CITY OF MORRO BAY
City Council Regular Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, September 9, 2025, 5:30 p.m.
Veterans Memorial Hall
209 Surf St., Morro Bay, CA
Public Participation
Public participation is offered in the following ways:
• Community members may attend the meeting in person at the Morro Bay Veterans Hall.
Alternatively, members of the public may watch the meeting and speak during general Public Comment or on a specific agenda item by logging into the Zoom webinar using the information provided below. Please use the "raise hand" feature to indicate your desire to provide public comment.
•
Zoom webinar link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82722747698?pwd=aWZpTzcwTHlRTk9xaTlmWVNWRWFU QT09
•
• Password: 135692
Or Telephone Attendee: 1 (408) 638-0968 or 1 (669) 900-6833 or 1 (346) 248-7799; Webinar ID: 827 2274 7698; Password: 135692: Press *9 to raise hand for public comment.
•
• Meetings are also broadcast on cable Channel 20 and streamed on the City's website.
Community Members are encouraged to submit agenda correspondence via email to the City Council at [email protected] prior to the meeting. Agenda correspondence received by 10:00 a.m. on the meeting day will be posted on the City website. •
Pages
1. ESTABLISH QUORUM AND CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. REPORTS
3.a Closed Session Report
3.b Mayor and Councilmembers' Reports, Announcements and Presentations
3.c City Manager Reports, Announcements and Presentations
3.d Subcommittee Reports - Verbal Update of Current Subcommittee Activities
1. Water Reclamation Facility & Morro Bay / Cayucos Sanitary District JPA
2. Morro Bay Power Plant (Vistra)
3. Offshore Wind Energy
4. Morro Elementary School
4. RECOGNITION AND PRESENTATIONS
None
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
Members of the audience wishing to address the Council on City business matters not on the agenda may do so at this time. For those desiring to speak on items on the agenda, but unable to stay for the item, may also address the Council at this time.
Public comment is an opportunity for members of the public to provide input to the governing body. To increase the effectiveness of the Public Comment Period, the City respectfully requests the following guidelines and expectations be followed:
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Those desiring to speak are asked to complete a speaker slip, which are located at the entrance, and submit it to the City Clerk. However, speaker slips are not required to provide public comment. •
When recognized by the Mayor, please come forward to the podium to speak. Though not required, it is helpful if you state your name, city of residence and whether you represent a business or group. Unless otherwise established by the Mayor, comments are to be limited to three minutes.
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All remarks should be addressed to Council, as a whole, and not to any individual member thereof.
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The Council respectfully requests that you refrain from making slanderous, profane or personal remarks against any elected official, commission and/or staff.
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Please refrain from public displays or outbursts such as unsolicited applause, comments or cheering.
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Any disruptive activities that substantially interfere with the ability of the City Council to carry out its meeting will not be permitted and offenders will be requested to leave the meeting.
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Your participation in City Council meetings is welcome and your courtesy will be appreciated.
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The Council in turn agrees to abide by its best practices of civility and civil discourse according to Resolution No. 07-19.
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6. CONSENT AGENDA
Unless an item is pulled for separate action by the City Council, the following actions are approved without discussion. The public will also be provided an opportunity to comment on consent agenda items.
Recommended Action
Approve Consent Agenda items 6.a through 6.c as submitted.
6.a Approval of Minutes
(City Clerk)
Recommended Action
Approve as submitted.
1. August 26, 2025 - Regular Council Meeting 5
2. August 26, 2025 - Special Closed Session Meeting 12
6.b Designation of Voting Delegate and Alternate at League of California Cities 2025 Annual Conference Business Meeting
15 (City Clerk)
Recommended Action
Select Mayor Wixom as the voting delegate for the upcoming annual business meeting to be held at the League of California Cities Annual Conference; and
1. Authorize the City Clerk to complete the League of California Cities’ online submission form attesting that council action was taken and affirming the selection of the voting delegate.
2. 6.c Approval of a Month-to-Month Lease Agreement with the Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce for Office Space at 695 Harbor Street 17 (Interim City Manager)
Recommended Action
Review and approve a month-to-month Lease Agreement for office space at 695 Harbor Street with the Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce.
7. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
7.a Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance No. 672, of the Morro Bay Municipal Code to amend Chapter 8.12 pertaining to Weeds, Rubbish, and Defensible Space
25 (Fire Department)
Recommended Action
Introduce for first reading by title only, with further reading waived, Ordinance No.672, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Morro Bay, California, Amending Title 8 (“Health and Safety) of the Morro Bay Municipal Code to amend and rename Chapter 8.12 Weeds, Rubbish and Defensible Space.”
8. BUSINESS ITEMS
None
9. COUNCIL DECLARATION OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
10. ADJOURNMENT
The next Regular Meeting will be held on September 23, 2025.
This agenda is subject to amendment up to 72 hours prior to the date and time set for the meeting. Please refer to the agenda posted at City Hall, 595 Harbor Street, Morro Bay, CA 93442 for any revisions or call the Clerk's office at (805) 772-6205 for further information.
Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the City Council after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection upon request by calling the City Clerk's office at (805) 772-6205.
In compliance with the Americans Disability Act, if you need special assistance to participate in a City meeting, please contact the Clerk's office 24 hours prior to the meeting to insure reasonable arrangements can be made to provide accessibility to the meeting.
1 MINUTES - MORRO BAY CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
August 26, 2025, 5:30 p.m.
Veterans Memorial Hall
209 Surf St., Morro Bay, CA
Members Present: Mayor Carla Wixom
Council Member Cyndee Edwards
Council Member Jeff Eckles
Council Member Zara Landrum
Council Member Bill Luffee
Staff Present: Interim City Manager Andrea Lueker
City Attorney Brian Stack
City Clerk Dana Swanson
Finance Director Emily Conrad
Public Works Director Greg Kwolek
Community Development Director Airlin Singewald
Police Chief Amy Watkins
Fire Chief Dan McCrain
Harbor Vitality Director Chris Munson
_____________________________________________________________________
1. ESTABLISH QUORUM AND CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Wixom called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m. with all members present.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. REPORTS
3.a Closed Session Report
City Attorney Stack reported the Council met in closed session to discuss four real property matters: Lease Sites 134-136, 132W-133W at 1245 Embarcadero; Lease Site 137 at 1247 Embarcadero; 695 Harbor Street; and 1130/1330 Napa Avenue and the Council took no reportable action under the Brown Act.
