§ 39-8. Wake action on designated waterways restricted.

(a)

No person shall operate a vessel, in a "No Wake" zone on any designated waterway within the parish, at a speed in excess of that which creates a wake greater than fifteen (15) inches in vertical height measured from the ambient tide level to the crest of the vessel's bow wave at a distance not less than twenty-five (25) feet from the vessel, pursuant to R.S. 34:851.27. "No Wake" zones shall mean those portions of any designated waterway where appropriate "No Wake" signs giving notice thereof are erected pursuant to the provisions of this section.

(b)

Bayou Segnette, and that part of Bayou Barataria within the jurisdiction of the parish, where appropriate signs giving notice thereof are erected, are designated "No Wake" zones. The Jefferson Parish Marine Fisheries Advisory Board or the Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District (JEDCO) shall recommend to the Jefferson Parish Council additional waterways which are to be designated as "No Wake" zones. Any vessel or watercraft traveling on those posted portions of the designated waterways shall be subject to the provisions of this section.

(c)

A "wake" is defined as all changes in the vertical level of the water's surface caused by the passage of a vessel, including, but not limited to, a vessel's bow wave, stern wave, and propeller wash. No authorization is given for a vessel with a wake of fifteen (15) inches or less to travel at a speed in excess of the posted speed limit when in restricted areas.

(d)

"No Wake" zone signs may be placed on those portions of designated waterways upon direction of the parish council. Such direction shall be by ordinance or resolution adopted by a majority of the council. The location of the "No Wake" zone signs shall be recommended to the Jefferson Parish Council by the Jefferson Parish Marine Fisheries Advisory Board or the Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District (JEDCO).

(e)

Operators of certain vessels such as participants of a sanctioned race and governmental officers, law enforcement officers, U.S. Coast Guard, fire and rescue personnel in the performance of their official duties are exempted from the provisions of this section.

(f)

Law enforcement personnel may use mechanical, electronic or photographic measuring devices to regulate wakes in Jefferson Parish.

(g)

Penalties for the violation of this section shall be as follows:

(1)

First offense—One hundred dollar ($100.00) fine;

(2)

Second offense—Two hundred dollar ($200.00) fine;

(3)

Third and all subsequent offenses—Five hundred dollar ($500.00) fine.

(Ord. No. 16164, § I, 8-22-84; Ord. No. 19815, § 1, 9-11-96; Ord. No. 20241, § 1, 12-17-97; Ord. No. 20333, § 1, 4-15-98)

Editor's note

Section 1 of Ord. No. 16554, adopted Aug. 21, 1985, suspended the action of Ord. No. 16164, included in this section.