St. Paul ponders ban on BASE jumping

St. Paul leaders ponder an ordinance to ban BASE jumping - a rogue sport of leaping from tall structures.

By CHRIS HAVENS, Star Tribune

Last update: October 21, 2009 - 9:33 PM

If you like to scale skyscrapers or parachute from the tops of them, pay attention to a proposed ordinance that made its first appearance before the St. Paul City Council on Wednesday.

The proposed ordinance would make "climbing, jumping or suspending of oneself from structures" a misdemeanor.

A structure in this case is a building, bridge, crane, sign, tower, monument or other object exceeding 50 feet high.

Exceptions would be made for inspection, maintenance, construction or emergency crews.

The reason for the ordinance is because there is no specific law against BASE (Building, Antenna, Span, Earth) jumping, which involves jumping with a parachute from fixed objects. There has been an increase in the activity over the past two decades, according to an assistant city attorney's memo.

"Currently the city is unable to prevent and/or penalize these individuals," the memo said. Police arrested two people on the High Bridge in 2008 who were carrying parachutes and said they had planned to jump.

A hearing on the issue will likely take place next month.

Chris Havens • 612-673-4148

ALSO BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL:

An updated master plan for Lilydale Regional Park was approved 5-0, with no opposition during a public hearing. The plan provides for an 8.5-acre fenced dog park, which would be the second off-leash area in the city when built. It's not clear when the dog park would be completed, but demand for such parks in the city is high. Council Member Dave Thune said a third dog park is in the early stages of discussion for Xcel Energy property near the High Bridge plant.

Council members requested city staff to explore options for providing overnight shelter during winter for homeless people in city-owned properties and to see if there is money to do so. A report is expected by Nov. 12.

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