3.b Mayor and Councilmembers' Reports, Announcements and Presentations
3.c City Manager Reports, Announcements and Presentations
2 3.d Subcommittee Reports - Verbal Update of Current Subcommittee Activities
a. Water Reclamation Facility & Morro Bay / Cayucos Sanitary District JPA
b. Morro Bay Power Plant (Vistra)
c. Offshore Wind Energy
d. Morro Elementary School
4. RECOGNITION AND PRESENTATIONS
4.a Central Coast Community Energy Annual Presentation
Spencer Brandt, Community Relations Manager, and Das Williams, Senior Advisor for Policy and Legislative Affairs, presented the 3CE Annual Update.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
Larry Landis, Morro Bay, submitted a research paper illuminating evidence of arsenic contamination at the Morro Bay Power Plant and encouraged the Council to authorize the City Attorney and staff to review his work.
Rachel Wilson, Cayucos, commented on the 3CE presentation and shared her appreciation for Council transparency regarding recent meetings with Vistra representatives.
Homer Alexander, Morro Bay resident and Treasurer for the Morro Bay Maritime Museum, announced the 4th Annual Family Fun Day will be held on October 11th and asked that Council consider waiving the $418 and $645 special event/festival fees.
Kiernan Cottle, Morro Bay, offered comments.
Dina Lundquist, Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce, provided an update on Chamber activities and priorities.
End of public comment.
6. CONSENT AGENDA
Unless an item is pulled for separate action by the City Council, the following actions are approved without discussion. The public will also be provided an opportunity to comment on consent agenda items.
Mayor Wixom opened public comment for the Consent Agenda. Peggy Mandeville, Morro Bay, spoke to Item 6.c., urging the Council to proceed with staff recommendation.
3 Lea Brooks, San Luis Obispo, commented in favor of the Morro Bay to Cayucos Connector Trail.
John Colbert, Los Osos, supported the Connector Trail project. Gary Havas, Bike SLO County, added his support for the Connector Trail project.
Manny Treeson, Los Osos, spoke in support of the Connector Trail project.
Helene Finger, Morro Bay, urged the Council to support the Connector Trail project to safely connect the two communities.
Myron Amerine spoke on behalf of SLO County Bicycle Advisory Committee in support of the project.
Bruce Gibson, San Luis Obispo County 2nd District Supervisor, provided a status update on the Connector Trail project and offered to answer any questions.
Jeff Heller, Morro Bay, spoke to Item 6.b, expressing concerns about if or when the project will be finished, suggesting at some point the Council should be more involved in decision making.
Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, was in favor of the Connector Trail but expressed concerned about the loss of parking spaces used to access Dog Beach.
Ron Roche, San Luis Obispo County Parks Commissioner, urged the Council to approve Item 6.c.
Judy Setting, Morro Bay, was concerned about the loss of parking and access to Dog Beach, suggesting the City could open up trails from streets along the Beach Tract to lessen the impact of parking on Dog Beach.
Margaret Carman, Morro Bay, agreed with previous speakers' concerns regarding loss of parking along Dog Beach.
Mary Ann Gustafson, SLO Bike Club, appealed to Council to look at larger picture of not just cyclists, but all the people who will use the Connector Trail.
End of public comment.
Mayor Wixom pulled Item 6.c.
Council Member Landrum pulled Item 6.b.
Motion by Council Member Landrum
Seconded by Council Member Edwards
4 Approve Consent Agenda Items 6.a, as submitted.
Ayes (5): Mayor Wixom, Council Member Edwards, Council Member Eckles, Council Member Landrum, and Council Member Luffee
CARRIED (5 to 0)
6.a Approval of Minutes
Approve as submitted.
a. August 12, 2025 - Regular Council Meeting
b. August 12, 2025 - Special Closed Session Meeting
c. August 13, 2025 - Special Closed Session Meeting
6.b Fiscal Year 2025 Quarter 4 Water Reclamation Facility Program Quarterly Report
Public Works Director Kwolek and Dan Heimel, Confluence Engineering Solutions, responded to Council inquiries.
Motion by Council Member Landrum
Seconded by Council Member Luffee
Receive and file the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Quarter 4 Report for the Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) Program.
Ayes (5): Mayor Wixom, Council Member Edwards, Council Member Eckles, Council Member Landrum, and Council Member Luffee CARRIED (5 to 0)
6.c Approve Cooperative Agreement Between City of Morro Bay and County of San Luis Obispo for County's Use of Right-of-Way on Three Parcels Owned by the City for Morro Bay to Cayucos Connector Trail
Mayor Wixom asked staff to respond to questions raised during public comment.
Elizabeth Kavanaugh, San Luis Obispo County Planner, respond to questions related to funding availability and the anticipated net loss of seven parking spots.
Supervisor Gibson commented about the cost of construction and, based on SLOCOG's support for the project, was confident it would be funded.
Motion by Mayor Wixom
Seconded by Council Member Luffee
5 Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute the Cooperative Agreement between the City of Morro Bay and County of San Luis Obispo, as presented.
Ayes (5): Mayor Wixom, Council Member Edwards, Council Member Eckles, Council Member Landrum, and Council Member Luffee CARRIED (5 to 0)
7. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
None.
The Council took a brief recess at 6:55 p.m. and reconvened at 7:04 with all members present.
8. BUSINESS ITEMS
8.a Approve Professional Services Agreement for RRM Design Group for Design Services for Phase 1 of Coleman Park Improvement Project Public Works Director Kwolek presented the report and, along with Mike Sherrod from RRM Design Group, responded to Council inquiries.
Mayor Wixom opened public comment for Item 8.a.
Betty Winholtz, Morro Bay, hoped to see simulations when the project is presented to the Recreation and Parks Commission, and confirmed the contract amount was for design only, not
construction.
Judy Setting, Morro Bay, urged the City to pursue a less expensive alternative.
End of public comment.
Motion by Council Member Luffee
Seconded by Council Member Landrum
Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement with RRM Design Group to provide design services for Phase 1 of the Coleman Park Improvements project in an amount notto-exceed $182,365, which includes an estimated cost of $156,765 for the base tasks and an estimated cost of $25,600 for optional tasks.
Ayes (5): Mayor Wixom, Council Member Edwards, Council Member Eckles, Council Member Landrum, and Council Member Luffee CARRIED (5 to 0)
6 8.b Approve Letter to California Air Resources Board (CARB) Requesting Delayed Commercial Harbor Craft Regulations
Harbor Vitality Director Munson presented the report and responded to Council inquiries.
