§ 8-5-82. WATERCRAFT ON LADY BIRD LAKE.

(A)

A person may not operate a watercraft in the portion of Lady Bird Lake that is bounded by a line from the center of Lady Bird Lake to the mouth of Shoal Creek on the east, the shoreline of Lady Bird Lake on the north, the railroad bridge immediately west of Shoal Creek on the west, and center of Lady Bird Lake on the south.

(B)

The city manager may restrict watercraft access to and use of Lady Bird Lake during special events.

(C)

Except as provided in this subsection, a person may not operate or assist in the operation of a motorboat or houseboat on Lady Bird Lake.

(1)

The prohibition does not apply to a person:

(a)

performing an official duty as an officer or employee of the city;

(b)

performing dredging or construction work authorized by the city council;

(c)

participating in a public event or exhibition authorized by the city council, other than boat racing; or

(d)

operating a boat, other than a houseboat, powered by an electric motor that does not exceed five horsepower, between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.

(2)

The city council may permit a person to operate a motorboat on Lady Bird Lake to conduct tours or excursions or otherwise transport persons.

(3)

The city manager may permit a person to operate a motorboat on Lady Bird Lake for engineering or scientific research.

(4)

The city manager may permit a person to operate a motorboat on Lady Bird Lake after determining that the operation does not adversely affect the public safety or welfare, does not create excessive noise or pollution, and does not constitute a nuisance. A person who seeks a permit must file an application with the director on a form provided by the director. The director shall submit a completed application form to the city manager for approval or denial.

(D)

A person may not occupy a watercraft on Lady Bird Lake for the purpose of sleeping between dusk and dawn or overnight habitation. The city council may grant an exemption to this prohibition after receiving a recommendation from the Board. An exemption must be in writing and state a time period during which the exemption is effective.

(E)

A person may not occupy or operate a watercraft on Lady Bird Lake between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. or permit a watercraft to remain on the lake during that time period. This prohibition does not apply to a person:

(1)

performing an official duty as an officer or employee of the City;

(2)

performing dredging or construction work authorized by the city council;

(3)

participating in a public event or exhibition authorized by the city council;

(4)

authorized to operate or occupy a watercraft or permit a watercraft to remain on the lake during the proscribed time period in accordance with Subsections (C)(2), (C)(3), or (C)(4) or Subsection (D); or

(5)

authorized by contract or agreement to occupy a watercraft or permit a watercraft to remain on the lake during the proscribed time period.

Source: 1992 Code Sections 11-1-1(B), 14-1-1, 14-1-10, 14-2-2, and 14-2-6; Ord. 031009-11; Ord. 031211-11; Ord. No. 20190307-014 , Pt. 9, 3-18-19.