PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AMENDMENTS TO SECTION
12.04.010 DEFINITIONS AND SECTION 12.20.010 CONDUCT
IN CITY PARKS - PROHIBITED ACTIONS OF THE LATHROP
MUNICIPAL CODE (LMC)
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 13, 2025 | ITEM 5.1
INTRODUCTION
With the increased use of City Parks, staff identified and is proposing amendments to the Lathrop Municipal Code (LMC) with the intent of providing clarification on prohibited actions in City Parks that address minimizing safety concerns, limiting destruction of property and providing clarity on when permitting is required. Staff is also proposing the addition of new prohibitions intended to provide clarity when Special Use Permit is required.
The LMC Sections are:
• Section 12.04.010 “Definitions”
• Section 12.20.010 “Conduct in City Parks- Prohibited Actions” SECTION 12.04.010
DEFINITIONS
Staff is proposing the following amendments to the LMC Section 12.04.010 – Definitions:
The addition of the definition “Special Use Permit” to Section 12.04.010 of LMC, which will add clarity when the term is used within sections of the LMC. The Special Use Permit Policy was previously approved by City Council in May of 2023.
• “Special Use Permit” refers to a permit issued by City Council for the use of a City Park to host a public event which is not affiliated with the City of Lathrop pursuant to Resolution 23-5265.
SECTION 12.20.010
CONDUCT IN CITY PARKS – PROHIBITED ACTIONS
Staff is proposing the following amendments to the LMC Section12.20.010 - Conduct in City Parks- Prohibited Actions:
• The addition of “electric” and “motorcycles” to the list of vehicles prohibited from operating in within the parks with the intent to limit destruction of property that can occur when such vehicles are driven through the grass.
• 12.20.010 E. To operate a gasoline or electric powered go-cart, motorcycle or midget car within a park without prior written permission from the city. • The addition of “shade structure” and “dugout” to the list of structures that people are prohibited from climbing on. The intent is to minimize safety concerns caused by the potential of falling off these structures and limit the destruction of property caused by people climbing on these structures.
• 12.20.010 P. To climb onto any building structure, shade structure, dugout or tree on park grounds.
SECTION 12.20.010
CONDUCT IN CITY PARKS – PROHIBITED ACTIONS
• The addition of verbiage to further define what is deemed “organized play” which is intended to clarify when permitting is required.
• 12.20.010 V. To play or engage in any organized sports play without a permit, or to play any organized sport in places that are not specifically provided or designated for that purpose without a permit. For purposes of this subsection, "organized sports play" shall mean any practice, game, tournament, contest, or other activity in which more than 15 8 persons participate, or in which the time and place of play have been predetermined by either the participants or any other person or organization, or in which participants have paid to participate. In addition, the wearing of uniforms by three or more persons, or the presence of game officials shall constitute evidence of organized sports play.
SECTION 12.20.010
CONDUCT IN CITY PARKS – PROHIBITED ACTIONS
Staff is proposing the new prohibitions to the LMC Section12.20.010 - Conduct in City ParksProhibited Actions:
• To erect any structures including bounce houses, pop-up tents or canopies (larger than 10’ by 10’) without a Special Use Permit or without an approved Partnership Agreement; • To host public or private events outside of the designated reservable or first come, first served shelter without a Special Use Permit or without an approved Partnership Agreement; • To host an event requiring an entry fee, within any park without a Special Use Permit or without an approved Partnership Agreement;
• To host a gathering with more attendees than the posted capacities without a Special Use Permit or without an approved Partnership Agreement;
• The sale of items may not occur within a city park, park facility or parking lot without a permit issued by the parks and recreation department or without an approved Partnership Agreement.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommend the following actions:
• Hold a Public Hearing
• Conduct First Reading and Introduction of Amendments to Section 12.20.010 “Definitions” and Section 12.20.010 “Conduct in City Parks - Prohibited Actions” of the LMC