Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout7.1 ModifZnOrdEnforcePolicy . . . CITY CLERK File # D~[Q][l2]-[3JfQJ AGENDA STATEMENT CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: November 4, 1997 SUBJECT: Modifications to Zoning Ordinance Enforcement Policy (Political Signs) (Report prepared by Eddie Peabody, Jr., Community Development Director) EXIDBITS ATTACHED: 1) 2) Revised Resolution of Zoning Ordinance Enforcement Policy Excerpt from Sign Regulatio~s Chapter 8.84 (Temporary Political Signs pg. 84-26) Memo from the City Attorney dated October 30, 1997 Excerpts from Section 5405.3 Business & Professional Code 3) 4) RECOMMENDATION: J 1) ~~ 2) 3) Hear Staff presentation Adopt Resolution, including temporary political signs as enforced without a complaint Give direction to Staff to prepare any changes to the temporary political sign requirements in Section 8.84 (K-4) if appropriate FINANCIAL STATEMENT: Minimal extra staff time DESCRIPTION: On August 19, 1997, the City Council adopted a new Zoning Ordinance and Enforcement Policy (Resolution 104-97) that established complaint/discretionary enforcement of various zoning ordinance violations. The City Council requested at that meeting that staff return with recommendations regarding possible priority changes regarding Temporary Political Signs and Temporary off-site outdoor sales operations. Staff and the City Attorney have researched state law regarding the location of political signs within 660 feet ofInterstate 580,680 in the City. Direct contact with Cal Trans has confirmed the following: . Political Signs that are visible along designated landscaped freeways are prohibited. . All ofI-680 within the City of Dublin has been classified as a landscaped freeway. . Portions ofI-580 within the City (near Tassajara Road to 1-680 interchange) have been classified as a landscaped freeway. As noted by the City Attorney, local ordinances may not conflict with state law. Given the state requirements, the City Council may wish to make minor changes to the sign ordinance that prohibits temporary political signs just along 1-680 and those portions ofI-580 mentioned above or leave the language as is (section 8.84 K-4) on page 84-26 of the ordinance. ------------------------------------------------------------------- COPIES TO: ITEMNO.~ g:agenda/97/enforcmt RECOMMENDATION: If Council wishes staff to make the removal of temporary political signs a top priority, it is recommende~ that the Council amend the Zoning Ordinance Enforcement Policy to enable staff to take action regardin. political signs without a complaint. Give Staff direction if the Council wishes any changes to the locational criteria for temporary political signs. . . -;l- . . . / . RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN *********************** ESTABLISHING THE ENFORCEMENT POLICY FOR THE ZONING ORDINANCE, BUILDING CODE, HOUSING CODE, AND PROPERTY MAINTENANCE ORDINANCE; AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION 104-97. WHEREAS, on August 19, 1997, the City Council of the City of Dublin did adopt Resolution 104-97 establishing a policy for enforcement of Zoning, Building, Housing and Property Maintenance violations, and WHEREAS, Resolution 104-97 identified both Administrative Procedures and Enforcement Policies; and WHEREAS, the actual procedures for enforcing a particular law are already covered in City Ordinances and applicable sections of the State Law, however, this resolution provides additional clarification of enforcement provisions; and WHEREAS, the City Council is desirous of revising the Enforcement Policy for Zoning, Building, Housing and Property Maintenance Ordinance Violations; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires that certain enforcement issues be enforced without a complaint and that others be enforced on a complaint basis only; and WHEREAS, it is necessary to rescind Resolution No. 104-97 for minor amendments regarding temporary political signs and adopt a new resolution. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: the City Council does hereby adopt the "Enforcement Policy for the Zoning Ordinance, Building Code, Housing Code, and Property Maintenance Ordinance", attached hereto and identified as Attachment 1. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: the City Council does hereby rescind Resolution No.1 04-97. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: the City Council does hereby direct Staff to provide one verbal warning and one written warning (unless circumstances dictate more) on all enforcement issues regarding the Zoning Ordinance, Building Code, Housing Code, and Property Maintenance Ordinance, followed by citations and fees. