pages: CityCouncil/2013-11-05.pdf, 6
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CityCouncil | 2013-11-05 | 6 | The Contract Planner gave a brief presentation. Mayor Gilmore inquired if Code Enforcement of the signs falls under Public Works. The Contract Planner responded in the affirmative; stated the Planning and Building Department would defer enforcement to Public Works if they receive the complaint initially. Mayor Gilmore inquired what priority level Code Enforcement would consider signs. The Building Official responded the priority would not be high unless the sign poses a life-safety issue. Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired what is the enforcement process. The Building Official responded there are three administrative steps included in the normal process: 1) a letter is sent to the property owner to resolve a valid complaint, 2) a second letter is sent if there is no compliance, stating the City may issue citations, 3) citations are issued if the property owner does not comply. Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether bicycles parked in racks on the sidewalk were considered, to which the Contract Planner responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Daysog inquired if human-held signs are covered under the ordinance amendment, to which the Contract Planner responded in the negative. Councilmember Chen stated the first enforcement letter should include a dollar amount; inquired what is the penalty for non-compliance. The Building Official responded the initial citation is $250. Mayor Gilmore inquired whether the ordinance amendment was triggered by a problem with rogue signs, or a desire of the business owners for the signs, or both. The Contract Planner responded the issue came from the business community; stated a survey indicated business owners wanted a legal avenue to advertise businesses. Vice Mayor Ashcraft stated the public should have been surveyed in addition to the businesses; the signs can be a hazard to pedestrians and should not extend more than three feet. The Building Official clarified the current Code allows merchandise within the first three feet of the sidewalk; signs would replace merchandise; business would not have an additional three feet. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 6 November 5, 2013 | CityCouncil/2013-11-05.pdf |