As used in this article, the following words
shall have the meanings indicated:
AQUATIC EVENT
An organized on-water activity which may affect the normal navigation of vessels on the waterway, as determined by the Director of the Department of Maritime Services or his/her designee. Sailboat regattas or races sponsored by yacht clubs or sailing or racing associations located within the Town of Huntington are exempt from the requirements of §
120-15 "Aquatic events; approval", provided the United States Coast Guard requirements for such events are fully complied with.
[Added 2-23-2021 by L.L. No. 8-2021]
COMMERCIAL/PUBLIC VESSEL
A vessel used, maintained and/or operated for commercial
purposes on the navigable waters over which the Town of Huntington
has jurisdiction, and carries passengers, freight or other product,
or tows or is utilized for any other use, for which a compensation
is received, either directly or where such service is provided in
exchange for an accommodation, advantage, facility and/or privilege.
DEPARTMENT
The Department of Maritime Services of the Town of Huntington.
[Added 6-18-2019 by L.L.
No. 28-2019]
MOORING
The ropes, lines, chains, cables or anchors by or to which
a vessel, dock or float is secured in place or made fast.
[Added 6-16-2020 by L.L. No. 18-2020]
MOORING, TRANSIENT
Mooring of any vessel, dock or float using mooring space
on a temporary basis.
[Added 6-16-2020 by L.L. No. 18-2020]
PEACE OFFICER
Those holding the title of Bay Constable and Harbor Master
for the Town of Huntington as set forth in New York State Criminal
Procedure Law § 2.10 and any amendment thereto.
PERSON
Includes an individual, business, partnership, firm, corporation,
concern, enterprise, trust, company, industry, association, club,
marina, public utility or other legal entity.
[Amended 6-18-2019 by L.L. No. 28-2019]
PERSONAL WATERCRAFT
A vessel which uses an inboard motor powering a water-jet
pump as its primary source of motive power and which is designed to
be operated by a person sitting, standing or kneeling on or being
towed behind the vessel rather than in the conventional manner of
sitting or standing inside the vessel.
PERSON-IN-CHARGE
Any person who is not the owner but who is using, or is in
custody, possession, in charge of or responsible for the vessel, float,
mooring, slip or other object at issue.
[Added 2-1-2011 by L.L. No. 4-2011]
POLLUTANT
Any material which, because of its quantity, concentration
or physical, chemical or infectious characteristics, may: cause or
significantly contribute to an increase in mortality or an increase
in serious irreversible or incapacitating reversible illness to marine
life or pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health,
safety or the environment or render the water unsightly, noxious or
otherwise unwholesome so as to be detrimental to the public health,
safety, welfare or to the enjoyment of Town waters.
RELEASE
Includes but is not limited to any spilling, leaking, pumping,
pouring, emitting, emptying, draining, dumping or discharge.
RESIDENT
An individual whose principal residence (domicile) is located
within the Town of Huntington.
RESTRICTED VISIBILITY
Any condition in which visibility is restricted by fog, mist,
falling snow, heavy rainstorms, sandstorms, darkness or other similar
conditions.
SPECIALTY PROP-CRAFT
A vessel which uses an outboard motor or a propeller-driven
motor pump as its primary source of motive power and which is designed
to be operated by a person sitting, standing or kneeling on or being
towed behind the vessel rather than in the conventional manner of
sitting or standing inside the vessel.
UNSEAWORTHY
A vessel is unseaworthy if the vessel, or any of its parts
or equipment, is not reasonably fit for its intended purpose. A vessel
is unseaworthy if, in the opinion of the Department, it is visibly
listing, or sinks, grounds, or is leaking, or if it is listing more
than three degrees (3°), or if it does not have a working engine
or bilge pump, or is derelict or abandoned, or displays another condition
which makes the vessel disabled or not able to be safely operated.
[Added 6-18-2019 by L.L.
No. 28-2019]
VESSEL
Includes every description of craft other than a seaplane
on the water, and includes but is not limited to, a boat, motorboat,
sailboat, houseboat, rowboat, powerboat, jet boat, fishing boat, cruiser,
motor vessel, ship, barge, scow, tug, floating cabana, party boat,
charter boat, ferry boat, canoe, raft, personal watercraft, specialty
prop-craft, commercial/public vessel or other propelled device.
In addition to all other applicable provisions
of this article, the following shall apply to the operation of personal
watercraft and specialty prop-craft:
A. No person shall operate a personal watercraft or specialty
prop-craft unless each person riding on or towed behind such vessel
is wearing a securely fastened life jacket (Type I, II, III or V)
approved by the United States Coast Guard, except a Type III inflatable
PFD life jacket shall not be worn on a personal watercraft or specialty
prop-craft.
B. No person shall operate a personal watercraft or specialty
prop-craft unless such vessel is equipped and fitted with a United
States Coast Guard approved device for arresting carburetor backfire.
C. No person shall operate a personal watercraft or specialty
prop-craft unless such vessel is equipped with:
(1) At least two (2) ventilators fitted with cowls or
their equivalent for the purpose of properly and efficiently ventilating
the bilges of every engine and fuel tank compartment in order to remove
any inflammable or explosive gases provided however, that if the personal
watercraft or specialty prop-craft is so constructed as to have the
greater portion of the bilges under the engine and the fuel tank(s)
open and exposed to the natural atmosphere at all times, it need not
be fitted with such ventilators; and
(2) An efficient sound-producing mechanical appliance,
except sirens, capable of producing a blast of two (2) seconds or
more in duration and of such strength as to be heard plainly for a
distance of at least one-half (1/2) mile in still weather; and
(3) A fluorescent-orange distress flag, which shall be
a minimum of one (1) foot square or other appropriate United States
Coast Guard approved visual distress signal.
D. No person shall operate a personal watercraft or specialty
prop-craft unless such vessel is equipped with a lanyard-type engine
cutoff switch and such lanyard-type engine cutoff switch is attached
to his or her person, clothing or a personal flotation device as is
appropriate for the specific vessel.
E. No person shall operate a personal watercraft or specialty
prop-craft between sunset and sunrise or in periods of restricted
visibility.
F. Restricted areas.
(1) No person shall operate a personal watercraft or specialty
prop-craft:
(a)
Within five hundred (500) feet of a shoreline,
a lifeline or bathing float, and/or a bather or swimmer, except in
bodies of water where the opposing shoreline is less than five hundred
(500) feet therefrom or during transit to and from the shoreline or
ramp area and then only at five (5) miles per hour and no closer than
fifty (50) feet from a bather, swimmer or other person in the water;
and
(b)
In any creek, beach and/or harbor within the
Town of Huntington except during transit to and from waters seaward;
and
(c)
In excess of the applicable speed regulations
and/or restrictions.
(2) "Transit" shall mean the safest direct route to or
from the shoreline or to or from the launching site of the personal
watercraft or specialty prop-craft.
(3) Nothing contained in this subsection shall be construed
to prohibit the launching of such vessels from designated launching
sites or private beaches with the property owner's consent.
G. Every personal watercraft and specialty prop-craft
shall at all times be operated in a reasonable and prudent manner.
Maneuvers which unreasonably or unnecessarily endanger life, limb
or property, including but not limited to, weaving through congested
vessel traffic, or jumping the wake of another vessel unreasonably
or unnecessarily close to such other vessel or when visibility around
such other vessel is obstructed, or sudden turning, stopping and rapidly
accelerating, swerving at the last possible moment to avoid collision,
shall constitute reckless operation of a vessel.
H. Registration numbers on personal watercraft and specialty
prop-craft shall be visible at all times and shall be in accordance
with all applicable federal and state regulations.
No person shall discharge an item, gun or article
designed and/or altered to spear fish within five hundred (500) feet
of a beach, or within two hundred (200) feet of a vessel, bather or
swimmer.
No person shall engage in the business of selling,
hawking, peddling and/or vending any property, article, product, service
or thing from a vessel on the waterways of the Town of Huntington
without having first obtained the approval of the Huntington Town
Board. The Town Board may approve or deny the application, or approve
same upon such conditions it deems necessary and/or advisable to safeguard
the health, welfare and/or safety of Town residents, and/or safeguard
the use and enjoyment of Town lands and waters.
All vessels shall be equipped and lighted as
required by the rules, regulations and/or laws of any state and federal
agency having jurisdiction.
[Amended 2-1-2011 by L.L. No. 4-2011; 6-18-2019 by L.L. No. 28-2019]
(A) Prohibitions:
(1)
It shall be unlawful for an owner or person in charge of a vessel
to permit the vessel to remain in the waters and/or harbors of the
Town of Huntington if the vessel is unseaworthy, swamped, sunk, wrecked,
derelict, abandoned, contains unsecure deck cargo, or is in such condition
so as to cause immediate and/or serious danger to the health, safety
or welfare of the public or to property.
(2)
It shall be unlawful for an owner or person in charge of a vessel
to permit an unseaworthy, swamped, derelict and/or abandoned vessel
to be washed ashore and remain thereat.
