CITY OF SIGNAL HILL
STAFF REPORT
2175 Cherry Avenue • Signal
Hill, California 90755-3799
11/14/2023
AGENDA ITEM
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR
AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CARLO TOMAINO
CITY MANAGER
BY: MATTHEW E. RICHARDSON
CITY ATTORNEY
SUBJECT:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIGNAL HILL, CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAPTERS 5.06 (SIDEWALK VENDING), 5.36 (MOBILE FOOD VENDING), 8.58 (VACANT PROPERTY MAINTENANCE), 9.65 (MEDIAN ISLANDS), 9.66 (CATALYTIC CONVERTERS), AND 9.67 (SPEED CONTESTS); AMENDING CHAPTERS 5.14 (FILMING ACTIVITIES), 8.13 (ADMINISTRATIVE CITATION), 9.08 (CONDUCT IN PUBLIC PLACES), 9.18 (LOUD OR UNRULY PARTIES, GATHERINGS AND OTHER DISTURBANCES OF THE PEACE), 1.01 (CODE ADOPTION), 12.14 (CAMPING AND STORAGE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY ON PUBLIC PROPERTY), 1.14 (MUNICIPAL ELECTION), 2.04 (ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER), 2.08 (COUNCIL MEETINGS), 2.80 (PERSONNEL RULES FOR
CLASSIFIED AND NON-CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES), OF THE SIGNAL HILL MUNICIPAL CODE TO IMPROVE AND ENHANCE OPERATION OF THE CITY; AND
FINDING THE ORDINANCE AS EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT
Summary:
In a proactive initiative to modernize the Signal Hill (“City”) Municipal Code, City staff and the City Attorney’s office have worked together to identify portions of the City’s Municipal Code requiring updates to conform with State law and integrate best practices. This collaborative effort has resulted in amendments and new additions to the City’s Municipal Code including, but not limited to, code enforcement, vending regulations, health and safety, and other updates tailored to fit the community’s evolving needs. These updates to the Municipal Code are presented to the City Council in one comprehensive omnibus ordinance.
Strategic Plan Goal(s):
Goal No. 2 Community Safety: Maintain Community Safety by supporting public safety services and increasing emergency preparedness.
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Goal No. 3 Economic & Downtown Development: Improve the local economy, support local businesses, and create a vibrant downtown core.
Goal No. 4 Infrastructure: Maintain and improve the City’s physical infrastructure, water system, and recreational spaces.
Goal No. 5 High-Functioning Government: Strengthen internal communication, recruitment, retention, systems, and processes to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of City services.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends the City Council approve the proposed changes to the Signal Hill Municipal Code by introducing the ordinance.
Introduce an ordinance, entitled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIGNAL HILL, CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAPTERS 5.06 (SIDEWALK VENDING), 5.36 (MOBILE FOOD VENDING), 8.58 (VACANT PROPERTY MAINTENANCE), 9.65 (MEDIAN ISLANDS), 9.66 (CATALYTIC CONVERTERS), AND 9.67 (SPEED CONTESTS); AMENDING CHAPTERS 5.14 (FILMING ACTIVITIES), 8.13 (ADMINISTRATIVE CITATION), 9.08 (CONDUCT IN PUBLIC PLACES), 9.18 (LOUD OR UNRULY PARTIES, GATHERINGS AND OTHER DISTURBANCES OF THE PEACE), 1.01 (CODE ADOPTION), 12.14 (CAMPING AND STORAGE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY ON PUBLIC PROPERTY), 1.14 (MUNICIPAL ELECTION), 2.04 (ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER), 2.08 (COUNCIL MEETINGS), 2.80 (PERSONNEL RULES FOR
CLASSIFIED AND NON-CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES), OF THE SIGNAL HILL MUNICIPAL CODE TO IMPROVE AND ENHANCE OPERATION OF THE CITY; AND
FINDING THE ORDINANCE AS EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
Fiscal Impact:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
Background and Analysis:
The omnibus ordinance includes revisions and additions to numerous provisions of the City’s municipal code. Below are brief summaries of the general areas proposed for revision and addition.
