Jeff Allen, Fire Chief gave the presentation. The purpose of this ordinance is to provide the legal basis for rules and regulations relating to the operation and equipment of boats which is necessary to support the interest, health, morals, comforts, s

Staff Report & Agenda Item Details

Jeff Allen, Fire Chief gave the presentation. The purpose of this ordinance is to provide the legal basis for rules and regulations relating to the operation and equipment of boats which is necessary to support the interest, health, morals, comforts, safety, convenience and welfare of the existing and future populations of the City of League City. Recent Issues – Law Enforcement, Health and Safety, Derelict vessels both in marinas and within the waterways of League City. Vessel Seaworthiness Standard – All vessels moored, docked, or anchored within any waterway in the City must remain in a seaworthy condition. A vessel is deemed seaworthy when it is structurally sound, safely operable, and compliant with safety and equipment standards established by the U.S. Coast Guard, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, or other applicable authority. Enforcement of Unseaworthy Vessel – If the City determines a vessel to be unseaworthy, written notice shall be issued to the responsible party specifying the basis for the finding and a deadline for corrective action not to exceed ten (10) calendar days. Failure to comply may result in enforcement action, including removal of the vessel or revocation of any applicable permit. General Waterway Use and Waterway Stakeholder Responsibilities: • All waterway stakeholders shall comply with this ordinance • Waterway stakeholders shall not permit any unseaworthy vessel to dock, moor, or remain in a boat slip or marina under their control • Shall verify that all live board vessels have a valid permit • Marina operators shall ensure that live-aboard occupancy does not exceed 15% of the total slips in the marina Live-Aboard Permit

This motion is scored as EXPANDS_GOVERNMENT (Impact Weight: 6.7/10). Under the Bastiat Liberty Watchdog Index, measures that increase tax rates or fee schedules, issue new debt or Certificates of Obligation, expand regulatory/zoning restrictions on private land use, or authorize unbudgeted spending expansions reduce an official's Freedom Score when voted YES (and reward dissenting NO votes).