(B) Notice of removal. The Department shall issue a notice of removal
to the owner directing the owner to remove such vessel within seven
(7) days of the date on the notice. The notice of removal shall be
mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested,
and by regular mail upon the last registered or known owner of the
vessel. The Department shall make a reasonable search for the name
and address of the vessel owner by checking with the jurisdiction
which issued the vessel's registration number, if one is affixed,
and if no registration number is affixed, with the New York State
Department of Motor Vehicles or such other sources as the Department
may deem advisable. If the owner cannot be determined after a search,
notice of removal shall be posted in the official board of the Huntington
Town Clerk and posted on or near the vessel for seven (7) days
(C) Contents of Notice. The notice of removal shall inform the owner
that if the vessel is not removed from its location within seven (7)
days of the date on the notice, in addition to the penalties provided
in this article, the vessel will be removed and impounded by the Department
at the owner's expense. Such notice shall contain the address and
telephone number of the Department, a description of the vessel, its
location, condition, and if available, its name, registration number
and contents.
(D) Notification to agencies. On the date notification to the owner is given as set forth in §
120-17(B), the Department shall notify the Suffolk County Marine Bureau and the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office in writing that said vessel is unseaworthy, swamped, sunk, derelict and/or abandoned and offering possession of said vessel to either agency should the owner not claim the vessel or remove same within said seven (7) day period. Said notice shall include a statement as to whether or not the owner is known, and if known, the name and last known address of the owner. In all instances, a copy of the notice of removal served pursuant to §
120-17(B) shall accompany the notification to the agencies.
(E) Impound of vessel. In the event the vessel is not removed by the
owner at the expiration of the requisite period, and neither the Suffolk
County Marine Bureau nor the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office has responded
or has agreed to take possession of the vessel within such period,
the Department shall remove and impound the vessel and photograph
same. Once the vessel is impounded, the owner shall be given notice
that such vessel has been impounded and is in the custody of the Department,
and that if the vessel is not claimed within ten (10) days of the
date of the notice, same shall be deemed abandoned and sold at public
auction or otherwise disposed of by the Town. The notice shall further
state that the proceeds of the sale, if one occurs, shall be used
to defray the costs of providing notice to the owner and of removal,
storage and sale of the vessel and its contents, and all other expenses
incidental thereto. The notice shall contain the address and telephone
number of the Department, a description of the vessel, the location
from where it was taken, its current location, and if available, its
name, registration number and contents.
(1)
Notice. Such notice shall be mailed to the owner as set forth in §
120-17(B) if the owner is known. If the owner is not known, such notice shall be posted in the official board of the Huntington Town Clerk and published in the official newspaper(s) of the Town for one (1) week. In the event notice is published, it shall state that the vessel must be claimed by the owner within ten (10) days of the first date of publication (identifying such date).
(2)
Release of vessel. Proof of ownership in the form satisfactory
to the Department shall be provided prior to the release of any vessel.
All costs and expenses incurred by the Town of Huntington, including
but not limited to, the costs of providing notice to the owner and
of removal, impounding the vessel, storage charges, and all other
expenses incidental thereto shall be fully paid by credit card, money
order, bank or certified check before a vessel will be released. The
Department shall maintain an accurate accounting of all costs and
expenses incurred by the Town.
(3)
Public auction. If the vessel is not claimed at the expiration of ten (10) days, the Huntington Town Board may order the vessel, its chandlery, and contents sold at public auction. The owner or person in charge of the vessel shall be personally liable for all of the costs and expenses incurred by the Town. The proceeds of such sale shall be used to defray the costs and expenses of providing notice to the owner and of removal, impounding the vessel, storage, and sale of the vessel and its contents, and all other expenses incidental thereto. Notice of such sale, a statement as to the amount of all costs and expenses incurred and the balance of the proceeds, if any, being held, shall be mailed to the owner as in §
120-17(B) and if the owner is not known, notice shall be posted on the official board of the Town Clerk and published in the official newspaper(s) of the Town for one (1) week. The balance of the proceeds of sale, if any, shall be turned over to the owner, if known, or, if the owner is not known, to be held, without interest, by the Department of Audit and Control for one (1) year for the benefit of the owner, upon proper proof of ownership, and, at the expiration of such period to be turned over to the Town's general fund. The Director of Purchasing shall provide the Department of Audit and Control with all necessary documentation and a copy of this legislation at the time the net proceeds of a sale, if any, are turned over for deposit into a non-interest-bearing account. Nothing contained in this chapter shall limit the Town's right to commence an action, in law or in equity, to recover all such expenses from the owner or person in charge of the vessel, who shall be personally liable, if no auction has occurred or if the proceeds of the auction are insufficient to cover the amounts paid by the Town.
(F) Exceptions.
(1)
Emergencies. Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to restrict or prohibit earlier action by the Department, with or without notice to the owner, if, in the judgment of the Department, such vessel severely impedes or severely restricts navigation, or is in such condition so as to cause immediate and/or serious danger to either the health, safety and/or welfare of the public or to property. Once the vessel is impounded, the owner shall be notified in accordance with the procedures set forth in §
120-17(E), and the Suffolk County Marine Bureau and the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office shall be notified in writing that said vessel is unseaworthy, swamped, sunk, derelict and/or abandoned and offering possession of said vessel to either agency should the owner not claim the vessel within said ten (10) day period. Said notice to the agencies shall include a statement as to whether or not the owner is known, and if known, the name and last known address of the owner. In the event the vessel is not claimed by the owner or accepted by the agencies at the expiration of such period, the procedures set forth in §
120-17(E)(3) shall be followed.
(2)
Value. A vessel that, because of its age, condition and/or estimated
cost of repair, has, in the judgment of the Department, a value of
one thousand ($1,000) dollars or less, shall be photographed and otherwise
disposed of without prior notice.
[Amended 8-5-2008 by L.L. No. 20-2008; 6-18-2019 by L.L. No. 28-2019]
(A) Permit required. It shall be unlawful for an owner, captain or person
in charge of a charter or commercial vessel carrying more than six
(6) passengers to utilize Town docks, slips and/or ramps for boarding
or discharging passengers without having first obtained a permit from
the Department. The Director may issue a permit subject to such conditions
he or she deems necessary or advisable to safeguard the health, safety
and/or welfare of persons or property, or to protect the use and enjoyment
of public lands, docks and waterways.
(B) An application for a permit shall contain and be accompanied
by the following:
(1)
Full name, address, social security number and
phone number of the owner of the vessel and each captain who operates
the vessel; and
(2)
A copy of a valid driver's license of the owner
of the vessel and each captain who operates the vessel; and
(3)
A copy of a current, valid United States Coast
Guard operator's license for each captain who operates a vessel under
this section.
(4)
A copy of a current, valid United States Coast
Guard certificate of inspection for a vessel operated under this section.
(5)
A copy of a certificate of insurance naming
the Town of Huntington and Huntington Board of Trustees as an additional
insured under a protection and indemnity policy with policy limits
of:
[Amended 6-18-2019 by L.L. No. 28-2019]
(a)
Liability for personal injury, including death,
sustained on town property and/or occurring as a result of the conduct
of the charter or commercial vessel operations: one million dollars
($1,000,000) per occurrence; and
(b)
Property damage to town property or the property
of others as a result of the use of town property and/or the charter
or commercial vessel operations: one million dollars ($1,000,000)
per occurrence which shall include coverage for wreck removal and
pollution mitigation.
(6)
An indemnity agreement executed by the owner
of the vessel agreeing to defend and indemnify the Town against any
loss, claim, damage, suit or judgement for property damage and/or
personal injury, including death and reasonable attorney fees, arising
from or as a result of the negligence and/or willful conduct of the
vessel owners, operators, and/or their agents, servants, assigns or
subcontractor(s), or, as a result of the maintenance and/or operation
of the charter or commercial vessel.
(7)
A nonrefundable application fee in an amount established by
the Town Board from time to time.
[Amended 6-18-2019 by L.L. No. 28-2019]
(C) Application process; denial of permit.
[Amended 10-5-2010 by L.L. No. 17-2010; 6-18-2019 by L.L. No. 28-2019]
(1)
Upon receipt of a complete application for a permit and payment of the application fee, the Department shall make an investigation of the applicant for the purpose of determining the suitability of the applicant for a permit. An investigation shall include, but shall not be limited to, whether a permit has previously been issued to the applicant, whether the applicant has complied with the permit, the provisions of this chapter or Chapter
137 of the Code of the Town of Huntington, or has been convicted of a violation thereof, and any other factor deemed necessary and relevant in processing the application.
(2)
The Department shall determine whether a permit
shall be issued and shall notify the applicant within five (5) days
of filing of such application as to whether the application is granted
or denied. In the event the application is granted, the permit shall
be issued upon compliance with all applicable requirements. In the
event the application is denied, notice of denial of a permit shall
be given in writing by regular mail and addressed to the applicant
at the address shown on the application. Such notice shall set forth
the grounds for the denial and shall be final.
