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Carlsbad council introduces citywide code-of-conduct ordinance for parks, libraries and public events
Summary
Council voted unanimously to introduce an ordinance that would add a citywide code of conduct (Carlsbad Municipal Code chapter 11.33) and clarify library trustee and administration language in chapter 2.16; staff said the manager would implement an administrative order and appeals process.
The Carlsbad City Council voted unanimously to introduce an ordinance amending the Carlsbad Municipal Code to create a citywide code of conduct for public facilities, services, programs and events and to clarify provisions related to the Board of Library Trustees.
City staff presented the measure as a tool to address “multiple incidents of disruptive behavior by visitors” that have affected public access and staff safety at parks, libraries and other facilities. Kyle Lancaster, Parks and Recreation Director, told the council the proposed chapter (11.33) would authorize administrative suspensions, define suspension durations and content, set an appeals procedure for suspensions longer than seven days and create an administrative-order process for the city manager to set rules for facility use.
The ordinance also clarifies language in chapter 2.16 regarding the Board of Library Trustees and delegates administration of chapter 11.33 to the city manager or a designee. Staff said that once the ordinance is adopted the city clerk will publish the ordinance or a summary within 15 days and the ordinance would become effective 30 days after adoption; the city manager would then issue the implementing administrative order.
Supporters on council said they expect the code to protect both employees and the public without wholesale removal of access. Councilmember Acosta said she appreciated the “research that went into this” and expressed support for protecting employees and facility users. Councilmember Patel echoed thanks to staff.
The motion to introduce the ordinance carried unanimously; staff said there is no physical analysis tied to introduction and that, without the ordinance, the city would have limited authority to enforce administrative suspensions and could face additional civil enforcement costs.
City staff — Parks and Recreation, Library and Cultural Arts, and the deputy city attorney’s office — will prepare the ordinance for adoption at a later meeting and the manager will issue the associated administrative order after adoption.
