1. This chapter and other applicable laws of this state govern the operation, equipment, numbering and all other matters relating thereto of any vessel whenever the vessel is operated or maintained on the waters of this state under the jurisdiction of the commission, but this chapter does not prevent the adoption of any ordinance or local law relating to the operation or equipment of vessels. Such ordinances or local law are operative only so long as they are not inconsistent with this chapter or the rules adopted by the commission.

Terms Used In Iowa Code 462A.17

  • Commission: means the natural resource commission. See Iowa Code 462A.2
  • Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
  • state: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the territories, and the words "United States" may include the said district and territories. See Iowa Code 4.1
  • Vessel: means every description of watercraft, other than a seaplane, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water or ice. See Iowa Code 462A.2
  • Waters of this state under the jurisdiction of the commission: means any navigable waters within the territorial limits of this state, and the marginal river areas adjacent to this state, exempting only farm ponds and privately owned lakes. See Iowa Code 462A.2
 2. Any subdivision of this state may, but only after public notice thereof by publication in a newspaper having a general circulation in such subdivision, make formal application to the commission for special rules and regulations concerning the operation of vessels on any waters within its territorial limits and shall set forth therein the reasons which make such special rules or regulations necessary or appropriate.
 3. The commission, upon application of local authorities, may make special rules in conformity with this chapter, concerning the operation of vessels on any waters of this state under the jurisdiction of the commission within the territorial limits of any subdivision of this state. Special rules shall only be adopted upon a finding by the commission that the rules are necessary to carry out the policies and purposes of this chapter due to special conditions with regard to a particular body of water and that the special rules provide greater protection to the public health, safety, and welfare than the rules of general application.