(3)
It shall be unlawful for a person to use a town
dock, slip or ramp to operate and/or maintain a charter or commercial
vessel operation if a permit has been denied.
(D) An application for a permit may be denied by the Department
under the following conditions:
[Amended 10-5-2010 by L.L. No. 17-2010; 6-18-2019 by L.L. No. 28-2019]
(1)
If fraud or a misrepresentation of a material
fact is contained in the application for a permit; or
(2)
If fraud, misrepresentation or deceit has been
practiced in the course of carrying out the charter or commercial
vessel operation within five (5) years of the date of application;
or
(3)
The applicant (owner), captain, or person in charge of the vessel has been convicted of a violation of this chapter or Chapter
137 of the Code of the Town of Huntington, except that a permit may be granted if, in the judgment of the Department, the applicant has since conducted himself, herself or itself in a law-abiding manner and the association with the charter or commercial vessel operations will not be contrary to the public interest; or
(4)
If, in the judgment of the Department, the applicant
(owner), or the captain or person in charge of the vessel conducts,
maintains or operates, or permits the charter or commercial vessel
to be maintained or operated in an unlawful manner or in such manner
so as to constitute a breach of the peace, or a menace to the health,
safety and/or general welfare of the public.
(E) Term of permit; permit renewal. A permit issued for
the maintenance of a charter or commercial vessel operation shall
expire on December 31 of the year of issuance. Once issued a permit
may be renewed for two (2) additional one (1) year periods provided
the permit holder has met all the terms and conditions of the original
permit as determined by the Department and an application for renewal
of the permit is received in the office of the Harbormaster by January
31 of the year the permit is sought.
[Amended 6-18-2019 by L.L. No. 28-2019]
(F) Display of permit; non-transferability. The permit,
once issued, shall be placed and at all times displayed in a conspicuous
location on the vessel's wheel house. A permit is personal to the
holder and does not follow ownership of the vessel, nor shall a permit
be sold, assigned or transferred to one other than the holder. The
transfer by sale, operation of law, or otherwise of the majority interest
in any corporation or other entity to which a permit is issued shall
constitute an assignment hereunder.
(G) Acceptance of permit. Acceptance of a permit shall constitute an
agreement by the owner, captain or person in charge of the charter
or commercial vessel to be liable for any loss or injury to persons
or property, including any injury or loss suffered by the Town of
Huntington or Huntington Board of Trustees, resulting from or incurred
in connection with the operation and maintenance of the charter or
commercial vessel operation.
[Added 6-18-2019 by L.L.
No. 28-2019]
(H) Rules and regulations: The owner, captain or person in charge of
a charter or commercial vessel shall enforce the following rules and
regulations at all times. Any owner, captain or person in charge of
such vessel who neglects or fails to enforce these regulations shall
be in violation of this article.
[Amended 6-18-2019 by L.L. No. 28-2019]
(1)
Vessels may not tie or be made fast to town
docks or floats beyond the time permitted in this article. If a vessel
is disabled, the owner, captain or person in charge of the vessel
shall notify the Harbor Master's Office of such disability within
one (1) hour to request permission from the Harbor Master's Office
to exceed the posted time limit.
(2)
There shall be no consumption of alcoholic beverages
by passengers or crew while on town docks, floats or other town property
including parking lots.
(3)
No passenger or crew member shall leave or be
discharged from the vessel with an open container of alcoholic beverage.
(4)
Reasonable noise regulations as established
by the Town shall be observed. In no event shall loud radios or other
reproduction or broadcasting of music or sound, or unruliness, horseplay
or conduct which endangers the health, safety and/or welfare of any
person, or disturbs the peace be permitted on board the vessel while
within a harbor channel, or moored or made fast to a town dock or
float, or while passengers and/or crew are on town docks, floats,
in parking lots or on other town property.
(5)
No individual shall disobey or disregard a reasonable
request or order of the Department or other town official.
(6)
Full compliance with all local, county, state
and federal ordinances, rules, regulations and laws relating to the
holding and discharge of waste materials shall be maintained.
(I) Revocation of permit; grounds. Any permit issued to
a charter or commercial vessel may be revoked by the Director, after
a hearing, under the following conditions:
[Amended 10-5-2010 by L.L. No. 17-2010]
(1)
If fraud or a misrepresentation of a material
fact is contained in the application for a permit; or
(2) If fraud, misrepresentation or deceit is practiced in the course
of carrying on the charter or commercial vessel operation; or
(3) The permit holder, the captain, or person in charge of the vessel has violated any provision of the permit, or of this chapter or Chapter
137 of the Code of the Town of Huntington, except that a permit may be continued if, in the judgment of the Director, the person has since conducted himself, herself or itself in a law abiding manner and the association with the charter or commercial vessel operations will not be contrary to the public interest; or
[Amended 6-18-2019 by L.L. No. 28-2019]
(4) If, in the judgment of the Director, the person to whom a permit
has been issued, or the captain or person in charge of the vessel
conducts, maintains or operates, or permits the maintenance or operation
of the charter or commercial vessel in an unlawful manner or in such
manner as to constitute a breach of the peace or to constitute a menace
to the health, safety or general welfare of the public; or
[Amended 6-18-2019 by L.L. No. 28-2019]
(5)
The permit holder, the captain, or person in
charge of the vessel has knowingly disregarded or disobeys any reasonable
request or order of the Department or other town official regarding
the use of town property or operation of the business.
[Amended 6-18-2019 by L.L. No. 28-2019]
(J) Revocation hearing.
[Amended 10-5-2010 by L.L. No. 17-2010]
(1) Notice
of intention to revoke shall be mailed to the permit holder by the
Department by regular and by certified mail, return receipt requested,
to the address shown on the application, and by e-mail if known, with
a copy to the Huntington Town Clerk. The notice shall direct that
remedial or other action be taken by the date specified in the notice
or the permit may be revoked. Upon good cause shown to the satisfaction
of the Department, the period for compliance may be extended where
remedial measures have been started and the delay is not under the
control of or due to the actions of the person to whom the notice
has been issued.
[Amended 6-18-2019 by L.L. No. 28-2019]
(2) Contents
of notice. The notice of intention to revoke shall contain the following:
(a) A description of the vessel.
(b) The nature of the offense or reason for the proposed revocation.
(c) A description of the remedial action which, if taken, will effectuate
compliance with the notice.
(d) A statement that the remediation or abatement must commence immediately
upon receipt of the notice and completed within a specified date,
as is applicable.
(e) A statement that in the event of the failure or refusal of the person
to whom the notice is issued to comply by the date on the notice or
approved date of extension, a preliminary fact finding hearing will
be held on the date, time and place specified in the notice before
an Administrative Hearing Officer, who shall consider the evidence
and submit his or her findings and recommendations to the Director
for ultimate determination.
(f) A statement that in the event of the failure to comply or appear
for a hearing, the notice shall automatically become a final order
of revocation.
(3) Amendment,
modification or withdrawal. The Department may amend, modify or withdraw
any notice issued if the circumstances warrant such action provided
the amended or modified notice is served as provided in (1) herein
within five (5) days of service of the original notice, and a hearing
has not occurred.
[Amended 6-18-2019 by L.L. No. 28-2019]
(4) At
the hearing the permit holder may be represented by counsel and may
submit such competent evidence as he or she deems advisable or necessary.
The Hearing Officer shall submit his findings and recommendations
to the Director. A copy of the Hearing Officer’s report shall
be filed with the Town Clerk and mailed by the Department to the permit
holder by regular and certified mail, return receipt requested, to
the address shown on the application, and by e-mail if known, along
with a statement that the permitholder has five (5) days from receipt
of the report to submit to the Director his written objections thereto.
The Director shall consider the applicant’s written statement
and the Hearing Officer’s report, and may adopt or reject, in
whole or in part any portion thereof as he or she deems advisable
or necessary under the circumstances; and may thereafter revoke the
permit, or withdraw the notice of intention to revoke with or without
such terms and conditions as the Director establishes to protect the
health, welfare and safety of the public, or to maintain the peace
and good order. The decision of the Director shall be filed in the
Office of the Town Clerk and served upon the permit holder in the
same manner as the report. The decision of the Director is final.
[Amended 6-18-2019 by L.L. No. 28-2019]
(5) Final
order. The notice of intention to revoke shall automatically become
an order of revocation if there is no compliance and there has been
no appearance at the fact finding hearing by the person to whom a
notice has been issued. The order, when issued, shall be served in
the same manner as the original notice.
(6)
It shall be unlawful for an owner, captain or person in charge
of a charter or commercial vessel whose permit has been revoked to
use a town ramp, slip, float or dock to operate or maintain a charter
or commercial vessel operation. The Department and/or other enforcement
officer shall take all steps necessary to bar and prohibit the continued
use of town docks, ramps, floats and other property by such entity,
as is necessary to effectuate compliance with the revocation. In the
event a permit is revoked, the application fee shall not be refunded.