Mayor Wixom opened public comment for Item 8.b.
Dina Lundquist, Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce, commented in support of our local business community and respectfully urged the Council to approve and endorse the letter to CARB.
Jeff Heller, Morro Bay, offered to work at a grass roots level to support this effort.
Nattalia Merzoyan, Morro Bay, sympathized with the many challenges local fishermen face and hoped the decision makers would agree to an extension.
Bob Fowler, Morro Bay Landing, added his support for the City's efforts to advance this, noting the financial contribution the affected businesses provide the community.
Wade Gavin, Patriot Sportfishing, requested Council support and appreciated staff's efforts to bring this item forward.
End of public comment.
Motion by Mayor Wixom
Seconded by Council Member Luffee
Approve letter to CARB requesting Delayed Commercial Harbor Craft Regulations.
Ayes (5): Mayor Wixom, Council Member Edwards, Council Member Eckles, Council Member Landrum, and Council Member Luffee CARRIED (5 to 0)
9. COUNCIL DECLARATION OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Council Member Luffee questioned the public comment request for waiver of special event permit fees; it was agreed to await discussion of the City's Event Policy.
10. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:08 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
7 /s/ Dana Swanson, City Clerk
1 MINUTES - MORRO BAY CITY COUNCIL
CLOSED SESSION MEETING
August 26, 2025, 3:00 p.m.
City Hall Conference Room
595 Harbor Street, Morro Bay, CA
Members Present: Mayor Carla Wixom
Council Member Cyndee Edwards
Council Member Jeff Eckles
Council Member Zara Landrum
Council Member Bill Luffee
Staff Present: City Attorney Brian Stack
Public Works Director Greg Kwolek
Community Development Director Airlin Singewald
Harbor Vitality Director Chris Munson
_____________________________________________________________________
1. ESTABLISH QUORUM AND CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Wixom called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. with all members present.
2. SUMMARY OF CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
3. CLOSED SESSION PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Wixom opened public comment for items on the agenda. Dina Lundquist, Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce, advocated for the Chamber's continued use of office space at 695 Harbor Street. Wendy and Don Williams, Crill's Saltwater Taffy, shared a brief history of their family-owned business and future plans.
Mark Tognazzini, Tognazzini's Family Inc., provided historical context and desired terms for a new lease agreement.
End of public comment.
4. THE COUNCIL WILL CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION
4.a CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR -
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.8
Property: Lease Site 134-136 and 132W-133W, 1235/1245 Embarcadero, Tognazzini's Dockside and Dockside Too, Inc.
2 Property Negotiator: Mark Tognazzini, Tognazzini Family Inc.
Agency Negotiators: Chris Munson, Harbor Vitality Director; Andrea Lueker, Interim City Manager; Brian Stack, City Attorney Negotiations: Price and Terms of Payment
4.b CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR -
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.8
Property: Lease Site 137, 1247 Embarcadero, Crill's Saltwater Taffy Property Negotiators: Don Williams and Wendy Williams; Horton Williams Jr. and Savanah L. Williams, Trustees of the Horton Williams Jr. and Savanah L. Williams Revocable Trust
Agency Negotiators: Chris Munson, Harbor Vitality Director; Andrea Lueker, Interim City Manager; Brian Stack, City Attorney Negotiations: Price and Terms of Payment
4.c CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR -
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.8
Property: 695 Harbor Street
Property Negotiators: Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce
Agency Negotiators: Andrea Lueker, Interim City Manager; Brian Stack, City Attorney
Negotiations: Price and Terms of Payment
4.d CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR -
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.8
Property: APNs 066-280-045 and 066-044-011, 1130/1330 Napa Ave., Morro Elementary
Property Negotiators: San Luis Coastal Unified School District Agency Negotiators: Airlin Singewald, Community Development Director; Andrea Lueker, Interim City Manager; Brian Stack, City Attorney Negotiations: Price and Terms of Payment
5. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
The City Council reconvened in Open Session. City Attorney Stack reported the Council met in closed session to discuss four real property matters: Lease Sites 134-136, 132W-133W at 1245 Embarcadero; Lease Site 137 at 1247 Embarcadero; 695 Harbor Street; and 1130/1330 Napa Avenue and the Council took no reportable action under the Brown Act.
6. ADJOURNMENT
3 The meeting adjourned at 5:22 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/ Dana Swanson, City Clerk
Prepared By: DS Dept Review:___
City Manager Review: ___AL_____ City Attorney Review: _BS_ Staff Report
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council DATE: August 28, 2025 FROM: Dana Swanson, City Clerk
SUBJECT: Designation of Voting Delegate and Alternate at League of California Cities 2025 Annual Conference Business Meeting
RECOMMENDED ACTION
1. Select Mayor Wixom as the voting delegate for the upcoming annual business meeting to be held at the League of California Cities Annual Conference; and
2. Authorize the City Clerk to complete the League of California Cities’ online submission form attesting that council action was taken and affirming the selection of the voting delegate.
ALTERNATIVE(S)
The Council may choose not to select any delegates; however, the City would not have voting rights at the annual business meeting.
BACKGROUND
In order to conduct the annual League of California Cities’ business meeting, held in conjunction with the League of California Cities Annual Conference, every represented city must have its city council designate a voting representative who will be registered at the conference and present at the annual business meeting (the General Assembly). Each member city may also appoint up to two alternates, one of whom may vote in the event the designated voting delegate is unable to serve in that capacity.
Conference attendance provides an exceptional opportunity for elected officials to hear from leading experts, expand their knowledge regarding municipal government, and view innovative resources that could benefit the delivery of services, enhance resources, and strengthen the City.
DISCUSSION
The League of California Cities 2025 Annual Conference and Expo is being held October 8-10, 2025, in Long Beach, California. The Opening General Session is tentatively scheduled at 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, October 8, with educational sessions Wednesday afternoon through noon Friday. The League’s Annual Business Meeting and General Assembly is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Friday, October 10.
AGENDA NO: 6.b
MEETING DATE: September 9, 2025
2 The delegates in attendance at the General Assembly are asked to vote on resolution(s) submitted by member agencies and developed for the Assembly’s consideration. If adopted, then the resolutions are used to set League policy or to provide direction for the League’s work efforts in the coming year.
Cal Cities did not receive any general resolutions by the August 9 deadline; however, petitioned resolutions may be introduced during the Annual Conference. Should that occur, the General Assembly will convene if a petitioned resolution is introduced and qualified.
