Sec. 388.407. - Enforcement Procedures.

(a) A law enforcement officer who has reason to believe that a vessel exists on the waters of the county in violation of this Part has the authority to investigate consistent with this Part. (b) A law enforcement officer investigating a violation of this Part shall make a reasonable effort to ascertain the name and address of the owner and any lien holder. (c) Prior to issuing a citation, the law enforcement officer shall provide the owner, operator, or other person legally responsible for the subject vessel notice of the violation, as described in Section 388.408 , and an opportunity to demonstrate proof that the vessel has not exceeded the limitations on anchoring. Proof that the vessel has not exceeded the limitations on anchoring may include any of the following: (1) Documentation showing that the vessel was in another location at least eight nautical miles away, and for at least 24 hours, within a period of less than 45 days before the inquiry; or (2) Electronic evidence, including, but not limited to, navigational devices or tracking devices permanently affixed to the vessel that show the vessel was in another location at least eight nautical miles away, for at least 24 hours, within a period of less than 45 days before the inquiry. (d) After the period for notice of violation as described in Section 388.408 (a), if the owner, operator, or other person legally responsible for the vessel fails or refuses to correct the violation or timely provide proof that the vessel has not exceeded the limitations on anchoring, the law enforcement officer who has reasonable cause to believe that the vessel is in violation of this Part may issue a citation as described in Section 388.409 . (Ord. 2022-61-E , § 3; Ord. 2025-432-E , § 6)