[Amended 6-18-2019 by L.L. No. 28-2019]
[Amended 2-1-2011 by L.L. No. 4-2011]
(1) It
shall be unlawful for any person to enter an impound facility owned,
maintained or operated by the Town of Huntington without authorization,
or to remove, damage, or tamper with any vessel or object stored thereat.
(2) It
shall be unlawful for any person to destroy, damage, or tamper with
an impound facility owned, maintained or operated by the Town.
[Amended 10-5-2010 by L.L. No. 17-2010; 2-1-2011 by L.L. No. 4-2011; 6-18-2019 by L.L. No. 28-2019]
(A) Permit required.
(1)
It shall be unlawful to cause, permit and/or
allow a boat to be tied or otherwise confined in or at a town marina
without a valid permit issued by the Department. No permit of any
kind shall be issued to persons under eighteen (18) years of age.
(2)
Any boat tied or otherwise confined in or at
a town marina without a valid permit shall be impounded, stored and
secured by the Department at the owner's expense.
(3)
Any boat removed may be redeemed upon proof
of ownership and payment of all costs of removal, storage and maintenance
of the boat, together with other expenses incurred by the Town, by
credit card, certified or bank check, or money order.
(B) Summer permits:
(1)
Any resident who is the owner of a boat shall
be entitled to make application to the Department for a permit to
tie, make fast or dock to the dockage facilities at town marinas.
The Department shall assign the permit holder to a specific berth
and is authorized to temporarily reassign berths as, in the judgment
of the Department, is necessary or appropriate. Renewals of summer
permits from the prior summer season shall take priority over new
applications. In the event that the next available berth cannot be
occupied by the next applicant, the Department may pass over said
applicant and assign the berth to the next applicant on the list whose
boat may be accommodated by the berth. No unregistered boats shall
be tied, made fast or docked at town marinas.
(2)
Application. The application for a permit shall
be on a form provided by the Department. The applicant shall provide
a copy of the owner's New York State driver's license, together with
any other document or information requested by the Department. A nonrefundable
application fee in an amount established by the Huntington Town Board
shall be paid at the time of application. If a permit is issued, the
applicant shall pay the marina fee and sign a marina contract.
(3)
Term of permit. The Town Board, upon the recommendation
of the Department shall fix the dates during which permits are valid,
except that the term of the permit may be subject to change upon the
state of repairs and/or readiness for occupancy of town marinas due
to a natural catastrophe or other causes.
(4)
Renewal of permit. An owner who, in the judgment of the Department,
is in good standing as to the payment of fees, compliance with the
rules and regulations of the marina, the provisions of the marina
contract, and this chapter, shall have the option to renew a permit.
(C) Winter permits.
(1)
The Department may designate areas for winter
occupancy. Residents and nonresidents may file an application for
a winter permit to tie, make fast or dock a boat to the dockage facilities
of a town marina designated for such purpose, subject to such terms
and conditions as may be imposed by the Department. Priority shall
be given to residents of the Town of Huntington.
(2)
Application. The application for a permit shall be on a form
provided by the Department. The applicant shall provide a copy of
the owner's driver's license, together with any other document or
information requested by the Department. A nonrefundable application
fee in an amount established by the Huntington Town Board shall be
paid at the time of application. If a permit is issued, the applicant
shall pay the marina fee and sign a marina contract.
(3)
An application for a winter permit, or any renewal
thereof, shall be filed on or before the date set by the Department.
(4)
Term of permit. The Town Board, upon the recommendation
of the Department, shall fix the dates during which permits are valid,
depending upon the state of repairs and/or readiness for occupancy
of town marina due to a natural catastrophe or other causes.
(D) Procedure upon application for a permit.
(1) The
Deparment shall determine whether a permit should be issued. In the
event the application is granted, the permit shall be issued upon
compliance with all applicable requirements. In the event the application
is denied, notice of denial of a permit shall be given in writing
by regular mail and addressed to the applicant at the address shown
on the application. Such notice shall set forth the grounds for the
denial and shall be final.
(2) It
shall be unlawful for a person to tie or make fast a boat to the dockage
facilities of a town marina for which a permit has been denied.
(E) Denial of permit application; grounds. An application
for a permit to tie or make fast a boat to the dockage facilities
of a town marina may be denied by the Department under the following
conditions:
(1)
If fraud or a misrepresentation of a material
fact is contained in the application for a permit; or
(2)
If, within two (2) years of the application date, the applicant has been convicted of a violation of this chapter or Chapter
137 of the Huntington Town Code, or of any rule or regulation of any local, state or federal agency having jurisdiction over navigation, or a permit to tie or make fast a boat to a town marina has been previously revoked, except that a permit may be granted if, in the judgment of the Department, the person has since conducted himself or herself in a law-abiding manner and the issuance of a permit will not be contrary to the laws or rules of any agency having jurisdiction, or disturb the public peace or good order, or jeopardize the safety of other permit holders, their boats or public or private property; or
(3)
If, within two (2) years of the application
date, the applicant has violated the conditions of a prior permit,
or the marina contract or policy, or the provisions of this article
or any rule or regulation issued thereunder, or has knowingly disregarded
or disobeyed a reasonable request or order of the Department or other
town official; or
(4)
If, in the judgment of the Department, the issuance
of a permit to the applicant would jeopardize the safety of other
permit holders or their boats or town property; or would jeopardize
the peace and good order.
(F) Identification. Every summer permit issued shall be
accompanied by a decal which shall bear the number of the permit and
the year of issuance. Such decal shall be firmly affixed by the Department
to the boat on a conspicuous place so as to be easily inspected while
the boat is docked at the facility for which the permit is issued.
(G) Acceptance of permit.
(1)
Acceptance of a permit shall constitute an agreement
by the permit holder or holder of a pass that he or she will defend
and hold the Town of Huntington and the Board of Trustees harmless
from any claim, loss, damage, suit or judgment for property damage
and/or personal injury, including death and reasonable attorney fees,
which may arise from or in connection with the operation, docking,
tying, lowering, removal or disposal of the boat, and further agrees
to fully reimburse the Town or Board of Trustees for any damage caused
to Town of Huntington or Board of Trustees property; and
(2)
An agreement by the permit holder to abide by
all of the rules, regulations and provisions of the "Marina Rules
and Regulations," the marina contract (if applicable), and this chapter.
(H) Non-transferability; sublease prohibited. It shall be unlawful for
a permit issued by the town pursuant to this article to be assigned,
sold or transferred by the holder. A slip or docking space may be
occupied only by the boat for which the permit is issued, and it shall
be unlawful for the holder of a permit to sublease the space assigned
to the holder or allow another person to dock or otherwise use such
space. Permits are good only for the slip or docking space designated
and only for the specified term.
(I) Commercial activities. It shall be unlawful to use or permit the
use of a vessel docked, made fast or tied at a town marina to be used
for the sale, lease or hire of merchandise or services, or for the
purpose of renting or leasing occupancy of the vessel to any person
at any time. This subsection is not intended to prohibit a guest of
the owner to remain on board of any boat as long as there is no monetary
exchange or other compensation for the use and/or occupancy of the
boat by such guest.
(J) It shall be unlawful for any person under twelve (12) years of age
to be admitted to, or be permitted in, a town marina unless accompanied
by an adult who shows full responsibility for the child's safety and
conduct.
(K) Revocation of permit; grounds. A permit to tie or
make fast a boat to the dockage facilities of a town marina may be
revoked by the Director under the following conditions:
(1)
If fraud or a misrepresentation of a material
fact is contained in the application for a permit; or
(2)
The permit holder, during the permit term, has been convicted of a violation of this chapter or Chapter
137 of the Huntington Town Code, or of any rule, regulation of any state or federal agency having jurisdiction over navigation, except that a permit may be continued if, in the judgment of the Director, the permit holder has since conducted himself or herself in a law-abiding manner and the continuation of a permit will not be contrary to the laws or rules of any agency having jurisdiction, or disturb the public peace or good order, or jeopardize the safety of other permit holders, their boats or public or private property; or
(3)
If the permit holder violates the conditions
of the permit, or of the marina contract or the "Marina Rules and
Regulations," or if any slip or berth for which a permit has been
issued is being used in violation of this article or of any rule or
regulation issued thereunder, or if the permit holder has knowingly
disregarded or disobeyed a reasonable request or order of the Department
or other town official; or
(4)
If the permit holder, in the judgment of the
Director, conducts himself or herself in an unlawful manner or in
such manner as to constitute a breach of the peace, or so as to be
a menace, or so as to jeopardize the safety of other permit holders,
their boats or public or private property.
(L) Revocation of a permit; procedure; hearing.
(1)
Notice of intention to revoke shall be mailed
to the permit holder by the Department by regular and by certified
mail, return receipt requested, to the address shown on the application,
and by e-mail if known, with a copy to the Huntington Town Clerk.
The notice shall direct that remedial or other action be taken by
the date specified in the notice or the permit may be revoked. Upon
good cause shown to the satisfaction of the Department, the period
for compliance may be extended where remedial measures have been started
and the delay is not under the control of or due to the actions of
the person to whom the notice has been issued.