In order to vote at the League of California Cities 2025 Annual Conference Business Meeting, the City Council must select a voting delegate. In the event the designated voting delegate is unable to serve in this capacity, the City Council may appoint up to two alternate voting delegates. The voting delegate must be registered to attend the conference; however, they may register for Friday only. Currently, Mayor Wixom is only City representative registered to attend the League of California Cities Annual Conference.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends the City Council appoint Mayor Wixom as the voting delegate for the upcoming annual business meeting to be held at the League of California Cities Annual Conference.
ATTACHMENT(S)
None
Prepared By: ________ City Attorney Review: _BS_
City Manager Review: ____AL____
Staff Report
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council DATE: September 2, 2025 FROM: Andrea Lueker, Interim City Manager
SUBJECT: Approval of a Month-to-Month Lease Agreement with the Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce for Office Space at 695 Harbor Street
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Review and approve a month-to-month Lease Agreement for office space at 695 Harbor Street with the Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce.
ALTERNATIVES
Provide other direction as deemed appropriate by a majority of Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
The space lease agreement continues at the previously agreed rate of $200 per month.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
Since 2015, the City has entered into lease agreements with the Chamber for use of office space in the City-owned building at 695 Harbor Street. The Chamber agreement has typically been renewed annually, aligned with the fiscal year, and is currently in month-to-month holdover. Visit Morro Bay (“VMB”) occupies a similar sized office space at 695 Harbor Street at a rate of $200 per month; that agreement was entered into in the fall of 2021 and is scheduled to terminate on June 30, 2026.
In 2022, City staff renegotiated lease terms with the Chamber and VMB at a rate of $200 per month, or $2,400 / year, plus utilities, to get closer to market rate, within the context of the economic benefits provided by the Chamber and VMB to the City and community.
Given the Chamber’s roll in support of a strong local community and quality of life by promoting a strong local economy, promoting business development, including business attraction and retention programs, staff recommends the Council approve a month-to-month lease agreement at the continued rate of $200 per month. The lease agreement would be subject to termination or rent increase by the City at any time subject to 30 days advance notice.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends Council approval of the lease agreement with the continued rate of $200 per month, while also recognizing the economic benefits provided by the Chamber to the City and the community.
ATTACHMENT(S)
AGENDA NO: 6.c
MEETING DATE: September 9, 2025
2 1. Proposed month-to-month lease agreement for office space at 695 Harbor St.
Lease Agreement
Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce
September 9, 2025
01181.0001/996596.1
Lease Agreement
AGREEMENT
This lease agreement ("Lease") is made and entered by and between the CITY OF MORRO BAY, a California municipal corporation, and hereinafter referred to as "LESSOR" and/or "City," and THE MORRO BAY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, a California non-profit corporation, hereinafter referred to as "LESSEE" and/or "Chamber."
RECITALS
WHEREAS, LESSOR is the owner of a 2,400-squarefoot office building located at 695 Harbor Street, Morro Bay, CA (the "Premises"); and
WHEREAS, LESSEE is organized to encourage a strong local economy and quality of life by promoting commerce, sound government, and an informed membership and community; and WHEREAS, LESSEE has special knowledge and experience to promote economic and business development, including business attraction and retention programs, for the benefit of LESSOR; and
WHEREAS, LESSOR and LESSEE previously entered into a lease agreement for LESSEE to lease the Lease Premises (as defined below) from LESSOR, and that prior lease agreement by its terms has continued on a month-to-month holdover per Section 3 of the FY 2024-2025 Lease Agreement since June 30, 2025; and
WHEREAS, LESSOR and LESSEE desire to enter into a new month-to-month lease agreement for Suites A and B of Premises comprising a combined area of 275 square feet, equal to 11.5 percent of the gross leasable area of the Premises (the “Leased Premises”).
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS AGREED AS FOLLOWS:
1. LEASE: LESSOR hereby leases to LESSEE and LESSEE agrees to accept from LESSOR the lease of the portions of the Leased Premises as described in Section 4., below on a month-tomonth basis.
2. RENT: LESSEE agrees to pay $200.00 due and payable on the first day of each month (the “Rent”) for the use of the Leased Premises and the Additional Access Areas, defined below.
The Rent has been determined to be within fair market value of the Leased Premises on a month-to-month basis considering the fair market rent for the Leased Premises and the public benefit of LESSEE’s services to the community, including LESSEE’s agreement to provide services to the business community in general without regard to such business’s Chamber membership status; provided, however, that Chamber reserves the right to provide preferential and varying tiers of additional service to Chamber members in accordance with its adopted membership program. LESSOR reserves the right to increase rent, including up to full market value without considering any public benefit being provided by LESSEE, upon thirty-day’s
Lease Agreement
Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce
September 9, 2025
01181.0001/996596.1
prior written notice to LESSEE.
3. TERM: Month-to-month. Either party may terminate this Lease upon thirty-days’ prior written notice.
4. LEASED PREMISES: The Leased Premises for purpose of this Lease shall include Suite A and Suite B of Premises that, combined, total approximately 275 square feet. LESSEE shall have access to and use of, but not control of, common areas of the Premises, including both bathrooms, the foyer, the conference room, hallways, entranceways, and the kitchen (the “Additional Access Areas”).
5. USE OF LEASED PREMISES AND THE ADDITIONAL ACCESS AREAS: LESSEE shall use the Leased Premises and the Additional Access Areas solely for the purpose of operation of Chamber business, including, but not limited to, (i) promoting all businesses and services in the City and (ii) providing services described under the Amended and Re-stated Agreement for Economic Development Services, and under other agreements with a similar purpose which City and Chamber may enter into from time to time.
6. FIXTURES AND ALTERATIONS: LESSEE shall not make, or cause to be made, any alterations, additions or improvements, of a substantial nature, or make any structural changes in the building (the "Improvements") without first notifying LESSOR and obtaining prior written approval from LESSOR for the Improvements. In the event the Improvements include any structural change, LESSEE shall supply to LESSOR plans and specifications for such work, and obtain prior written approval. LESSEE shall be responsible for all costs associated with any of the Improvements. All permits necessary for the Improvements, shall be at LESSEE'S expense and obtained prior to any work on any of the Improvements.
7. ITEMS INSTALLED BY LESSEE: All decorations and additions and any of the Improvements in the Lease Premises, except for structural changes, made by LESSEE shall remain the property of LESSEE for the term of this Lease or any extension or renewal thereof.
