Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Peggy Jensen, Interim Parks Department
Subject: Amendment to the County Ordinance Sections Governing Dog Recreation within San Mateo County Parks and Recreation Areas
RECOMMENDATION:
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Introduction of an ordinance amending section 3.68.180(f) of Chapter 3.68, modifying the fines for violations of dog-related restrictions for San Mateo County Parks and Recreation Areas, and waiving the reading of the ordinance in its entirety.
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BACKGROUND:
In spring of 2016, the San Mateo County Parks and Recreation Commission ("Commission") formed the Dog Management Committee ("Committee"), which was tasked with advising the Commission on the development of new dog management policies for the Parks Department ("Department"). The Committee was comprised of representatives from the Commission, Department, Midcoast Community Council, Pescadero Municipal Advisory Council, North Fair Oaks Community Council, and dog-owner, environmentalist, equestrian, and cyclist communities. The Department also implemented an extensive communication and community engagement process to support the Committee's work and gather further public input.
After meeting over the course of 15 months, the Committee developed an overarching policy: "It is the policy of the [San Mateo County] Parks Department, in managing dog access to County parks, to promote healthy, safe, and varied experiences for all park users and to protect natural resources." The Committee also developed secondary policies for the Department to use as guiding principles in assessing which County park locations are appropriate for dog recreation. The secondary policies focus on education; providing a variety of experiences; avoiding conflicts; protecting preexisting uses and natural resources; managing access to playgrounds and play areas; considering new areas for dogs; enforcement; and requirements concer...
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