(2)
Contents of notice. The notice of intention
to revoke shall contain the following:
(a) A description of the vessel.
(b) The nature of the offense or reason for the proposed revocation.
(c) A description of the remedial action which, if taken, will effectuate
compliance with the notice.
(d) A statement that the remediation or abatement must commence immediately
upon receipt of the notice and completed within a specified date,
as is applicable.
(e) A statement that in the event of the failure or refusal of the person
to whom the notice is issued to comply by the date on the notice or
approved date of extension, a preliminary fact finding hearing will
be held on the date, time and place specified in the notice before
an Administrative Hearing Officer, who shall consider the evidence
and submit his or her findings and recommendations to the Director
for ultimate determination.
(f) A statement that in the event of the failure to comply or appear
for a hearing, the notice shall automatically become a final order
of revocation.
(3)
Amendment, modification or withdrawal. The Department
may amend, modify or withdraw any notice issued if the circumstances
warrant such action provided the amended or modified notice is served
as provided in (1) herein within five (5) days of service of the original
notice, and a hearing has not occurred.
(4) At the hearing the permit holder may be represented by counsel and
may submit such competent evidence as he or she deems advisable or
necessary. The Hearing Officer shall submit his findings and recommendations
to the Director. A copy of the Hearing Officer’s report shall
be filed with the Town Clerk and mailed to the permit holder by regular
and certified mail, return receipt requested, to the address shown
on the application, and by e-mail if known, along with a statement
that the permit holder has five (5) days from receipt of the report
to submit to the Director his written objections thereto. The Director
shall consider the applicant’s written statement and the Hearing
Officer’s report, and may adopt or reject, in whole or in part
any portion thereof as he or she deems advisable or necessary under
the circumstances; and may thereafter revoke the permit, or withdraw
the notice of intention to revoke with or without such terms and conditions
as the Director establishes to protect the health, welfare and safety
of the public, or to maintain the peace and good order. The decision
of the Director shall be filed in the Office of the Town Clerk and
served upon the permit holder in the same manner as the report. The
decision of the Director is final. If the permit is revoked, the marina
fee shall not be refunded.
(5) Final order. The notice of intention to revoke shall automatically
become an order of revocation if there is no compliance and there
has been no appearance at the fact finding hearing by the person to
whom a notice has been issued. The order, when issued, shall be served
in the same manner as the original notice.
(6)
It shall be unlawful to tie or make fast a boat to a slip, berth
or dockage facilities of a Town marina if the permit has been revoked.
Any boat tied or made fast to a slip or berth or other dockage facility
shall be removed forthwith by the owner. The Department shall impound
and store any boat not removed by the owner at the owner's expense.
Any vessel that has been impounded may be redeemed upon proof of ownership
and payment of the costs of removal, the impound fee, and storage
and maintenance of the vessel, together with other incidental expenses
incurred by the Town, by credit card, certified or bank check, or
money order.
(M) The Director of Maritime Services may establish such
other rules and regulations, not inconsistent with this article, as
he/she deems advisable and/or necessary to maintain the peace and
good order or to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of the public
and/or navigable waters.
(N) It shall be unlawful for a person to knowingly refuse
or neglect to obey any reasonable request or order of the Department
or other town official.
[Amended 11-5-2008 by L.L. No. 35-2008; 10-5-2010 by L.L. No. 17-2010; 2-1-2011 by L.L. No. 4-2011; 6-18-2019 by L.L. No. 28-2019]
(A) Permit required.
(1)
It shall be unlawful for any person to place or cause to be
placed a mooring on any underwater land over which the Town of Huntington
and/or the Board of Trustees have ownership or jurisdiction without
first obtaining a mooring permit or transient mooring permit from
the Department. No permit of any kind shall be issued to persons under
eighteen (18) years of age.
(2)
It shall be unlawful for any person to tie or secure a vessel
or float or any other object to a mooring for which a mooring permit
or transient mooring permit has not been issued by the Department.
(3)
Any person who places or causes a mooring to
be placed, or causes a vessel or float to be tied to a mooring for
which no mooring permit has been issued, or causes a vessel or float
to be tied to a mooring without a transient mooring permit having
been issued shall be in violation of this article. In such event,
and in addition to any other penalties provided for herein, any mooring
and vessel/float attached thereto, shall be impounded, stored and
secured by the Department at the owner's expense.
(4)
Any vessel, float and/or mooring removed may
be redeemed by the owner or person-in-charge thereof, upon proof of
ownership, the presentation of a valid permit and the payment by credit
card, certified or bank check, or money order of all reasonable costs,
including but not limited to, the costs of removal, the impound fee,
and the costs of storage and maintenance of the vessel, float and
mooring.
(5)
Exemption. The requirements of this subsection
shall not apply to temporary moorings installed to facilitate work
on projects for which all other necessary permits and approvals have
been issued by the Town of Huntington and any local, state or federal
agency having jurisdiction, or to temporary moorings installed to
facilitate work on projects financed or undertaken by the Town of
Huntington and/or the Board of Trustees.
(B) Permit application.
(1)
Residents and non-residents who own vessels or floats, and corporations
and other business entities, including commercial enterprises, shall
be entitled to make application to the Department of Maritime Services
for a mooring permit to place a mooring upon the underwater lands
over which the Town of Huntington and/or the Board of Trustees have
ownership or jurisdiction. Yacht clubs, marinas and boating associations
may apply for a mooring permit on behalf of their members, when acting
as the agent of the owner, as long as an original statement of authority
and proof of residency of the owner is produced at the time of application.
Mooring permits shall be issued in the order in which received and
residents of the Town of Huntington shall receive a preference over
non-residents. Renewals of mooring permits from the prior year shall
take priority over new applications if the permit holder is in good
standing as determined by the Department.
[Amended 6-16-2020 by L.L. No. 18-2020; 9-14-2021 by L.L. No. 57-2021]
(2)
Application. An application for a mooring permit shall be on
a form provided by the Department and shall be filed by the first
day of May of every calendar year. Any vessel with an internal fuel
tank shall be subject to insurance requirements for liability which
includes pollution mitigation and vessel wreck removal with limits
of three hundred thousand ($300,000) dollars per occurrence. The applicant
shall also provide a copy of the owner's driver's license together
with any other document or information requested by the Department.
All applications shall contain the following disclosure statement:
All moorings placed within 1,500 feet of an Incorporated Village are subject to the mooring regulations and restrictions of said Village, if any, as well as the applicable provisions of Chapter
137 of the Huntington Town Code.
[Amended 9-14-2021 by L.L. No. 57-2021]
(3) Insurance requirements. Any vessel with an internal fuel tank shall
be subject to insurance requirements for liability which includes
pollution mitigation and vessel wreck removal with limits of $300,000
per occurrence.
[Added 9-14-2021 by L.L. No. 57-2021]
(4) Attestation. All applicants for a mooring permit shall execute an
acknowledgement or attestation that the applicant is familiar with
and will abide by all applicable laws, rules and regulations of any
federal, state, town and village having jurisdiction over the anchoring
and mooring of vessels and floats.
[Added 9-14-2021 by L.L. No. 57-2021]
(5)
Application/permit fee. An application fee and mooring permit
fee in an amount established by the Town Board and/or Huntington Board
of Trustees shall be payable upon application.
(6)
Proof of residency. Residency shall be established
by the production of the following: (1) a true copy of the vessel
registration certificate and (2) a copy of the New York State driver's
license of the owner or, in lieu of a driver's license, such other
documentation as may be acceptable to the Department of Maritime Services.
In the event registration of the vessel is not required pursuant to
the applicable provisions of the New York State Navigation Law or
the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law, then, in that event, the
applicant shall produce such other documentation as is satisfactory
to the Department.
[Amended 9-14-2021 by L.L. No. 57-2021]
(7) Other documentation. The applicant shall provide such other documentation
or information requested by the Department.
[Added 9-14-2021 by L.L. No. 57-2021]
(8)
Renewal of permit. An application for a renewal
shall be on a form approved by the Department and shall be filed on
or before the date set by the Department of Maritime Services. An
application fee and permit fee as establishedd by the Town Board shall
be payable as in the case of an original application.
[Amended 9-14-2021 by L.L. No. 57-2021]
(C) Procedure upon application.
(1)
The Department shall determine whether a permit
should be issued and shall notify the applicant within five (5) days
of filing whether the application is granted or denied. In the event
the application is granted, the permit shall be issued forthwith upon
compliance with all applicable requirements. In the event the application
is denied, notice of denial of a permit shall be given in writing
by regular mail and addressed to the applicant at the address shown
on the application. Such notice shall set forth the grounds for the
denial and shall be final.