Upon expiration of this Lease, or any renewal term thereof, LESSEE shall remove all decorations and additions and those portions of the Improvements that are LESSEE property, and restore the Leased Premises, ordinary wear and tear excepted, to its condition at the time of original occupancy, unless written approval is obtained by LESSOR to allow such decorations, additions or the Improvements to remain.
8. SECURITY: LESSOR agrees to provide locks on doors of the Premises and the Leased Premises, the latter of which isto be used exclusively by LESSEE for the uses described herein, and to provide keys for access to Premises and Leased Premises. LESSOR shall also provide access to the Premises at the rear entrance for others to access the Premises without access to Leased Premises.
9. MAINTENANCE: LESSOR shall be responsible for the overall interior and exterior maintenance of the Premises and Leased Premises, and for the maintenance and repair of major building systems, including HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems and access to telephone, cable, and internet services. LESSOR shall have no duty, obligation, or liability
Lease Agreement
Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce
September 9, 2025
01181.0001/996596.1
whatever to rebuild and portion of the Premises or surrounding grounds, if any or all of them are destroyed, except at its sole discretion. LESSEE shall be responsible for routine janitorial and maintenance of the Leased Premises and Additional Access Areas and for cable, phone and internet service to the Leased Premises.
10. SURRENDER OF LEASED PREMISES AND ADDITIONAL ACCESS AREAS: At the termination of the tenancy hereby created, LESSEE shall surrender the Leased Premises and Additional Access Areas in the same condition as the Leased Premises and Additional Access Areas were upon delivery of possession thereto under this Lease, reasonable wear and tear excepted, and damage by unavoidable casualty not within the reasonable control of LESSEE excepted, and shall surrender all keys for the Premises and Leased Premises to LESSOR.
LESSEE shall thereupon remove all its fixtures, and any alterations or improvements as provided above before surrendering the Leased Premises and shall repair any damage to the Leased Premises and Additional Access Areas caused thereby. LESSEE's obligation to observe or perform this covenant shall survive the expiration or other termination of the term of this Lease.
11. INSURANCE: LESSEE shall, during the full term of this Lease, keep in full force and effect an appropriate policy of liability and property damage insurance with respect to the Leased Premises and Additional Access Areas in the minimum amounts of $1,000,000 each. The policies shall name LESSOR and its officers, employees and representatives as additional insureds and shall contain a clause the insurer will not cancel or change the insurance without first giving LESSOR 10-days' prior written notice. LESSEE shall exhibit to LESSOR, at any time upon demand, a certificate of insurance, or other evidence of insurance, and shall keep such policies in effect during the full term of this Lease or any ex- tensions thereof.
12. FIRE, EXTENDED COVERAGE: LESSEE agrees to purchase and maintain, during the full term of this Lease or any extensions thereof, a policy of fire, extended coverage, insurance, which policy shall not be less than 100% of the replacement value of the Leased Premises.
The cost of such insurance shall be at the sole cost of LESSEE.
13. INDEMNIFICATION: LESSEE agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless LESSOR, its offices, directors and agents, from and against any and all claims, actions, damages, liability, expenses, costs and reasonable attorney's fees resulting or related to any loss of life, personal injury or damage to property, or any other liability, arising out of any occurrence related to the Leased Premises, the Additional Access Areas or the occupancy or use by LESSEE of the Leased Premises, the Additional Access Areas or any part thereof, occasioned wholly or in part by any act or omission of LESSEE, its agents, contractors, employees, servants, lessees or concessionaires, or for any act or omission by LESSOR in furtherance of the interests of LESSEE for any reason in connection with this Lease.
14.UTILITIES, COMMON AREA MAINTENANCE & TAXES: LESSEE shall be responsible for their proportion of all charges for heat, water, gas, electricity or any other utility used or consumed on the Premises, including any deposits demanded by any utility. LESSEE agrees to pay, at its sole cost and expense, any possessory interest tax that may be assessed as a result of this Lease.
Lease Agreement
Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce
September 9, 2025
01181.0001/996596.1
15. ASSIGNMENT AND SUB-LETTING: LESSEE will not assign this Lease, in whole or in part, nor sub-let all or any part of the Leased Premises.
16. GOVERNMENTAL REGULATIONS: LESSEE shall at LESSEE's sole cost and expense, comply with all of the requirements of all county, municipal, state, federal and other applicable government authorities, now in force, or which may hereafter be in force, pertaining to the Leased Premises, and shall faithfully observe in the use of the Leased Premises all municipal and county ordinances, and all state and federal statutes now, or which may hereafter be, in force, except that LESSEE shall not be required by this provision to meet ADA accessibility standards.
17. DESTRUCTION OF LEASED PREMISES: If the Leased Premises shall be damaged or destroyed by fire, the elements, unavoidable accidents, or other casualty, then all insurance proceeds payable by reason thereof shall be applied to the repair, reconstruction, and renovation of Leased Premises or as otherwise directed by LESSOR. If this Lease is not terminated, LESSOR shall make such repairs within a reasonable time and this Lease shall continue in full force and effect and the rent shall be proportionately reduced while the repairs are being made, subject to the right of either party to terminate the tenancy upon thirty (30) days written notice to the other party. A total destruction of the Leased Premises shall terminate this Lease immediately.
18. CONDEMNATION: In the event any or all of the Premises are taken, in whole or in part, through the exercise of any power of eminent domain exercised by any state, federal or local agency (including LESSOR) having the power thereof, any sums paid by such condemning authority shall be paid to LESSOR. LESSEE hereby waives any and all of its rights and benefits payable under applicable federal or state relocation assistance laws if the City is the condemning authority.
19. DEFAULT: In the event of any failure of LESSEE to perform any of the terms, conditions or covenants of this Lease to be observed or performed by LESSEE for more than 30 days after written notice of such default shall have been given to LESSEE, or if LESSEE shall abandon the Leased Premises and the Additional Access Areas, then LESSOR, be- sides other rights or remedies it may have, shall have the immediate right of reentry and may remove all persons and properties from the Leased Premises and the Additional Access Areas without being deemed guilty of trespass or becoming liable for any loss or dam- age which may be occasioned thereby.
20. ENTIRE AGREEMENT: This Lease, and any exhibits attached hereto and forming a part hereof set forth all the covenants, promises, agreements, conditions and understanding between the parties concerning the Leased Premises, and there are no covenants, promises, agreements, conditions or understandings, either oral or written, between them, other than as herein set forth. Except as herein otherwise provided, no subsequent alteration, amendment, change or addition to this Lease shall be binding upon either party unless reduced to writing and signed by both.
