County Powers Over Harbors

Division 7, Chapter 3 of the California Harbors and Navigation Code deals with the general powers of counties over harbors and navigation. Article 1 deals with towpaths.

Section 4150 authorizes the board of supervisors of each county to, when public convenience for the purpose of commerce requires it, cause to be located and opened a towpath, not exceeding ten feet in width, along the banks of any navigable stream within the county.

Section 4151 requires, in order to locate and open a towpath, the same proceedings to be taken as are required by law to be taken in the respective counties of this State for the purpose of locating and opening public highways.

Section 4152 prohibits the owner of any land over which a towpath is located and opened to be deprived of the water frontage.

Section 4153 states that it is not necessary to construct or maintain fences on either side of any towpath, but the board of supervisors may make all necessary regulations for the government and management of towpaths, and may provide for the erection of gates and for the full and complete protection of the property through which the towpath passes.

Article 2 deals with miscellaneous items. Section 4160 authorizes the board of supervisors of any county in which there is a port of entry or harbor to adopt by ordinance and appoint a board of health, or health officer, locate quarantine grounds when necessary, and provide for the enforcement of quarantine regulations.