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 4th day of November, 1997. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk g:agenda/97/enforcmt EXHIBIT I 2 Attachment" 1 " ENFORCEMENT POLICY FOR THE ZONING ORDINANCE, BUILDING CODE, HOUSING CODE. AND PROPERTY MAINTENANCE ORDINANCE This procedure is to be followed in investigating complaints about and enforcing possible violations of the Zoning Ordinance, Building Code, Housing Code, and Property Maintenance Ordinance. THE FOLLOWING SHALL BE ENFORCED ON A COMPLAINT BASIS: 1. Home Occupations. 2. Sheds visible over fences and walls. 3. Sign Regulations with the exception of A-frame signs, and Banner Signs without a permit. THE FOLLOWING SHALL BE ENFORCED WITHOUT A COMPLAINT: 1. Building work actually observed to be under construction without permits. 2. Violations observed on property where the inspector has a legitimate reason to be on the property, such as a routine follow-up on a Variance or Conditional Use Permit, or when inspecting construction under a permit. 3. Conditions brought to the attention of the City in any manner which involve public health and safety. . 4. A-frame signs. 5. Banner Signs without permits. 6. Outdoor display of merchandise. 7. Off-street recreational vehicle parking. 8. Property Maintenance Ordinance. 9. Repair of automobiles or other vehicles which are not registered to the occupant of a residence. 10. Repair or dismantling of a vehicle in front of a residence. ;t,~f;l1111::1iilill.!!!ll!:I!I!fl~:li~~"!~!lili::~:!1::! 12. Violations of the Zoning Ordinance relating to Temporary Outdoor Sale Not Related To On-Site Established Business. Such a sale would be by a non-Dublin business that is not an on-'site . established Dublin business with all necessary licenses and permits. EXHIBIT I . . . J. SIMILAR VIOLATIONS IN THE IMMEDIATE AREA FOR WHICH A COMPLAINT IS NOT RECEIVED. In establishing this policy, the City Council recognizes that a person whose property is being investigated may point out several similar violations in the immediate area. It may be inequitable to require abatement of a violation when the same violation may exist in the immediate vicinity and is not investigated because a complaint is not received. In such situations any violation in the immediate vicinity which is similar in nature and readily visible or which is pointed out to the investigator will be enforced as though a complaint had been registered. ANONYMOUS COMPLAINTS. All anonymous complaints will be investigated. However, no action ,will be taken on anonymous complaints where the City Manager, Community Development Director or Building Official determines that the matter does not warrant further action. These cases would be closed following the investigation and a determination by the City Manager, Community Development Director or Building Official. COMPLAINT INFORMATION Any person making a complaint shall give their name, address, and phone number. This is necessary so that the complainant can be contacted and advised of the status of the investigation. It may also be necessary to contact the complainant to secure additional information regarding the problem. INVESTIGA nONS OF COMPLAINTS ARE NOT PUBLIC RECORDS Section 6254 of the Government Code provides that records of investigations of complaints are not public records. Therefore, investigations of complaints will be kept confidential. and information will not be disclosed except as required by a court order. EXHIBIT J Lj SIGN REGULATIONS Chapter 8.84 4. State that the property is for sale, lease or exchange by the owner or his or her agent and the name, address and phone number of the owner or agent and/or agency and directions; 5. Be constructed of wood, plywood, metal or other rigid material; and 6. Not be placed on a private or public right-of-way. J. Private Recreational Signs. Signs which are within private recreational property and which cannot be seen from a public street or adjacent properties:. ., K. Temporary Political Signs. Temporary political signs provided they shall: 1. Be removed within 10 calendar days following the election. 2. Be placed on private property. 3. Be no more than sixteen (16) square feet per side in area per individual sign and up to eighty (80) square feet of maximum aggregate area per lot. 4. Not be placed within the public right-of-way or within 660 feet of and visible from the right of way of Interstate 580 or Interstate 680. L. Vehicular Signs. A vehicle with Vehicular Signs affixed shall be parked on the property on which the business is located, and as close as practical to the business it serves. The vehicle shall not be used as a sign platform or for the sole purpose of attracting people to a place of business. City of Dublin Zoning Ordinance 84-26 September, 1997 EXHIBIT ~ . .