(2)
It shall be unlawful for any person to place or maintain a mooring
on the underwater lands over which the Town of Huntington and/or the
Board of Trustees have ownership or jurisdiction, or to tie or secure
a vessel or float or any other object to a mooring if a permit has
been denied. Any mooring so placed and vessel or float so tied shall
be impounded and stored by the Department of Maritime Services at
the owner's expense. Any mooring, vessel or float that has been impounded
may be redeemed upon proof of ownership and payment of the costs of
removal, the impound fee, and storage and maintenance costs, together
with other incidental expenses incurred by the Town, by credit card,
certified or bank check, or money order.
(D) Denial of permit application; grounds. An application
to place a mooring on the underwater lands over which the Town of
Huntington and/or the Board of Trustees have ownership or jurisdiction
may be denied by the Department of Maritime Services under the following
conditions:
[Amended 6-16-2020 by L.L. No. 18-2020; 9-14-2021 by L.L. No. 57-2021]
(1)
If fraud or a misrepresentation of a material
fact is contained in the application for a permit; or
(2)
If, within five (5) years of the application date, the applicant has been found by the Bureau of Administrative Adjudication or a court of competent jurisdiction to have violated a provision of this chapter or of Chapter
137 of the Huntington Town Code, or of any rule, regulation or law of any village, state or federal agency having jurisdiction over navigation, or if a mooring permit has previously been revoked, except that a permit may be granted if, in the judgment of the Department, the person has since conducted himself or herself in a law-abiding manner and the issuance of a permit will not be contrary to the laws or rules of any agency having jurisdiction, or endanger the public peace or good order, or jeopardize the safety of other permit holders, their vessels, or public or private property; or
(3)
If, within five (5) years of the application
date, the applicant has violated the conditions of a prior permit,
or the provisions of this article or of any rule or regulation issued
thereunder, or has knowingly disregarded or disobeyed a reasonable
request or order of the Department or other town official; or
(4)
If, in the judgment of the Department, the issuance
of a permit would jeopardize the safety of other permit holders, their
vessels, or any public or private property; or create a nuisance or
hazard; or jeopardize the use and enjoyment of surrounding properties;
or disrupt the peace and order.
(E) Term of permit. A mooring permit shall expire on December 15th of
the year of issuance.
(F) Acceptance of mooring permit or transient mooring permit. Acceptance
of a mooring permit or transient mooring permit shall constitute an
agreement by the permit holder that:
(1)
He or she will defend and hold the Town of Huntington and the
Board of Trustees harmless from any claim, loss, damage, suit or judgment
for property damage and/or personal injury, including death and reasonable
attorney fees, that may arise from or in connection with the operation,
tying, removal or disposal of the vessel or float, or the placing
and maintenance of the mooring, and further agrees to fully reimburse
the Town of Huntington and Board of Trustees for any damage caused
to Town of Huntington or Board of Trustee property as a consequence
of these activities; and
(2)
He or she agrees to be liable to the Town and Board of Trustees
for any costs, expenses, charges, and losses incurred by the Town
or Board of Trustees for the removal, impound, storage, disposal,
and sale of any vessel or float that becomes unseaworthy, swamped,
sunk, derelict or abandoned while tied to the mooring, and/or for
the costs of removing or relocating the vessel, float, or mooring
if it impedes or restricts navigation at the location.
(3) The permit holder agrees to comply with the applicable laws, rules
and regulations of any federal, state, town and/or village having
jurisdiction over the anchoring and mooring of vessels and floats.
[Added 9-14-2021 by L.L. No. 57-2021]
(G) Non-transferability of mooring permit or transient mooring permit.
It shall be unlawful for a mooring permit or transient mooring permit
to be assigned, sold or transferred by the holder. A mooring shall
be utilized only by the vessel or float for which the permit is issued
and a permit holder may not sublease the use of the mooring to another,
with the exception of transient mooring permit holders. Any person
who violates the provisions of this section shall be deemed to have
committed an offense against this article.
(H) Display of permit decals; identification of moorings.
(1)
Mooring permit decals shall be properly affixed
to the port side of a boat's transom in a conspicuous place so as
to be easily inspected. In the event the mooring is for a vessel other
than a boat or for a float, then the decal shall be conspicuously
placed for Town inspection.
(2)
All commercial entities, including but not limited
to, marinas, yacht clubs, boating associations and boat yards placing
moorings shall conspicuously mark all mooring balls or mooring floats
under their control or under the control of their members with the
name of the vessel owner, name of the vessel, or the name of the mooring
installer so as to be easily identified from the surface of the water.
(3)
All individuals placing moorings shall conspicuously
mark each mooring ball or mooring float under their control with the
name of the vessel or the name of the owner so as to be easily identified
from the surface of the water.
(4)
Any person or commercial entity who fails to
properly mark a mooring ball or mooring float, or to affix a mooring
permit decal to a vessel or float being moored as provided herein
shall be in violation of this article. In addition to any penalties
set forth in this article, any mooring, and any vessel or float tied
thereto which is not in compliance may be impounded, stored and secured
by the Department at the owner's expense.
(5)
Any vessel, float and/or mooring removed may
be redeemed by the owner or person in-charge thereof upon proof of
ownership, the presentation of a valid permit and the payment by credit
card, certified or bank check, or money order of all reasonable costs,
including but not limited to, the costs of removal, storage and maintenance
of the vessel, float and mooring.
(I) Regulations and restrictions.
(1)
Minimum standards for mooring vessels and floats:
[Amended 6-16-2020 by L.L. No. 18-2020]
Mooring*
|
---|
Length at Waterline of Boat
(feet)
|
Mushroom Anchor
(pounds)
|
Diameter of Top Half of Chain
(inches)
|
Diameter of Bottom Half of Chain
(inches)
|
Buoy Diameter
(inches)
|
Nylon Rope Diameter
(inches)
|
---|
15 to 19
|
100
|
5/16
|
3/8
|
15
|
1/2
|
20 to 24
|
150
|
5/16
|
3/8
|
15
|
1/2
|
25 to 29
|
200
|
3/8
|
3/8
|
15
|
3/4
|
30 to 34
|
300
|
3/8
|
1/2
|
15
|
3/4
|
35 to 39
|
350
|
3/8
|
1/2
|
15
|
3/4
|
40 to 44
|
400
|
1/2
|
5/8
|
18
|
3/4
|
45 to 49
|
500
|
1/2
|
5/8
|
18
|
1
|
50 to 54
|
550
|
5/8
|
3/4
|
24
|
1 1/4
|
55
|
700
|
5/8
|
3/4
|
24
|
1 1/2
|
* NOTES:
1. Shackles, swivels, etc., should
be a size larger than the size of the chain.
2. All buoys must protrude at least
twelve (12) inches above water.
3. All buoys shall have swivels located
not more than half way down the rode.
4. All moorings must be removed or
inspected annually.
5. All shackles must be safety wired
and maintained.
6. All pennants shall consist of two
lines for redundancy except in cases where a specialty high-strength
pennant line is used and the vessel does not have an anchor installed
at the bow.
|
(2)
No person shall tamper with or move any mooring
not owned or under the control of such person unless under the direction
of the Department.
(3)
No vessel or float shall be moored so that any
portion of the vessel or float is within a channel; or closer than
fifty (50) feet of a channel marker or designated public swimming
area; or closer than one hundred (100) feet of a town dock, float
or ramp; or at a location which impedes or restricts the swing of
any vessel or float already moored; or in such location as to impede
or create a hazard to navigation; or for any other reason that has
the potential to harm life or property.
[Amended 6-16-2020 by L.L. No. 18-2020]
(4)
There shall be no less than fifty (50) feet
between mooring buoys, unless otherwise approved by the Department.
(5)
If, in the judgment of the Department, a mooring,
or any part of a vessel or float being moored, is placed or located
so as to impede or create a hazard to navigation or to another vessel
or float, or is closer than fifty (50) feet of another mooring, or
within fifty (50) feet of a channel marker or designated swimming
area, or within a channel, or within one hundred (100) feet of a town
dock, float or ramp, or impedes the swing of any vessel or float already
moored, or for any other reason has the potential to harm life or
property, then in that event, the owner or person-in-charge of the
mooring, float or vessel thereof shall be given three (3) days prior
notice to remove and/or relocate the mooring, vessel or float by the
Department. In the event of the failure, neglect or refusal to take
corrective action within said three (3) day period, or any extension
granted by the Department, then the Department is authorized to remove
and/or relocate the mooring and vessel or float at the expense of
the owner. Any vessel, float or mooring removed may be redeemed by
the owner or person–in-charge thereof upon proof of ownership
and the payment of all reasonable costs incurred by the Town of Huntington.
Failure to pay the costs in full within ten (10) days of a request
by the Town shall be cause for the immediate revocation of the permit
by the Department.
(6)
Nothing contained in §
120-21(I)(5) shall prohibit the Department of Maritime Services from revoking the mooring permit at the expiration of three (3) days, or at the expiration of any extension granted by the Department, if no corrective action has been taken.
