After binge watching Suits over the past few days, my head has been swarming with legal terms. It was an episode that inspired this article in which the main lawyer wins a trial after finding an obscure law in the Municipal Code. So, I took a few hours to read almost the complete Nevada County Municipal Code Book searching for things to write about. Here are some of the strange and unexpected rules in Nevada County!
All the intriguing tidbits shared here are sourced from the most current publication of Nevada County’s Municipal Code Book (December 18, 2024).
To Ski or Not to Ski…
Under Section 10.15.050, it is unlawful for any person to ski faster than what is deemed safe. In addition, all skiers are obligated to ski in a safe and reasonable manner. Anyone found violating this rule can be fined up to $100. The only real question I have is, have they ever been to the bunny slopes? Nothing is safe there.
Ski-daddle on the Slopes
If you happen to be involved in a skiing collision that causes bodily injury to another party, Section 10.15.040 requires you not to leave the scene without providing your name and address to the ski patrol in the area where the injury occurred. Failing to do so will result in a misdemeanor charge and a hefty fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both. If you think about it, a hit-and-run on the slopes is just a really cold “ski”-daddle!
No Smoking, Unless…
According to Section 7.01.070, smoking is generally prohibited in all publicly or privately owned buildings, except if smoking is an integral part of the story in a theatrical production. So if you’re an aspiring actor in need of a smoke, claim it’s part of your characters personality to have a legal way to light up!
All Kinds of Animals
When talking about animal control, most people equate them to dog catchers. But Section 8.01.120 includes rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, pot-bellied pigs, and even reptiles as animals that can be impounded by Animal Control Officers. Can you imagine how amusing it would be to see a pot=bellied pig be impounded?
The Law of Bingo
For bingo enthusiasts, Section 6.10.010 outlines specific rules surrounding bingo games. To start, no minors are allowed to participate in any bingo game (Subsection E). Additionally, the total value of prizes awarded during an evening of bingo cannot exceed $250 for each separate game (Subsection J). If i could find a bingo game with a prize of that amount, I might just take a chance and play.
These strange laws serve as a reminder that small town legislation has its quirks.
It also makes you wonder, what exactly happened to cause these laws?
What’s your take? Drop it below!