The purpose of this ordinance is to reduce existing conflicts and limit potential conflicts between uses of the coastal waters of San Francisco, eliminate adverse impacts to the diverse and unusual species found in the San Francisco Bay, promote overall public safety, and decrease hydrocarbon pollution that is disproportionately caused by personal watercraft.
Conflicts between uses have the potential to increase in the future because of increasing development of shoreline areas. Examples of conflicts that currently occur are those between personal watercraft and individuals engaged in water sports such as kayaking, windsurfing, swimming, and canoeing, due to the nature and design of personal watercraft: high maneuverability, high speed, ability to travel in shallow areas, and noise patterns that are unique and annoying.
Conflicts also occur between shoreline uses in areas zoned for commercial and open space activities and personal watercraft because of the nature and design of these vessels.
(Added by Ord. 285-98, App. 9/18/98)