Lease Agreement
Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce
September 9, 2025
01181.0001/996596.1
21. NOTICE: Any notice, demand, request or other instrument which may be required to be given under this Lease shall be deemed delivered when sent by ordinary United States Mail, postage prepaid, addressed to LESSOR care of its City Manager, or LESSEE care of its then acting President.
22. PARTIAL INVALIDITY/SEVERABILITY: If any term, covenant or condition of this Lease, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance shall, to any extent, be in- valid or unenforceable, then the remainder of this Lease, or the application of such term, covenant or condition to persons or circumstances other than those to which it is held invalid, or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby; and each term, covenant or condition of this Lease shall be valid and be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law. If the length, term or duration or this Lease, in any way is in violation of any statute, law or Constitution or is invalid for any reason whatsoever, then this Lease shall be deemed a Lease from year to year, and all other provisions hereunder shall remain the same.
23.CALIFORNIA LAW: This Lease shall be interpreted, construed, and governed both as to validity and to performance of the parties in accordance with the laws of the State of California.
Legal actions concerning any dispute, claim or matter arising out of or in relation to this Lease shall be instituted in the Superior Court of the County of San Luis Obispo, State of California.
In the event of litigation in a U.S. District Court, venue shall lie exclusively in the Central District of California, or such other federal court having jurisdiction in the County of San Luis Obispo, State of California.
24. NON-LIABILITY OF CITY OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES: No officer or employee of the City shall be personally liable to the LESSEE, or any successor in interest, in the event of any default or breach by the LESSOR or for any amount, which may become due to the LESSEE or to its successor, or for breach of any obligation of the terms of this Lease.
25. INTERPRETATION: The terms of this Lease shall be construed in accordance with the meaning of the language used and shall not be construed for or against either party by reason of the authorship of this Lease or any other rule of construction which might otherwise apply.
26. COUNTERPARTS: This Lease may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, and such counterparts shall constitute one and the same instrument.
A facsimile or electronic copy shall be valid for all purposes as though it was an original
Lease Agreement
Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce
September 9, 2025
01181.0001/996596.1
document.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement this day of May 2025, at Morro Bay, California
CITY OF MORRO BAY MORRO BAY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
By:
Andrea Lueker,
Interim City Manager
Attest:
_________________
Dana Swanson,
City Clerk
Approved As To Form:
By:
By:
Dina Lundquist, Chief Executive Officer
Chairman, Chamber Board of Directors
Approved As To Form:
Brian Stack,
City Attorney
Jane Heath, Chamber Counsel
Prepared By: __DM________ Dept Review: ________
City Manager Review: ___AL_____ City Attorney Review: ___BS_____ Staff Report
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council DATE: September 2, 2025 FROM: Daniel McCrain, Fire Chief
SUBJECT: Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance No. 672, of the Morro Bay Municipal Code to amend Chapter 8.12 pertaining to Weeds, Rubbish, and Defensible Space
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Introduce for first reading by title only, with further reading waived, Ordinance No.672, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Morro Bay, California, Amending Title 8 (“Health and Safety) of the Morro Bay Municipal Code to amend and rename Chapter 8.12 Weeds, Rubbish and Defensible Space.”
ALTERNATIVES
Provide alternate direction.
FISCAL IMPACT
No fiscal impact identified.
BACKGROUND
The City of Morro Bay will be applying for the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection’s “Fire Risk Reduction Community” list. The benefit of being on this list for the citizens of Morro Bay can include potential discounts on property insurance. The California Department of Insurance “Safer From Wildfires” regulations in Title 10, Section 2644.9(d), require insurance companies to use a rating plan that takes into account and reflects whether a structure is in a Fire Risk Reduction Community. One of the requirements to qualify for this program is to have a weed abatement ordinance that exceeds the state minimum requirements. Currently Morro Bay has a weed abatement ordinance Chapter 8.12 of the Morro Bay Municipal Code titled “Weeds and Rubbish” that applies to all parcels within the Morro Bay city limits. The current language outlining the method of removal is limited in providing clear direction on the expectations of weed abatement for fire safety.
With the recent devastating fires in multiple cities throughout California and the update of Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps, there is a need to update the language in our weed abatement requirements to better define what is required. The guidelines for property owners shall follow CAL FIRES Defensible Space guidelines for weed abatement as defined in Public Resource Code (PRC) § 4291, 14 AGENDA NO: 7.a
MEETING DATE: 09/09/2025
California Code of Regulations (CCR) § 1299.03, Board of Forestry (BOF) General Guidelines. These guidelines will apply to all parcels within the Morro Bay City limits.
DISCUSSION
The title of Chapter 8.12 will be updated to “Weeds, Rubbish and Defensible Space” to better define the purpose of the code. These updated guidelines will apply to all parcels within the Morro Bay City Limits and are as follows,
Zone 1-Within 30 feet of all structures or to the property line:
Remove all branches within 10 feet of any chimney or stovepipe outlet. Remove leaves, pine needles, or other vegetation on roofs, gutters, decks, porches, stairways, etc.
Remove dead tree or shrub branches that overhang roofs, below or adjacent to windows, or which are adjacent to wall surfaces.
Remove all dead and dying grass, plants, shrubs, trees, branches, leaves, weeds, and pine needles.
Remove or separate fuels to maintain spacing between vegetation to interrupt the fire’s path.
Prune limbs; separate plants and ground cover.
Remove flammable vegetation and items that could catch fire which are adjacent to, or under, combustible decks, balconies, and stairs.
Relocate exposed wood piles outside of Zone 1 unless completely covered in a fire-resistant material.
Zone 2-Within 30–100 feet of all structures or to the property line:
Cut annual grasses and forbs down to a maximum height of 4 inches. Remove fuels to create proper horizontal and vertical spacing among shrubs and trees, and remove lower tree limbs.
All exposed woodpiles must have a minimum of 10 feet clearance, down to bare mineral soil, in all directions.
Remove all dead and dying trees, branches, shrubs, or other plants, and surface debris. Loose surface litter, normally consisting of fallen leaves or needles, twigs, bark, and cones, shall be permitted to a depth of 3 inches.
