Placentia Cit Council
TO: CITY COUNCIL
VIA: CITY ADMINISTRATOR
FROM: DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY SERVICES
DATE: MARCH 21, 2023
AGENDA REPORT
SUBJECT: INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 0-2023-01 OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PLACENTIA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 9.20 ("WILDLIFE") OF TITLE 9 ("ANIMALS AND FOWL") OF THE
PLACENTIA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO FEEDING WILDLIFE WITHIN
THE CITY
FISCAL
IMPACT: NONE
SUMMARY:
The proposed amended ordinance will update Chapter 9.20 of the Placentia Municipal Code ("PMC") by prohibiting the public feeding of wildlife. The proposed amendment will enable the Community Services Department, Public Works Department and Police Department to effectively enforce provisions of the PMC relating to the feeding of "wildlife" in City parks and athletic fields.
DISCUSSION:
The Community Services Department noted the PMC does not contain provisions relating to the public feeding wildlife at City Parks and Athletic Fields. The population of ground squirrels at certain athletic fields and parks has noticeably increased which could be exacerbated by feeding from the public. This increase in ground squirrel activity is causing negative impacts to the City parks and athletic fields.
Specifically, staff has noticed a significant increase in the number of holes on athletic fields, park grounds and slopes. City maintenance staff and contractors cannot keep up with filling the holes daily. The growing ground squirrel population is also causing damage to the park lighting at Champions Park by chewing electrical wires. Holes and underground tunneling create a significant safety hazard for users of the athletic fields. Additionally, ground squirrels may carry disease which can infect members of the public. The proposed ordinance mirrors Section 251.1 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations which prohibits the "harassment" of any mammal, which expressly includes intentional acts such as feeding because it can disrupt the animal's natural foraging behavior.
3.a.
March 21, 2023
City Council Agenda
March 21, 2023
City staff has reviewed the current conditions and developed a proposed ordinance to amend Chapter 9.20 of the PMC to prohibit the public from feeding wildlife in the City with certain exceptions. The amended ordinance also applies to other forms of wildlife.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1. Receive the staff report and consider the first reading of Ordinance No. 0-2023-01; and
2. Find that the recommended actions are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to Sections 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines, (Title 14, Chapter 3 of the California Code of Regulations). Section 21065 of the Public Resources Code, and the City of Placentia Local Guidelines for implementing CEQA.
STRATEGIC PLANNING STATEMENT:
There is no specific strategic planning goal or objective associated with this agenda item.
Prepared by: �} Reviewed and approved:
CVO
Karen Crocker
Director of Community Services
Reviewed and approved:
Damien R. Arrula
City Administrator
Christian L. Bettenhausen
City Attorney
Attachment:
Ordinance 0-2023-01 amending Chapter 9.20 of the PMC