(7)
If, in the judgment of the Department, a mooring and/or vessel
or float tied thereto severely impedes or severely restricts navigation,
or is in such location so as to cause immediate and/or serious danger
to life or property, the Department may immediately impound and/or
relocate the mooring and/or vessel or float at the expense of the
owner without providing such three (3) day prior notice. Any mooring,
vessel or float that has been impounded may be redeemed upon proof
of ownership and payment of the costs of removal, the impound fee,
and storage and maintenance, together with other incidental expenses
incurred by the Town, by credit card, certified or bank check, or
money order. Failure to pay the costs in full within ten (10) days
of a request by the Town shall be cause for the immediate revocation
of the permit by the Department.
[Amended 6-16-2020 by L.L. No. 18-2020]
(J) Revocation of mooring permit; grounds. A permit to
place a mooring on the underwater lands over which the Town of Huntington
and/or the Board of Trustees have ownership or jurisdiction may be
revoked by the Director under the following conditions:
(1)
If fraud or a misrepresentation of a material
fact is contained in the application for a permit; or
(2)
The permit holder, during the permit term, has been found by the Bureau of Administrative Adjudication or a court of competent jurisdiction to have violated a provision of this chapter or of Chapter
137 of the Code of the Town of Huntington, or of any rule, regulation or law of any village, state or federal agency having jurisdiction over navigation, except that a permit may be continued if, in the judgment of the Director, the person has since conducted himself or herself in a law-abiding manner and the continuation of a permit will not be contrary to the laws or rules of any agency having jurisdiction, or disturb the public peace or good order, or jeopardize the safety of other permit holders, their vessels or public or private property; or
[Amended 6-16-2020 by L.L. No. 18-2020; 9-14-2021 by L.L. No. 57-2021]
(3)
If the permit holder violates the conditions
of the permit, or if any mooring for which a permit has been issued
is being used in violation of this article or of any rule or regulation
issued thereunder, or if the permit holder knowingly disregards or
disobeys a reasonable request or order of the Department or other
town official; or
(4)
If the permit holder, in the judgment of the
Director, conducts himself or herself in an unlawful manner or in
such manner as to constitute a breach of the peace, or so as to be
a menace, or so as to jeopardize the safety of other permit holders,
their vessels or public or private property.
(K) Revocation procedure; hearing.
(1)
Notice of intention to revoke a mooring permit
or transient mooring permit shall be mailed to the permit holder by
the Department by regular and by certified mail, return receipt requested,
to the address shown on the application, and by e-mail if known, with
a copy to the Huntington Town Clerk and Town Attorney. The notice
shall direct that remedial or other action be taken, if applicable,
by the date specified in the notice or the permit may be revoked.
Upon good cause shown to the satisfaction of the Department, the period
for compliance may be extended where remedial measures have been started
and the delay is not under the control of or due to the actions of
the person to whom the notice has been issued.
[Amended 6-16-2020 by L.L. No. 18-2020]
(2)
Contents of notice. In the event the revocation
of a permit is based upon conduct that cannot be remediated, the notice
shall describe the vessel or float; the date, time, place and nature
of the offense; and the date, time and place of the fact-finding hearing
before an Administrative Hearing Officer. In all other cases, the
notice of intention to revoke shall contain the following:
[Amended 6-16-2020 by L.L. No. 18-2020]
(a) A description of the vessel or float.
(b) The nature of the offense or reason for the proposed revocation.
(c) A description of the remedial action which, if taken, will effectuate
compliance with the notice.
(d) A statement that the remediation or abatement must commence immediately
upon receipt of the notice and completed within a specified date.
A statement that if the remediation or abatement is completed to the
satisfaction of the Department within such period, no hearing will
occur and the permit will remain valid.
(e) A statement that in the event of the failure or refusal of the person
to whom the notice is issued to comply by the date on the notice or
approved date of extension, a preliminary fact finding hearing will
be held on the date, time and place specified in the notice before
an Administrative Hearing Officer, who shall consider the evidence
and submit his or her findings and recommendations to the Director
for ultimate determination.
(f) A statement that in the event of the failure to comply or appear
for a hearing, the notice shall automatically become a final order
of revocation.
(3)
Amendment, modification or withdrawal. The Department
may amend, modify or withdraw any notice issued if the circumstances
warrant such action provided the amended or modified notice is served
as provided in (1) herein within ten (10) days of service of the original
notice, and a hearing has not occurred.
[Amended 6-16-2020 by L.L. No. 18-2020]
(4) At the hearing the permit holder may be represented by counsel and
may submit such competent evidence as he or she deems advisable or
necessary. The Hearing Officer shall submit his findings and recommendations
to the Director. A copy of the Hearing Officer's report shall be filed
with the Town Clerk and Town Attorney and mailed to the permit holder
by regular and certified mail, return receipt requested, to the address
shown on the application along with a statement that the permit holder
has five (5) days from receipt of the report to submit to the Director
his written objections thereto. The Director shall consider the applicant's
written statement and the Hearing Officer's report, and may adopt
or reject, in whole or in part any portion thereof as he or she deems
advisable or necessary under the circumstances; and may thereafter
revoke the permit, or withdraw the notice of intention to revoke with
or without such terms and conditions as the Director establishes to
protect the health, welfare and safety of the public, or to maintain
the peace and good order. The decision of the Director shall be filed
in the Office of the Town Clerk and Town Attorney and served upon
the permit holder in the same manner as the report. The decision of
the Director is final. If the permit is revoked, the fee paid for
the mooring permit or transient mooring permit shall not be refunded.
[Amended 6-16-2020 by L.L. No. 18-2020]
(5) Final order. The notice of intention to revoke shall automatically
become an order of revocation if there is no compliance and there
has been no appearance at the fact finding hearing by the person to
whom a notice has been issued. The order, when issued, shall be served
in the same manner as the original notice.
(6)
It shall be unlawful for a person to allow a mooring to continue
on the underwater lands over which the Town of Huntington and/or the
Board of Trustees have ownership or jurisdiction, or to tie or continue
to secure a vessel or float or any other object to a mooring if a
mooring permit has been revoked. Any mooring, and any vessel or float
attached thereto, which is not removed by the owner shall be impounded
forthwith and stored by the Department at the expense of the owner.
Any mooring, vessel, or float that has been impounded may be redeemed
upon proof of ownership and payment of the costs of removal, the impound
fee, and storage and maintenance, together with all other incidental
expenses incurred by the Town, by credit card, certified or bank check,
or money order.
(7)
The Director may establish such other rules and regulations,
not inconsistent with this article, as he/she deems advisable and/or
necessary to maintain the peace and good order or to safeguard the
health, safety and welfare of the public and/or navigable waters.
(8)
No person shall knowingly refuse or neglect to obey any reasonable
request or order of the Department or other town official.
(L) Transient mooring permit.
[Amended 6-16-2020 by L.L. No. 18-2020]
(1)
Application; grounds for denial. Corporations and other business
entities, including without limitation, commercial enterprises, yacht
clubs, marinas, boating associations and commercial mooring installers
may file an application for a transient mooring permit to accommodate
the temporary berthing of a vessel or float. Transient mooring permits
for residential use shall not be issued. The application shall be
in a form approved by the Department and shall be filed with the Department.
A non-refundable application and mooring fee in an amount established
by the Town Board shall be paid at the time of application. The Department
shall establish such procedures it deems necessary to process applications
for transient mooring permits and may deny an application if, in the
judgment of the Department, the issuance of a permit to the applicant
would, because of the mooring's intended location or other reason,
jeopardize the safety of permit holders, their vessels, floats, or
public or private property; or impede or restrict safe navigation;
or would create a hazard or danger; or would negatively impact or
unduly disturb marine organisms and/or the underwater lands; or would
jeopardize the peace and good order. An application may also be denied
if, in the judgment of the Department, the location of the vessel
or float does not comply with applicable village, town, federal, state
or local environmental or safety laws, rules or regulations, or with
the applicable laws, rules or regulations of any governmental agency
having jurisdiction over navigation.
[Amended 9-14-2021 by L.L. No. 57-2021]
(2)
Conditions. Transient permits shall be issued by the Department
on such terms and conditions it deems necessary.
(3)
Revocation. The Director may revoke a transient mooring permit if the permit holder or user of the mooring has knowingly disregarded or disobeyed a reasonable request or order of the Department or other town official, or conducts himself or herself in an unlawful manner or in such manner as to constitute a breach of the peace, or so as to be a menace or a hazard, or because of the size or location of the vessel or float moored thereat, or for other reasons that jeopardize the safety of other permit holders, their vessels, floats or public or private property, or impedes or restricts safe navigation, or negatively impacts or unduly disturbs marine organisms and/or the underwater lands, or the permit holder or user of the mooring does not comply with applicable village, town, federal, state or local environmental or safety laws, rules or regulations, or the applicable laws, rules or regulations of any governmental agency having jurisdiction over navigation. A revocation hearing shall occur as set forth in §
120-21(K).
