12.20.020 Limitation of motorized uses on Lake Lucile and Wasilla Lake.
A. No-Wake Zone. There is established a no-wake zone extending from a shoreline, lakeward a distance of 100 feet. It is unlawful for a motorized use to operate within that zone so as to create a wake. The no-wake zone may be extended or reduced as required to protect unusually sensitive wildlife habitat or to provide access to erosion resistant shorelines or for other reasons as determined by the mayor or his or her designee. The no-wake zone may be presumptively identified by appropriately labeled floating buoys.
B. Hours of Operation. Motorized uses producing continuous or repetitive noise which would or could disturb the peaceful enjoyment of lake shore residents and users of public areas is prohibited between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Specifically, use of personal watercraft known as “jet skis” or “wave runners” and similar acrobatic or stunt equipment is prohibited between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. This restriction shall not be construed to prohibit the operation of aircraft, boats or other vehicles while transiting the lake in route to their destinations.
C. Noise Control. All motorized uses on the surface of lakes must be equipped with manufacturers standard noise reduction equipment including mufflers, cowlings and exhaust systems. Special purpose or home-built equipment shall be similarly equipped to minimize noise generation. Open exhaust systems are prohibited. Aircraft operators shall minimize their take-off noise by utilizing the most central portions of lakes, away from residences, business and public areas.
D. Safety. Watercraft using lakes shall obey the inland rules of the road and small craft regulations as promulgated by the U.S. Coast Guard, including use of personal floatation devices. Lights are required on watercraft and vehicles during night operation.
E. Buoys and Signs. It is unlawful to strike, destroy, move, deface or otherwise tamper with floats, buoys, signs or other notices placed by or with the approval of city, borough, state or federal agencies.
F. Special Events Permits.
1. Special events permits may be issued by the mayor subject to the following criteria:
a. Event activities are limited to eight hours in any one day, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
b. Event activities may occur on a maximum of three consecutive days.
c. Event activities must be located so as to avoid hazard to or damage of sensitive wildlife habitat, erosion-prone shorelines, public swimming areas and residential areas.
2. The special event permittee shall demonstrate that adequate and appropriate safety measures are taken to protect participants, spectators and bystanders including marking of activity area, safety patrols and public notice. A city special event permit does not release the event organizers or participants from rules or regulations of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, state of Alaska or the U.S. Government, especially the U.S. Coast Guard. (Ord. 03-57 § 2, 2003; prior code § 13.02.020)