Logs or stumps embedded in the soil must be removed or isolated from other vegetation. Outbuildings and Liquid Propane Gas (LPG) storage tanks shall have 10 feet of clearance to bare mineral soil and no flammable vegetation for an additional 10 feet around their exterior. The fire chief shall determine the appropriate manner in which said public nuisances must be abated.
Large parcels or open space
Large parcels or open space lots shall clear a minimum of 100’ from the property line in addition to the above requirements around any structures.
CONCLUSION
The Fire Department is recommending a municipal code ordinance update of Chapter 8.12 of the Morro Bay Municipal Code to provide for improved defensible space within the City of Morro Bay to reduce the loss of life and property due to fire. Recent wildfires have had deadly impacts on cities and municipalities throughout the state. Having a robust defensible space program is one effective tool to reduce the impacts of fire. In addition to being better prepared in the event of a fire, if the City is successful in being accepted on the Board of Forestry Fire Risk Reduction Community list, FRRCL communities may see a discount on insurance costs.
ATTACHMENT(S)
1. Draft Weed Abatement Ordinance
2. Staff Presentation
ORDINANCE NO. 672
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF MORRO BAY, CALIFORNIA
AMMENDING CHAPTER 8.12 OF TITLE 8 OF THE MORRO BAY MUNICIPAL CODE
RELATING TO WEEDS, RUBBISH AND DEFENSIBLE SPACE
T H E C I T Y C O U N C I L
City of Morro Bay, California
WHEREAS, the City of Morro Bay (“City”) is an incorporated city within the State of California; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the prevention of fires is a matter of both local and statewide concern; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that vegetation fires are extremely costly to property owners, residents, and local and state agencies; and pose a serious threat to the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety; and
WHEREAS, nuisance weed, brush, and debris pose a danger to life and property by increasing the risk and severity of fires; and
WHEREAS, each year, serious injuries and property damage occur from fires supported by unmanaged weeds, brush, and debris; and
WHEREAS, based on the continued occurrence of vegetation fires affecting communities throughout the state, the City desires to amend its Municipal Code to increase defensible space requirements in order to proactively reduce fire hazards within the City.
NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MORRO BAY CALIFORNIA, DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Recitals. The recitals set forth above are true and correct and are hereby adopted as findings in support of this Ordinance as if fully set forth herein.
SECTION 2. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such a decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. The City Council declares that it would have passed this Ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, or phrases, be declared invalid.
SECTION 3. Potential Conflicts. All ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict with those sections amended or added herein are hereby expressly superseded by this ordinance.
SECTION 4. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall not become effective and in full force and effect until 12:01 a.m. on the thirty-first day after its final passage. However, within fifteen (15) days after adoption by the City Council, the Ordinance shall be published once, together with the
names of the Council Members voting thereon, in a newspaper of general circulation within the City.
SECTION 5. Chapter 8.12 of Title 8 of the Morro Bay Municipal Code is renamed from Weeds and Rubbish to Weeds, Rubbish and Defensible Space.
SECTION 6. Chapter 8.12.010 of Title 8 of the Morro Bay Municipal Code is amended to read in its entirety as follows:
8.12.010 - Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
“Defensible space” means the buffer that landowners are required to create on their property between a "Building or Structure" and the plants, brush and trees or other items surrounding the "Building or Structure" that could ignite in the event of a fire. “Building or Structure” means anything constructed that is designed or intended for support, enclosure, shelter, or protection of persons, animals, or property, having a permanent roof that is supported by walls or posts that connect to, or rest on the ground. "Enforcement official" means any employee or department head of the city charged with the duty of enforcing ordinances of the city, the county or laws of the state. "Nuisance weeds, brush and debris" means weeds which when mature, bear the wingy or downy seeds which will attain such a large growth as to become a fire menace when dry, or which are otherwise noxious or dangerous. This includes, but is not limited to:
A. Weeds growing upon street, sidewalks or private property; B. Sage brush, chaparral and other bush or weed which attain such large growth as to become a fire hazard or menace to adjacent property;
C. Poison oak and poison ivy when conditions of growth are such as to constitute a menace to the public health;
D. Dry grass, stubble, brush, litter or other flammable material which endangers the public safety by creating a fire hazard or public nuisance;
E. Any living or dead vegetation where size, concentration, chemical applications, poisons, infestation and combustibility is, or may become, a cause for a fire hazard or public nuisance. "Occupier" means the person occupying or otherwise in real or apparent charge and control of the premises affected.
"Owner" means the owner of record of the premises affected.
SECTION 7. Chapter 8.12.020 of Title 8 of the Morro Bay Municipal Code is amended to read in its entirety as follows:
8.12.020 - Authority to declare nuisance and abate.
The city council may declare by resolution as a public nuisance and abate:
A. Weeds growing in any location within the city, whether on public or private land, including all fire hazard severity zone designations.
B. All rubbish, refuse and dirt upon parkways or sidewalks, and all rubbish and refuse upon private property in the city.
C. Defensible space requirements can be found in Public Resource Code (PRC) § 4291, 14 California Code of Regulations (CCR) § 1299.03, and Board of Forestry (BOF) General Guidelines.
SECTION 8. Chapter 8.12.080 of Title 8 of the Morro Bay Municipal Code is amended to read in its entirety as follows:
8.12.080 - Method of removal or abatement.
A. Removal or abatement shall include cutting or spraying with chemicals or solutions to destroy or retard the growth of weeds or other vegetation and the removal and hauling of such destroyed vegetation and other flammable material to a legal disposal site. Not allowed are removal methods which incorporate burning, discing, tilling or any form of excavation.
B. The height of a cut shall not exceed that of the highest adjusted level of a standard rotary lawnmower. The property owner shall provide a twenty-foot abatement zone along such property line where brush and bush growth pose a fire hazard to adjoining property. No piles or clumps shall remain, and any cut material deposited to within ten feet of adjoining properties or the street right-of-way as a result of cutting, removal, weather or negligence shall be removed at the owner's expense. The completed abatement shall be to all property lines and to the edge of street paving.
All sidewalk, gutter and street areas shall be left clean.
B. The following guidelines are a minimum requirement and shall apply to all parcels within the city limits regardless of Fire hazard Severity Zone designation. Updates to Public Resource Code (PRC) § 4291, 14 California Code of Regulations (CCR) § 1299.03, and Board of Forestry (BOF) General Guidelines will be the controlling standards for weed abatement. Updated requirements shall be published in the annual “Notice to Clear Weeds and Debris” flyer.
