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Levelland advances parks ordinance updates to align fishing rules with Texas Parks and Wildlife
Summary
On first reading, council approved ordinance changes to align park fishing rules with Texas Parks and Wildlife, allow fishing from non‑motorized boats, limit gear to two poles per person, and revise weapons and permitted activities language.
The Levelland City Council approved the first reading of Ordinance 10-80, which updates city park regulations to align local rules with the Texas Parks and Wildlife code for community fishing lakes and to modernize other park rules.
Parks staff member Dustin explained that the city’s park ordinances dated from the 1980s and 1990s and included language inconsistent with current state rules. The ordinance clarifies that Lobo and Brazier lakes are community fishing lakes and adopts the Texas Parks and Wildlife limits, including a pole-and-line only requirement and a limit of two poles per person. The changes also explicitly allow fishing from non-motorized boats such as kayaks and canoes; motorized boats are not allowed.
Section changes include an amendment to weapons restrictions in parks, a permitting regime for activities such as horseback riding or camping in parks, and a misdemeanor penalty provision with a fine up to $500 for violations. The ordinance will take effect immediately upon passage and may require publication as required by law.
Council members moved and seconded the ordinance on first reading and the motion carried. Staff and the city attorney said they reviewed the text to ensure alignment with state rules and to reduce public confusion over previous language that required catch-and-release and other outdated provisions.