-:::.- .0 .... ... - ~, .....:...' -OCT-30-97 THU 10:39 MEYERS,NAVE,RIBACK&SILV. FAX NQ 510 351 4481 P.02/03 . . . , UICHA.EL It. NA~ SrevEN R. MEYERS RlZABETH H. SILoVER MIC/'IAEl S. R18ACK Ia;NN~ ^- W't.C:Ofol DA.VlD W. Sl<lHN5R STEVEN T. MATIAS CUfF-ORe F. CAMPIlEU. MJCHAa F. AOPRIQUEZ KATHl.fEN FAUBION. AlC? RICK W. JAAVlS "-~M.~TO PEBBlE F. LATHMl WAYNE K. SNOOGAASS ARNE B. SANDBERG BENJAMIN 1'. ,"AY DANIEL A MULlE~ LIANE M. RANDOLPH PA'ffilCK WHITHEU- KATHARINE G. WELLW.N WIlUMI S. HIGGINS GARY A. WATT :MEYERS, NA VB, RIBACK, SILVER & WILSON A PROFESSIONAL LAW CORPORATION N0FlTt111A Y OFJ9Cf; GATEWAY PLAZA 777 DAVIS STREET, SUITE 300 SAN LEANDRO. CALIFORNIA 94571 TELEPHONE: (510) 351.4300 FACSIMILE: (S10) 351-4481 555 FIFTH STREET, SUITE 230 SANTA ROSA. CA 95401 TELEf"t1Ul'lt; (707) 54:>-8009 r...CGlMILE: (707) 54:Hla1t CENTRAL VALLEY OFACE '250 CLAREMONT AVENUl1 STOCKTON, CA 9!1~~7 TELEPHONE: (;lOW 951-4080 J'ACSrMILE, (:lOIlI lli'.3009 MEMORANDUM or COUti~1. AN~ J. 6AI..~ CERTIFIED APPEUA'l'E SPEClALl~T TO: Eddie Peabody Community Development Director City of Dublin DATE: October 30,1997 FROM: Elizabeth H. Silver City Attorney RE: Restriction on Temporary Political Signs along Interstate Right-of-Ways The basis for Dublin Municipal Code section 8.84.140 (K)(4), banning temporary political signs wit.hin 660 feet of Interstates 580 and 680, is section 5105.3 of the California Business & Professional Code. Section 5404.3 prohibits the placement of poli~ical signs I1within the right-of-'vvay of any highw.dY or within 660 feet of the edge of and visihle from the right-of-way of a landscaped freeway." Section 5404.3 docs allow temporary political signs to be located within 660 feet of an llIlIandsc~ped freeway unless .. a federal agency determines thal such placement would violate federal regulations." Interstate 680 is a defined Caltrans landscaped freeway and Interstate 580 from 680 to Tassajara Road is likewise defined by Caltrans as a landscaped freeway. Accordingly; no temporary political signs can be located 'Within 660 feet of 1-680 and this portion of 1-580 if the signs are visible from either freeway. Because portions of Interstate 580 are not landscaped in Dublin, the Council could amend Municipal Code section 8.84.140(K)(4) to allow temporary political signs within 660 feet of such portions of Interstate 580 (west of 1-680 and east of Tassa;ara Road) so long as such portions remain unlandscaped and no federal agency has determined mal the EXHIBIT" .OCT-30-97 THU 10:40 MEYERS,NAVE,RIBACK&SILV. FAX NO. 510 351 4481 P. 03/0~ , TO: fROM; RE: DATE: PAGE: Eddie Pf;'..(Ibody, Economic Development Director. Elizabeth H. SlIver, Cay f\.ttomey Restriction on Temporary Political Sign); along Interstate Right-of-Ways October 30, 1997 2 . placement of temporary political SigIl~ along Interstate 580 would violate federal regulations. Very truly yours7 MEYERS. NAVE, RIBACK, SILVER & WILSON )6z5 S::h~-' Elizabeth H. Silver EHS:WSH:rja c: Richard Ambrose7 City Manager . J ,\WJlDWNMW\114\O 1 \Ml:MO\OC'!''77'\P'OL-SGNS .30 . EXHIBIT 3 BUSLl\,t:SS AND PROFESSIONS CODE 1 . Displays prohibited; exceptions . Message center displays T emportL"}' political signs . ~ .,~ ' (a) If within a distance of 300 feet from the point of intersection of highway or of highway and railroad right-of-".ay lines, except that this does not pre\'ent the placing of advenlsing display on that side of an intercepted highway that is opposite the point ofimerception. But in case any permanent building, structure or other object prevents any traveler on any such highway from obtaining a clear view of approaching vehicles for a distance of300 feet, then advertising displays may be placed on such buildings, structure or other object if such displays will not funher obstruct the vision of those approaching the intersection or interception, or if any such display does not project more than one foot therefrom. (b) If placed in such a manner as to prevent any traveler on any highway from obtaining a clear view of approaching vehicles for a distance of 500 feet along the highway. (Added by Slats. 1970, Ch 991.) 5405. