Change Proposed in Waterway Ordinance
The Oxnard City Council is considering changes to its Inland Waterway ordinance that will empower code enforcement efforts in Mandalay Bay’s live-aboard boating community.
Many sections of the existing law date to the 1960s and are woefully outdated, said Senior Code Enforcement Officer Joe Avelar.
“The new ordinance gives us much better enforcement ability. Those sections were written years ago, and they were badly written,” Avelar said.
He said the new ordinance specifies in clearer language what property owners may do with their docks and boats in the channels. The intent is to balance what property owners can do in their easements with the public right of way in the channels.
The proposed changes, to be debated by the City Council tonight, are the result of a yearlong series of discussions between the Fire Department, code enforcement officials and representatives of the Channel Islands Waterfront Homeowners Assn.
The ordinance would now allow the city manager to designate people to enforce the Inland Waterway code, and would also eliminate commercial permits in the 738-parcel bay.
The council meets at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 305 W. 3rd St.
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