HomeMy WebLinkAboutORD 2007-44 - Dog Parkr•, ! 1 ♦ •J
AN ORDINANCE / OF • OF OF
GEORGETOWN, TEXAS, AMENDING CHAPTER 12.20 OF THE
CODE OF ORDINANCES ENTITLED "PARKS AND
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES" BY ADDING SECTION 12.20.100
"OFF -LEASH DOG RECREATION AREAS" TO ESTABLISH A
DOG PARK AND AREA RULES FOR THE CITY OF
GEORGETOWN.
WHEREAS, in response to citizen interest, the City of Georgetown has
recognized the need to set aside parcels of park land for the primary use of allowing
residents to exercise their dog; and
WHEREAS, dog exercise areas are as much a community service as a swimming
pool, skate park, tennis courts and soccer fields; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Georgetown, Texas deems it
necessary and proper and in the best interest of the citizens of Georgetown to amend its
parks and recreation ordinance to add an off -leash dog recreation area.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF GEORGETOWN, TEXAS, 'THAT;
SECTION 1. The facts and recitations contained in the preamble of this
ordinance are found to be true and correct, and are incorporated by reference herein and
expressly made a part hereof, as if copied verbatim. The City Council hereby finds that
this ordinance implements Century Plan Policy End number 9.00, which states, "Parks,
open space, recreation facilities and services, and social and cultural activities contribute
to an enhanced quality of life for the citizens of Georgetown," and further finds that the
adoption of this ordinance is not inconsistent or in conflict with any other Century Plan
Policies, as required by Section 2.03 of the Administrative Chapter of the Policy Plan,
SECTION 2. The City Council of the City of Georgetown hereby amends
Chapter 12.20 "Parks and Recreational Facilities" of the Code of Ordinances by adding
Section 12.20.100 to read as follows:
(a) Off -Leash dog recreation areas shall be established by the City Council in
consultation with the City's Parks and Recreation Board, and due
consideration shall be given to operational and animal regulation and care
issues, including but not limited to:
(1) security measures to assure that the unleashed dogs remain contained
within the dog recreation area;
(2) control of noise and other potential nuisances that might affect nearby
land uses;
(3) parasite control;
(4) feces control within the dog recreation area and feces runoff from the
dog recreation area, and
(5) provisions for the exclusion of dogs that do not participate in
compliance with the applicable regulations or that demonstrate
aggressive behavior towards other dogs or persons.
(b) The following rules will apply to any off -leash dog recreation area and be
posted:
(1) Dog park hours are daylight hours (Sunrise to Sunset)
(2) All dogs must be leashed when entering and leaving the park.
(3) All dogs must have current rabies and all other vaccinations as
required by the City of Georgetown and should be healthy and free of
contagious diseases and parasites.
(4) Dogs must wear current license tags in the dog park.
(5) Dog owners/handlers must carry a copy of their dog's rabies
vaccination certificate while in the dog park.
(6) Choke chains, prong, spiked, or shock collars are not permitted.
(7) The small dog enclosure is for dogs under 30 pounds.
(8) Never leave dogs unattended.
(9) Dogs must be in view of and within voice control of their
owner/lhandler at all times.
(10) Dog owners/handlers must carry a leash with them at all times while
in the dog park.
(11) Dog owners/handlers are responsible for picking up and disposing of
all their dogs waste.
(12) Dogs in heat are prohibited.
(13) Dogs showing any signs of aggression must be leashed and
immediately removed from the park.
(14) Dogs under 4 month of age are prohibited.
(15) All dogs must be under the control of an adult and there is a limit of 2
dogs per adult in the dog park at any time.
(16) No food or drink (dog or human) allowed in the park.
(17) No glass or metal containers allowed in the dog park.
Ordinance No.
Dog Park
Page 2 of 4
(18) No bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades, or any motorized vehicles.
(19) Children under 12 years of age must be under strict adult supervision.
Running and chasing dogs is prohibited.
(20) No smoking in the dog park.
(2 1) Owner waives liability to the city for any injury or damage caused
(by dogs or human) while accessing or using the city parks.
(22) Park is subject to closure upon determination by the City that there is
a reason deemed to be in the public's interest or safety.
USE OF THIS DOG PARK IS AT YOUR OWN RISK!
DOG OWNERS/HANDLERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR
THE ACTIONS AND BEHAVIOR OF THEIR DOGS AT ALL TIMES
SECTION 3. This ordinance shall be and is hereby declared to be cumulative of all
other ordinances of the City of Georgetown, and this ordinance shall not operate to repeal or
affect any of such other ordinances, except insofar as the provisions thereof might be
inconsistent or in conflict with the provisions of this ordinance, in which event such
conflicting provisions, if any in such other ordinance or ordinances are hereby superseded.
SECTION 4. If any provision of this ordinance or application thereof to any person
or circumstance, shall be held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the other provisions, or
application thereof, of this ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provision
or application, and to this end the provisions of this ordinance are hereby declared to be
severable.
SECTION 5. The Mayor is hereby authorized to sign this ordinance and the City
Secretary to attest. This ordinance shall become effective and be in full force and effect
ten (10) days on and after publication in accordance with the provisions of the Charter of
the City of Georgetown.
PASSED and APPROVED on First Reading on the 24th day of July, 2007
PASSED and ADOPTED on Second Reading on the 14th day of August, 2007
CITY OF GEORGETOWN, TEXAS
elon, Mayor
ATTEST:
Sandra D. Lee, City Secretary
Patricia E. Carls City Attorney