I. Filming Activities
Chapter 5.14 of the Municipal Code outlines the regulations for filming activities within the City. In response to the evolving media landscape, City staff has recommended updates to the definitions within Chapter 5.14 in an effort to acknowledge digital news as an emerging medium. The amendments to Chapter 5.14 also aim to provide clarity for those wishing to engage in filming activities within the City. Likewise, these revisions aim to promote accountability by empowering the CITY OF SIGNAL HILL Page 2 of 6 Printed on 11/9/2023
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activities within the City. Likewise, these revisions aim to promote accountability by empowering the City Manager or their designee to impose additional conditions on permits to address community concerns, such as safety, traffic, and noise. This flexibility benefits both the City and its residents by allowing for more tailored permit conditions that mitigate any potential impact of filming activities.
II. Health and Safety
Leveraging its constitutional police powers to protect the public’s health, safety, and general welfare, the City staff has proposed a series of Code updates aimed at enhancing the well-being of the Signal Hill community.
A. Sidewalk Vending
In response to California's Senate Bill 946 (“SB 946”), which sets statewide standards for the regulation of sidewalk vendors, the City is proposing the addition of Chapter 5.06 to the Municipal Code. This new chapter aims to align local regulations with the stipulations of SB 946, which allows for city-level regulations only when they pertain to objective health, safety, or welfare concerns. By introducing Chapter 5.06, the City seeks to foster entrepreneurship within the parameters set by SB 946, ensuring that sidewalk vending is regulated in a manner that is both fair and attentive to public safety.
B. Food Truck Vending
To encourage entrepreneurship while ensuring public safety, this Ordinance introduces Chapter 5.36 focusing on the regulation of mobile food facilities and food trucks within the City. By establishing clear and concise guidelines and permit requirements, the City aims to mitigate potential safety, traffic, and health hazards associated with food truck vending in accordance with state law. This approach provides both code enforcement and food truck operators with clear standards for operations while maintaining food safety standards.
C. Administrative Citations
This Ordinance introduces amendments to Chapter 8.13 of the Municipal Code regarding administrative citations. The proposed changes offer more precise guidelines for Code Enforcement officials during the citation issuance process and broaden the range of violations that can be addressed through this mechanism. The amendments also provide a clearer framework for both the citation issuance and the subsequent appeal procedures.
D. Vacant Property Maintenance
The proposed addition of Chapter 8.58 to this Ordinance aims to address the issue of vacant buildings that contribute to urban decay within the City. This Chapter sets forth minimum maintenance requirements for such properties while advocating for proactive upkeep to swiftly address any maintenance concerns. The objective of this Chapter is to enhance the overall wellbeing, safety, and health of the Signal Hill community. These provisions are universally applicable to all improved real property within the City that meet the conditions outlined In this Chapter.
E. Conduct in Public Parks and Enclosures
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The proposed amendments to Chapter 9.08 of the Municipal Code focus on refining the guidelines for conduct within public parks and enclosures. The aim is to establish enhanced standards of behavior in parks with the objective of ensuring that community members can fully enjoy these spaces for their intended recreational purposes. In addition to enhancing conduct expectations, the revisions also bring the Chapter in line with recent State law changes concerning food vending in parks. Furthermore, the proposal includes modifications to the permit application procedures required under this Chapter, thereby streamlining the process for both the City and applicants. These collective changes are designed to improve the overall park experience for the community while ensuring compliance with current legal standards.
F. Loud and Unruly Events
In an effort to enhance public safety and community well-being, Chapter 9.18 of the Municipal Code has undergone targeted revisions. These amendments specifically address scenarios where law enforcement is repeatedly called to the same property for similar offenses, such as disruptive social events. This Ordinance serves to clarify the standards for determining violations in an effort to streamline the enforcement process for violations of this Chapter. The updated provisions further clarify the reasonable costs law enforcement may recover when responding to properties on multiple occasions and set forth the penalties for violations of this Chapter.
G. Median Islands
In response to observed safety and aesthetic concerns within public right-of-ways, Chapter 9.65 has been added to the Municipal Code. The Chapter aims to enhance safety for both drivers and pedestrians by restricting pedestrians from standing on City-owned median islands all the while preserving the aesthetic value of the City's landscaped median islands.
