Fish Camp council asks Mariposa County to amend code to curb unsafe parking at snowplay areas

The Fish Camp community council voted to ask Mariposa County to consider amending county code to restrict parking and other activities linked to safety and property damage around local snowplay areas.

Residents opened the discussion by describing repeated incidents of people entering private property, ignoring private‑property signage and entering habitat restoration areas, “damaging private property, entering habitat restoration areas, illegal parking, creating traffic and safety hazards,” one speaker said. Council members proposed uniform seasonal dates and additional listed roads to make enforcement clearer.

The motion the council sent to the county (moved by an unnamed council member and seconded on the record) asked the county to: amend the code entry commonly referred to as code 24 to change the seasonal end date to May 1, extend the boundary of the community restriction to Pine Street, and add specific streets for coverage — White Chief Mountain Road (entire length), Vine Street, Fairview Street, Cedar and Fir. The council clarified it was requesting the county consider the change, not imposing it: “we as the council are asking the county to amend the code,” a council member said.

Members also discussed practical enforcement and signage. One resident asked whether the sheriff would start issuing tickets under the proposed additions; councilors said they are discussing enforcement with the sheriff’s office. Caltrans and residents noted there are restrictions on how many signs can be posted along State Highway 41 and where signs may be effective; the council agreed to consult Rosemarie and county staff on the exact language and mapping before forwarding the request to the county.

The voice vote was called after brief discussion. The chair asked, “All in favor?” and members responded “Aye.” The chair then declared the motion carries. Councilors said they would follow up with county staff and the sheriff on enforcement and with Caltrans about signage placement.

Next steps: the council will forward the formal request to county staff for consideration, coordinate with the sheriff on enforcement options and check with Caltrans for sign placement constraints. The council also suggested local businesses may post private informational signs to direct visitors to the designated snowplay area.

Ending: the council closed this agenda item after recording the motion and vote and noting staff follow‑up.