Bass Lake Homeowners Association

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Issues

We want your opinion.

Shown below are current and historical issues which the BLHA has taken a position on. When we take a position or a course of action, we recognize that it may not be clear to all of our members why we did so. It is highly unlikely that our membership will ever be unanimous on issues concerning what is best for property owners and for Bass Lake. We are sincerely trying to represent all members, and if that is not possible, to represent the opinions and best interests of a majority of them.

Please let us know how you feel about any issue, past, present, or future. We promise to listen to your views, and to fully consider them as we work for the good of all property owners. Please also understand that we can not always respond directly to your request, nor are we willing or able to adopt positions or take action on every suggestion or position. We are a volunteer organization, and we believe we need to expend our limited resources on issues that affect the greater majority.

Dates in parentheses indicate latest update.

Pines Resort Town Home Subdivision  (July 2007)
The former owners of the Pines Resort still owns several parcels adjacent to the Post Office and up hill towards Road 274. The parcels are also adjacent to Crane Valley Road. These parcel are zoned for Commercial and High Density residential development. The owners have requested a change in the general plan and re-zoning to create a low density residential subdivision. The proposal included 67 units.


New Speed limit for 2005
After much disscussion by proponents and opponants the sheriff has decied on the following formula. Your association supported the sheriffs plan. There are new noise regulations too.

Except as follows there is no speed limit.  New this summer is a 40 MPH speed limit per County Ordinance Section 9.28.140 called the "RED FLAG PERIOD"
The red flag will be flown (at the sheriffs tower and other locations) under the following conditions:
    1.  On Memorial Day and Labor Day Holiday weekends
              Saturday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
              Sunday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
              Monday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
    2.  On the July 4th Holiday
             If a three day weekend from 10:00 AM to 8 PM all three days
             If during the week, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM on the 4th only
    3.  Whenever the visibility on the lake surface is less that 200 ft.
    4.  Whenever the surface conditions of the lake is such that white capped waves caused either by wind or
          watercraft or both a visible for an extended period of time.
    5.  Any other period, when in the opinion of the Sheriff enforcement personnel, speeds in excess of 40
         MPH are hazardous and create an unsafe condition on the lake.

New Noise Regulations
An increasing number of people have complained about loud boats. The law changes 1-1-05 whereas the  Sheriff can now measure noise at your boat making easier to enforce the regulations. Below is Local and California State law.  If your boat has a dry stack or designed for racing you will likely fail this new test.

Madera County Code;  Section 9.28.145 Excessive Noise. Every motorized watercraft shall at all times be equipped with an adequate muffler in constant operation and properly maintained to prevent excessive or unusual noise. Exhaust noise substantially louder that the watercraft's motor shall be considered excessive.

CALIFORNIA HARBORS AND NAVIGATION CODE
654.05.  (a) A person may not operate a motorized
recreational vessel in or upon the inland waters, or in or upon ocean
waters that are within one mile of the coastline of the state, in a manner that exceeds the following noise levels:
   (1) For engines manufactured before January 1, 1993, a noise level of 90 dB(A) when subjected to the Society of Automotive Engineers Recommended Practice SAE J2005 (Stationary Sound Level Measurement Procedure for Pleasure Motorboats).
   (2) For engines manufactured on or after January 1, 1993, a noise level of 88 dB(A) when subjected to the Society of Automotive Engineers Recommended Practice SAE J2005 (Stationary Sound Level Measurement Procedure for Pleasure Motorboats).
   (3) A noise level of 75 dB(A) measured as specified in the Society of Automotive Engineers Recommended Practice SAE J1970 (Shoreline Sound Level Measurement Procedure).  However, a measurement of noise level that is in compliance with this paragraph does not preclude the conducting of a test of noise levels under paragraph (1) or (2).
   (b) A law enforcement officer utilizing a decibel measuring device for the purposes of enforcing this section shall be knowledgeable and proficient in the use of that device.
   (c) The department may, by regulation, revise the measurement procedure when deemed necessary to adjust to advances in technology.
   (d) This section does not apply to motorized recreational vessels competing under a local public entity or United States Coast Guard permit in a regatta, in a boat race, while on trial runs, or while on official trials for speed records during the time and in the designated area authorized by the permit.  In addition, this section does not apply to motorized recreational vessels preparing for a race or regatta if authorized by a permit issued by the local entity having jurisdiction over the area where these preparations occur.
   (e) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2005.

SAE J2005 test
(The noise emission test measurements shall be made with the sound level meter at a distance of at least 4 feet above the water at a point where the transom gunwale and port or starboard gunwale intersects. The vessel being tested shall operate its engine at low throttle setting in neutral gear. Personal watercraft and other boats which have no neutral gear shall operate at the lowest throttle setting with no or minimum headway motion.)

654.  (a) The exhaust of every internal combustion engine used on any motorized recreational vessel shall be effectively muffled at all times to prevent any excessive or unusual noise and as may be necessary to comply with Section 654.05.
   (b) This section does not apply to motorized recreational vessels competing under a local public entity or United States Coast Guard permit in a regatta, in a boat race, while on trial runs, or while on official trials for speed records during the time and in the designated area authorized by the permit.  In addition, this section does not apply to motorized recreational vessels preparing for a race or regatta if authorized by a permit issued by the local entity having jurisdiction over the area where the preparations occur.
   (c) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2005, and as of that date is repealed, unless a later enacted statute that is enacted before January 1, 2005, deletes or extends that date.