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Sheriff’s office introduces comprehensive boating ordinance update; board sets second reading
Summary
The board accepted introduction of an updated boating ordinance intended to modernize lake rules — including universal kill switches, personal watercraft setbacks, new mooring limits and updated fines — and set a second reading for July 8 following a 4-0 action to waive first reading.
The Madera County Board of Supervisors on July 1 accepted introduction of a comprehensive update to the county’s boating ordinance and voted to waive the first reading and set a second reading for July 8.
A representative of the sheriff’s office described the first comprehensive update to Chapter 9.28 in more than two decades, saying the changes are intended to improve safety, environmental protection and enforceability on county lakes. Key changes highlighted by the presenter include a requirement for a universal kill switch on powered boats; a 100-foot setback requirement for personal watercraft (PWCs); seasonal low-speed zone rules for paddleboarders (restricted June through Labor Day, open the rest of the year); a 14-day mooring limit with a 100-foot setback from docks and inspections every 14 days; and revised pollution fines (staff cited $1,000 for a first offense and $5,000 for repeat violations) and cost-recovery for cleanup.
The presenter also said permit sales for launch permits will transition from county clerical sales to local businesses (e.g., Miller’s Landing, Forks Resorts, Bassett Water Sports) to streamline issuance and support enforcement, and that special-event permits will be extended to four-year recurring permits for annual events.
County counsel pointed out a typographical error in the draft ordinance (a missing symbol indicating feet in one subsection) and requested that staff correct the symbol before final adoption. The sheriff’s office representative said the change was identified and can be corrected.
After brief board discussion about outreach and notification, supervisors voted 4-0 to waive the first reading and set the second reading for July 8. Board members said staff will use traditional channels and the permit process to notify the public about substantive changes.
