Rules and Enforcement

RULES AND ENFORCEMENT

It’s important to remember that the Irvine Open Space Preserve is a natural environment, and that naturally-occurring conditions (e.g. weather patterns such as heavy rains or Santa Ana winds, and behavioral changes within animal populations such as rattlesnakes) and anthropogenic conditions (e.g. illegal trails through sensitive habitat areas) may require the City to restrict public access or activities.

During your visit to the Preserve, please pay attention to informational signs and respect barriers such as gates, boulders, and cactus. From time to time you may also encounter City of Irvine staff, Irvine Ranch Conservancy naturalists, and Irvine Open Space Patrol officers…please follow their guidance, as they are present to protect both you and the land. Violation of the rules may earn you a citation.

 

 

Irvine Open Space Preserve Rules

1. The Irvine Open Space Preserve is open from 7:00 a.m. to Sunset. Please note that the hours of operation for nearby public parking may differ.
2. Certain trails within the Irvine Open Space Preserve are open daily for self-guided access (e.g. Quail Loop, Quail Trail, Bommer Canyon, etc.); other trails may only be accessed through docent-led activities due to sensitive habitat.
3. Visitors are advised that the Irvine Open Space Preserve is land in its natural condition, and that certain risks, such as wildlife (e.g. rattlesnakes, bees, and coyotes) and slippery or rough trail conditions may exist in the area.
4. Wildlife (both plants and animals) is to be protected. No wildlife should be fed, approached, harmed, or disturbed. Activities likely to degrade, impede, disrupt, or cause irreversible harm to the Irvine Open Space Preserve’s protected habitat will not be allowed.
5. No pets are allowed in the Irvine Open Space Preserve. Exception: leashed dogs are allowed on the Quail Loop Trail.
6. No smoking is permitted in the Irvine Open Space Preserve, whether in vehicles or on foot.
7. Visitors are required to do everything possible to prevent fires from occurring. Vehicles equipped with catalytic converter exhaust systems must be kept on paved roads only, and may not be parked near or over tall grass.
8. Access to any area may be restricted by the City during fire hazard events such as those caused by Santa Ana wind conditions. Notification shall occur 48 hours in advance or at the earliest possible time of available communication.
9. Access to any area may be restricted by the City after heavy rains. Notification shall occur 48 hours in advance or at the earliest possible time of available communication.
10. Depending on the type of event planned, the potential impact to the surrounding habitat, and the ability of the visitor to meet City requirements, the maximum allowable group size may be increased or decreased at the discretion of the Director of Community Services.
11. Access permits are required for certain groups or activities.

 

Additional Rules and Regulation

Click here for the City’s Public Facilities Reservation and Fee Policies.

Click here for the City’s Municipal Code sections pertaining to the Irvine Open Space Preserve (Type “Open Space” in search field. The specific code is Sec. 3-4-128 through Sec. 3-4-139).