Zone 1-Within 30 feet of all structures or to the property line:
• Remove all branches within 10 feet of any chimney or stovepipe outlet, PRC § 4291(a)(2) and 14 CCR § 1299.03(a)(2).
• Remove leaves, pine needles, or other vegetation on roofs, gutters, decks, porches, stairways, etc. PRC § 4291 (a)(4) and 14 CCR § 1299.03(a)(1). • Remove dead tree or shrub branches that overhang roofs, below or adjacent to windows, or which are adjacent to wall surfaces, PRC § 4291 (a)(3) and 14 CCR § 1299.03(a)(2). • Remove all dead and dying grass, plants, shrubs, trees, branches, leaves, weeds, and pine needles, 14 CCR § 1299.03(a)(1).
• Remove or separate fuels to maintain spacing between vegetation to interrupt the fire’s path. Prune limbs; separate plants and ground cover, PRC § 4291(a)(1) and BOF General Guidelines item 1.
• Remove flammable vegetation and items that could catch fire which are adjacent to, or under, combustible decks, balconies, and stairs, 14 CCR § 1299.03(a)(4). • Relocate exposed wood piles outside of Zone 1 unless completely covered in a fireresistant material, 14 CCR § 1299 .03(a)(3). C.
Zone 2-Within 30–100 feet of all structures or to the property line:
• Cut annual grasses and forbs down to a maximum height of 4 inches, 14 CCR § 1299.03(b)(2)(B).
• Remove fuels to create proper horizontal and vertical spacing among shrubs and trees, and remove lower tree limbs, BOF General Guidelines item 4. • All exposed woodpiles must have a minimum of 10 feet clearance, down to bare mineral soil, in all directions, 14 CCR § 1299.03(b)(2)(C).
• Remove all dead and dying trees, branches, shrubs, or other plants, and surface debris.
Loose surface litter, normally consisting of fallen leaves or needles, twigs, bark, and cones, shall be permitted to a depth of 3 inches, 14 CCR § 1299.03(b)(2)(A). • Logs or stumps embedded in the soil must be removed or isolated from other vegetation, BOF General Guidelines item 3.
• Outbuildings and Liquid Propane Gas (LPG) storage tanks shall have 10 feet of clearance to bare mineral soil and no flammable vegetation for an additional 10 feet around their exterior, 14 CCR § 1299.03(c)(1)
The fire chief shall determine the appropriate manner in which said public nuisances must be abated.
Large parcels or open space
• Large parcels or open space lots shall clear a minimum of 100’ from the property line in addition to the above requirements around any structures.
C. The fire chief shall determine the appropriate manner in which said public nuisances must be abated.
INTRODUCED at a regular meeting of the City Council of Morro Bay, held on the 9th day of September 2025 by motion of Councilmember _______ and seconded by Councilmember _______.
PASSED AND ADOPTED on the ____ day of September 2025, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
RECUSE:
____________________________
CARLA WIXOM, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
DANA SWANSON, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_____________________________________
BRIAN STACK, City Attorney
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO )
CITY OF MORRO BAY )
I, Dana Swanson, CITY CLERK FOR THE CITY OF MORRO BAY, HEREBY CERTIFY the foregoing Ordinance Number 672 was duly adopted by the City Council of the City Council of the City Morro Bay at a regular meeting of said Council on the ___ day of _______ 2025 and that it was so adopted on by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
RECUSE:
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of Morro Bay, California, this ______ day of _______________, 2025.
DANA SWANSON, City Clerk
Municipal Code
Amendment
WEEDS, RUBBISH and DEFENSIBLE SPACE
Recommendation
Amend Title 8 (Health and Safety) of the
Morro Bay Municipal Code
Amend Chapter 8.12 to adopt standard
defensible space guidelines city wide
Rename Chapter 8.12 to “WEEDS, RUBBISH
and DEFENSIBLE SPACE”
Current
requirements
Current abatement guidelines apply to
all parcels in city limits
Requires mowing or cutting weeds to a
height of less than 4”
Shall provide a twenty-foot abatement
zone along such property line where
brush and bush growth pose a fire
hazard to adjoining property
No piles or clumps shall remain
any cut material deposited to within
ten feet of adjoining properties or the
street right-of-way shall be removed at
the owner's expense
The completed abatement shall be to
all property lines and to the edge of
street paving. All sidewalk, gutter and
street areas shall be left clean
New Guidelines
Follows CAL FIRES
Defensible Space
guidelines for weed
abatement as
defined in Public
Resource Code
(PRC) § 4291, 14
California Code of
Regulations (CCR) §
1299.03, Board of
Forestry (BOF)
General
Guidelines.
Identifies two
abatement zones
around a structure.
Zone 1 is within 30
feet of the
structure or to the
property line
Zone 2 is 30 to 100
feet or to the
property line
Zone 1 Requirements
Remove all branches within 10 feet of any chimney or stovepipe outlet Remove leaves, pine needles, or other vegetation on roofs, gutters, decks, porches, stairways, etc.
Remove dead tree or shrub branches that overhang roofs, below or adjacent to windows, or which are adjacent to wall surfaces Remove all dead and dying grass, plants, shrubs, trees, branches, leaves, weeds, and pine needles
Remove or separate fuels to maintain spacing between vegetation to interrupt the fire’s path. Prune limbs; separate plants and ground cover
Remove flammable vegetation and items that could catch fire which are adjacent to, or under, combustible decks, balconies, and stairs Relocate exposed wood piles outside of Zone 1 unless completely covered in a fire-resistant material
Zone 2 Requirements
Cut annual grasses
and forbs down to a
maximum height of 4
inches
Remove fuels to
create proper
horizontal and
vertical spacing
among shrubs and
trees, and remove
lower tree limbs
All exposed woodpiles
must have a minimum
of 10 feet clearance,
down to bare mineral
soil, in all directions
Remove all dead and
dying trees,
branches, shrubs, or
other plants, and
surface debris. Loose
surface litter,
normally consisting of
fallen leaves or
needles, twigs, bark,
and cones, shall be
permitted to a depth
of 3 inches
• Logs or stumps
embedded in the soil
must be removed or
isolated from other
vegetation
Outbuildings and
Liquid Propane Gas
(LPG) storage tanks
shall have 10 feet of
clearance to bare
mineral soil and no
flammable vegetation
for an additional 10
feet around their
exterior
Large Parcels or Open Space
Owners shall clear
a minimum of 100’
from the property
line
Must comply with
Zone 1 and Zone 2
requirements for
structures on the
property
Benefits of Defensible Space
Questions?