Cottonwood Creek.

B.    All vehicles other than watercraft are prohibited from accessing Lake Lucille from the E. Susitna Avenue right-of-way between May 1st and November 1st of each year. This includes snowmobiles and other land like vehicles. (Ord. 03-57 § 3: prior code § 13.02.030)

12.20.040 Remedies and penalties.

Remedies and penalties for violations of this chapter are as provided in Chapter 1.20. (Ord. 01-47 § 14, 2001: prior code § 13.02.040)