[Amended 9-14-2021 by L.L. No. 57-2021]
(4)
Prohibition. It shall be unlawful for any person to place or
maintain a transient mooring on the underwater lands over which the
Town of Huntington and/or the Board of Trustees have ownership or
jurisdiction, or to tie or secure a vessel or float or any other object
to a transient mooring if a transient mooring permit has been denied
or revoked. Any mooring so placed or continued, and any vessel or
float so tied shall be impounded and stored by the Department of Maritime
Services at the owner's expense. Any mooring, vessel or float that
has been impounded may be redeemed upon proof of ownership and payment
of the costs of removal, the impound fee, and storage and maintenance
costs, together with other incidental expenses incurred by the Town,
by credit card, certified or bank check, or money order.
(5)
Marking of moorings. Holders of transient permits shall conspicuously
mark each mooring ball being utilized with the organization, club,
marina or association's name so as to be easily identified from the
surface of the water. Any person who fails to properly mark a mooring
ball as provided herein shall be in violation of this article. In
addition to any penalties set forth in this article, any vessel or
float tied or anchored to a mooring without such identification being
displayed on the mooring shall be impounded, stored and secured by
the Department at the owner's expense. Any mooring, vessel, or float
that has been impounded may be redeemed upon proof of ownership and
payment of the costs of removal, the impound fee, and storage and
maintenance charges, together with all other incidental expenses incurred
by the Town, by credit card, certified or bank check, or money order.
(M) Authority of Department.
(1)
The Department may move any mooring placed on underwater lands over which the Town of Huntington and/ or the Board of Trustees have ownership or jurisdiction for the purpose of inspection, or for any reason set forth in §
120-21(I)(5) and
(7).
[Amended 6-16-2020 by L.L. No. 18-2020]
(2)
In the event of a dispute between or among holders
of mooring permits regarding the placement or location of moorings,
the decision of the Senior Harbor Master shall be final and binding
upon all the parties involved in the dispute.
(3)
The Director of Maritime Services may establish
such other procedures and guidelines, not inconsistent with this article,
as he/she deems advisable and/or necessary to maintain the peace and
good order or to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of the public,
public and private property, navigable waters, marine organisms, and/or
the underwater lands.
[Amended 6-16-2020 by L.L. No. 18-2020]
(4)
It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly
refuse or neglect to obey any reasonable request or order of the Department
of Maritime Services or other town official.
[Amended 6-16-2020 by L.L. No. 18-2020]
[Amended 6-18-2019 by L.L. No. 28-2019]
Nothing contained in this article is intended
to restrict or limit the ability of a peace officer or other member
of the Department of Maritime Services, or the Incorporated Villages
within the Town, or the Suffolk County Police Department, the United
States Coast Guard or any state or federal agency having jurisdiction,
to patrol or otherwise perform the duties of their office within the
waterways over which the Town of Huntington and/or the Board of Trustees
have ownership or jurisdiction.
[Added 2-1-2011 by L.L. No. 4-2011]
(A) Impound
and storage fees.
(1)
The owner or person-in-charge of any vessel, float or mooring
impounded by the Department pursuant to this chapter shall be liable
for an impound fee per float, vessel or mooring in an amount established
by the Town Board from time to time. An impounded vessel or float
shall be stored at a cost per foot as measured length overall for
each day, or part thereof, a vessel or float is stored by the Director
at town facilities. Moorings shall be stored at a cost per pound.
These charges shall be established by the Town Board and are in addition
to any other direct or incidental costs incurred by the Town. In the
event it is necessary for the Director to retain the services of an
outside vendor to render these services the impound fee shall be payable
to the Town, and the owner or person-in-charge of the vessel, float
or mooring shall be liable for the costs of hauling, transportation,
and storage charged by the vendor.
[Amended 6-18-2019 by L.L. No. 28-2019; 6-16-2020 by L.L. No. 18-2020]
(2) The owner or person-in-charge of a vessel, float or mooring which
has been impounded shall be notified by the Department and directed
to claim and remove the vessel, float or mooring from the storage
facility within 24 hours of receipt of the notice. Where the vessel,
float or mooring is stored at a town facility, failure to claim and
remove the same within the time specified shall subject the owner
or person-in-charge to a storage fee to be calculated from the expiration
of the 24 hour period. Notice may be given by telephone, regular mail,
or certified mail return receipt requested, and addressed to the last
known address of the owner or person-in-charge, or through any other
method deemed reasonable or necessary by the Director.
(B) Relocation of moorings. The Town Board shall establish a per pound
fee to be charged in the event a mooring is relocated.
[Amended 6-18-2019 by L.L. No. 28-2019]
[Amended 6-18-2019 by L.L. No. 28-2019; 11-6-2019 by L.L. No. 56-2019]
(A) For each violation of §
120-3(A) of this article, a fine of not less than five hundred ($500) dollars nor more than two thousand five hundred ($2,500) dollars, or by imprisonment for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days, or by both such fine and imprisonment, upon a conviction of a first offense; upon a conviction of a second or subsequent offense committed within five (5) years of the first offense, a fine of not less than one thousand ($1,000) dollars nor more than three thousand five hundred ($3,500) dollars, or by imprisonment for a period not to exceed six (6) months, or by both a fine and imprisonment. Each day a violation is caused or permitted to exist shall constitute a separate offense, punishable in like manner. Any person found by the Bureau of Administrative Adjudication to have violated §
120-3(A) of this article shall likewise be subject to a monetary penalty in an amount within the range of fines authorized herein for a first offense, subsequent offenses and continuing offenses, respectively.
[Amended 9-14-2021 by L.L. No. 50-2021]
(B) In addition to the penalties set forth above, the Town Attorney is authorized to pursue civil and equitable relief in the name of the Town in a court of competent jurisdiction, against any person violating §
120-3(A) of this article, including up to five thousand ($5,000.) dollars in civil penalties.
(C) For each offense based on a violation of §
120-3(B) of this article, a fine of not less than two hundred fifty ($250) dollars nor more than one thousand ($1,000) dollars or imprisonment for a period not to exceed fifteen (15) days, or by both a fine and imprisonment. Any person found by the Bureau of Administrative Adjudication to have violated §
120-3(B) of this article shall likewise be subject to a monetary penalty in an amount within the range of fines authorized herein.
(D) For a violation of § 120-7(C)(2) of this
article, the penalties and/or punishment shall be the same as set
forth in § 73-b of the New York State Navigation Law or
other applicable law, and any amendment or successor law. In addition,
the privilege to operate a vessel and the vessel registration may
be suspended as set forth in § 45(7) of the New York State
Navigation Law or other applicable law, and any amendment or successor
law.
(E) For a violation of § 120-7(G)(1) of this
article, the penalties and/or punishment shall be as set forth in
the applicable provisions of § 49-a of the New York State
Navigation Law or other applicable law, and any amendment or successor
law.
(F) For a violation of § 120-7(G)(2) or (3)
of this article, the penalties and/or punishment shall be as set forth
in the applicable provisions of § 49-a of the New York State
Navigation Law or other applicable law, and any amendment or successor
law.
(G) For each offense based on a violation of §
120-14(A) or
(B) of this article, the punishment shall be a fine of not less than five hundred ($500) dollars nor more than two thousand five hundred ($2,500) dollars or imprisonment not exceeding three (3) months, or both such fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court. Any person found by the Bureau of Administrative Adjudication to have violated §
120-14(A) or
(B) of this article shall likewise be subject to a monetary penalty in an amount within the range of fines authorized herein.
(H) For a violation of §
120-16 of this article, the penalties and/or punishment shall be as set forth in the provisions of § 44 of the New York State Navigation Law, and any amendment or successor law, unless preempted or superseded by federal law, rules or regulations.
(I) For each offense based on a violation of § 120-21(a)(1)
or (2), (C)(2), (K)(6), and (L)(4) of this article, the punishment
shall be a fine of not less than two hundred fifty ($250) dollars
nor more than five hundred dollars ($500). Each day or part thereof
the violation continues shall constitute a separate offense and shall
be punishable in a like manner. Any person found by the Bureau of
Administrative Adjudication to have violated any of these provisions
shall likewise be subject to a monetary penalty in an amount within
the range of fines authorized herein.
[Amended 9-14-2021 by L.L. No. 50-2021]
(J) Any person violating any other provision of this article shall, upon
conviction, be punished by a fine of not less than one hundred ($100)
dollars nor more than one thousand five hundred ($1,500) dollars for
a first offense and by a fine of not less than three hundred ($300)
dollars nor more than two thousand five hundred ($2,500) dollars or
imprisonment not exceeding fifteen (15) days, or both such fine and
imprisonment, in the discretion of the court, for a second or subsequent
offense committed within five (5) years of the first offense. Each
day, or part thereof, such violation is permitted to continue shall
constitute a separate offense and shall be punishable in like manner.
Any person found by the Bureau of Administrative Adjudication to have
violated any other provision of this article shall likewise be subject
to a monetary penalty in an amount within the range of fines authorized
herein for a first offense, subsequent offenses and continuing offenses,
respectively.
[Amended 9-14-2021 by L.L. No. 50-2021]