07 NCAC 14B .0608          ROCK CLIMBING

(a)  Rock climbing, bouldering, or rappelling is prohibited except in areas designated by the Zoo Director or their designee. The Zoo Director or their designee may designate a daily capacity limit for specific climbing routes and bouldering areas based on public safety and the protection and use of state property.

(b)  A Day-Use Climbing Permit is required for each individual participating in climbing, bouldering, and rappelling on Zoo property. Applications for permits may be made at www.nczoo.org. A completed Day-Use Climbing Permit application shall include the following information:

(1)           the permittee's name, address, and contact information;

(3)           the permittee's expected time to return to their vehicle;

(4)           the permittee's vehicle registration number and state of vehicle registration;

(5)           name and contact information of an emergency contact; and

(6)           signature indicating agreement to abide by the terms and conditions of the permit.

(c)  Day-Use Climbing Permits shall be issued upon receipt of a completed application unless:

(1)           the daily capacity limit for a specific climbing route or area has been reached prior to receipt of the completed application;

(2)           the activity would be detrimental to the protection and use of state property or threaten the health or safety of the public; or

(3)           The activity or use would constitute a violation of applicable law or the rules of this Subchapter.

(d)  If a permit application is denied, the applicant shall be informed in writing of the reason(s) for the denial.

(e)  Permittees shall maintain a copy of their signed Day-Use Climbing Permit with them at all times while on Zoo property.

(f)  While rock climbing on Zoo property, permittees shall not:

(1)           install permanent or fixed rock climbing anchors, such as pitons and expansion bolts;

(2)           chip or glue holds onto the rock face;

(3)           remove rock from its natural position except where failure to remove the rock poses a risk to public safety and such removal has been approved by the Zoo Director or their designee; and

(4)           intentionally remove vegetation to clean a climbing route.

(g)  Violation of the terms and conditions of a Day-Use Climbing permit issued in accordance with this Section is prohibited and shall result in the revocation of the permit and removal of the violator from Zoo property.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 143B-135.204(a);

Eff. August 1, 2023.