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, no advertising display shall be placed or maintained within 660 feet from the edge of the right-of-w3Y of. and the copy of which is visible from, any interstate or primary highway other than the following: (a) Directional or other official signs or notices that are required or authorized by law, including, but not limited to, signs penaining to natural wonders, and scenic and historical attractions, and which comply with regulations adopted by the director relative to their lighting, size, number. spacing, and any other requirements as may be appropriate to implement this chapter which are consistent with national standards adopted by the United States Secretary of Transportation pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 131 of Title 23 of the United States Code. (b) Advertising displays advertising the sale or lease of the property upon which they are Jocated, if all advertising displays within 660 feet of the edge of the right-of-way of a bonus segment shaJI comply with the regulations adopted under Sections 5251 and 5415. (c) Advertising displays which advertise the business conducted, services rendered, or goods produced or sold upon the property upon which the advenising display is placed. if the display is upon the same side of the highway as the advertised activity; and if all advenising displays within 660 feet of the right-of-way of a bonus segment comply with the regulations adopted under Sections 5251,5403, and 5415; and except that no advertising display shall be placed after January I. 1971. if it contains flashing. intermittent or moving lights other than that part necessary to give public service information including, but not limited to. the time, date. temperature, weather, or similar informati on, ora message center display as defined in subdivision (d). (d) (1) Message center displays, which comply with Article 6 (commencing with Section 5350) and Article 7 (commencing with Section 5400). As used in this subdivision. message center displays are displays which have a changeable message which may be changed by electronic processes or by remote control. The illumination of a message center display is not the use of a flashing, intermittent or moving light for purposes of subdivision (b) of Section 5408, except that no message center display may include any illumination which is in motion or appears to be in motion or changes in intensity or exposes its message for less than four seconds, nor may the interval between messages be less than one second. No message center display may be placed within] .000 feet of another message center display on the same side of the highway. No message center display may be placed in violation of Section 131 of Title 23 of the United States Code. (2) Any message center display located beyond 660 feet from the edge of the right-of-way of an interstate or prim:l1}' highway and permitted by a city. county. or city and county on or before December 31. I 988. is in compliance with article 6 (commencing with Section 5350) and Anicle 7 (commencing with Section 5400) for purposes of this section. (3) Any message center display legally placed on or before December 31, ]989, which does not conform with this section may continue to be maintained under its existing criteria if it advenises only the business conducted,services rendered. or goods produced or sold upon the property upon which the display is placed. (4) Tnis subdivision does not prohibit the adoption by a city. county, or city and county of restrictions or prohibitions affecting off-premises message center displays which are equal to or greater than those imposed by this subdivision, if that ordinance or regulation does no! restrict or prohibit on-premises advertising displays, as defined in Chapter 2..5 (commencing with Section 5490). (e) Advenising displays erected or maintained pursuant to regulations olLheJirecror. not inconsistent with the national policy set forth in subdivision (f) of Sectio;1 13 I of Title 23 of the United States Code and the standards promulgated thereunder by the Secretary ofTranspor..ation, and designed to give information in the specific interest of the tl'"2veiing publi c. (Amended by SIms. 1975, Cll. 1074; Amended by Stats 1989, elL 691.) 54G.5.3. Nothing in this chapter. including. but not limited to, Section 5405. shall prohibit the placing oftemparaJ')' political signs, unless a federal agency determines that such placement would violate fede.--aJ regulations. However, no such sign shall be placed wit.llln the right-of-way of any highway or within 660 feet of the'edge of and ~ from the right-of- way of a landscaped freewa)': A temporal)' poiitical sign is a sign which: (a) Encourages a panicular vote in a scheduled election. (b) Is placed not sooner than 90 days prior to the scheduled ejection and is removed within 10 days after that election. (c) Is no larger than 32 SQuare feel. (d) Has had- a statement ~f responsibiiitv filed with the decanment certifying a person who will be responsible for removing the temporary pOiiticai sign alld 'who will reimbur;e the department for any cost incurred to remove it (Added by Stars. 1979, Ch 1054.) "06 . 1996 Planning, Zoning, and Development Laws EXHiBIT ~