The new rafting ordinance passed by the Lake Norman Marine
Commission on 7-12-04.
The ordinance is as follows, as written and distributed by the Lake
Norman Marine Commission:
SECTION
1. SHORT TITLE
These regulations may be cited as the Rafting Safety Regulations.
SECTION
2. JURISDICTIONAL BOUNDARIES
These regulations shall be applicable on the waters of Lake Norman,
the Boundaries of which are described in Chapter 1089, House Bill
1324 of The Sessions Laws of 1969 of the State of North Carolina.
SECTION
3. DEFINITIONS
As used in these regulations, unless the context clearly requires a
different meaning:
-
“Commission means the Lake Norman Marine
Commission.
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“Rafting? means the anchoring, tying,
fastening, linking, or joining of any combination of three (3)
or more vessels together.
-
“Vessel? means every description of
watercraft or structure used or capable of being used as a means
of transportation or habitation on the water..
-
“Shoreline? means the full pond contour as
defined by 760ft elevation.
SECTION 4. REGULATIONS FOR RAFTING:
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Rafting of three (3) to ten (10) vessels must
be conducted at least 100 yards from the shoreline. These groups
of vessels must be at least 200 yards apart from any other
[vessel] or group of vessels tied or attached together. Rafting
of eleven (11) or more vessels will only be allowed at a
distance of 300 yards or greater from the shoreline.
-
Within 100 yards of the shoreline, one (1) or
two (2) vessels can be tied or anchored but must be at least 50
yards from any other vessel or group of vessels tied or anchored
to each other.
-
The Commission may place “NO RAFTING –
Maximum fine - $500? signs in areas where rafting is prohibited
by this Ordinance.
-
Special Events Permits may be issued by the
Commission upon application that will allow rafting in areas
where rafting is otherwise prohibited by this Ordinance.
Approval will be based on assurances by the Applicant(s) that
all reasonable care will be taken to ensure that nearby
residents or boaters will not be bothered by undue noise or poor
behavior and that any islands used will be policed and cleaned
up after the Event. Future Applications may be denied if serious
complaints result or if Law Enforcement becomes involved. A $100
Application Fee will be required. Applications must be received
in writing at least 60 days before the requested Event.
SECTION 5. VIOLATIONS
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Any person found in violation of these
regulations shall be guilty of a Class 3 Misdemeanor and shall
be subject to a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500)
for each such violations.
SECTION 6. ENFORCEMENT
Law enforcement officials shall enforce these regulations.
SECTION 7. EFFECTIVE DATES