H. Catalytic Converters
In an effort to address the growing issue of catalytic converter theft, Chapter 9.66 has been added to the Municipal Code. Chapter 9.66 focuses on the possession of catalytic converters and renders it unlawful to possess a catalytic converter that is not attached to a vehicle unless the individual has valid documentation or other proof of lawful possession.
I. Speed Contests
To enhance the safety of our residents and deter illegal vehicle speed contests and exhibitions occurring within the City’s boundaries, the City is introducing the addition of Chapter 9.67 to the Municipal Code. This Chapter aims to discourage not only the participants but also the spectators of such dangerous events taking place within the City’s boundaries. This Chapter further provides that anyone knowingly present at these illegal events could face misdemeanor charges; exceptions to this rule are also specified in the Chapter.
J. Camping and Storage of Property
To enhance the safety of indigent persons and provide for the overall health and safety of the community, the City is introducing the addition of Chapter 12.14 of the Municipal Code. This Chapter provides regulations within the parameters set by case law, for camping and storage or property on CITY OF SIGNAL HILL Page 4 of 6 Printed on 11/9/2023
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provides regulations within the parameters set by case law, for camping and storage or property on public property. This Chapter aims to protect the safety of those who need to use public property for these purposes, while also protecting the overall health and safety of the community.
III. Miscellaneous
A. Election and Municipal Code Maintenance Updates
Amendments have been made to ordinances impacting municipal elections and the maintenance of the City’s Municipal Code, specifically within Chapters 1.01 and 1.14 of the Municipal Code. Chapter
1.01 has been updated to align its language on the distribution of the Municipal Code with current legal requirements. Meanwhile, Chapter 1.14 has seen the repeal of outdated language to reflect recent changes in the City’s electoral process for municipal elections. These updates serve to modernize the Code, ensuring it is in compliance with legal standards and accurately represents the City’s current electoral procedures.
B. Modernizing Terms Within Municipal Code
City staff has also proposed key updates aimed at modernizing terminology and promoting inclusivity within the Municipal Code to ensure it remains adaptable and reflective of the City's evolving needs and values.
In an effort to align the Municipal Code with evolving organizational structures, Chapter 2.80 has been updated to broaden the definition of "Department Head." This amendment accommodates not only traditional titles but also new titles of directors. By doing so, the Code becomes more flexible and adaptive to ensure that it remains applicable as the City's administrative landscape evolves.
In a concerted effort to promote inclusive language, several amendments have been made to Chapters 2.04 and 2.08. Specifically, Chapter 2.04 now replaces the word "he" with "he or she," and "his" with "his or hers," to acknowledge and include all genders. Additionally, the term "Councilmen" has been updated to "Councilmembers" in both Chapter 2.04 and Chapter 2.08. By adopting language that is both inclusive and representative, the City aims to create a Municipal Code that is more aligned with contemporary standards of fairness and equality.
C. Developer Deposits
Amendments have been made to Chapter 21.28 of the Municipal Code to allow the City the flexibility to extend the term of developer deposits in accordance with Assembly Bill 1600. By allowing for the extension of deposit terms, the City can better accommodate the varying complexities and durations of development initiatives.
Conclusion:
As discussed throughout this report, the purpose of introducing various updates to the Municipal Code is to proactively modernize various City regulations to address quality of life issues noted by staff or highlighted by residents. Many of the proposed amendments adopt best practices currently in place in other communities. The municipal code updates were drafted in a way that best balances the City’s local regulatory authority while remaining adherent to State law. The City Council’s inclusion of the proposed amendments into the municipal code is effectuated by the adoption of the CITY OF SIGNAL HILL Page 5 of 6 Printed on 11/9/2023
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inclusion of the proposed amendments into the municipal code is effectuated by the adoption of the attached Ordinance.
Upon introduction of the Ordinance, the City Clerk’s office will cause to be posted a summary of the Ordinance pursuant to Signal Hill Municipal Code Section 1.08.010 at City Hall, Discover Well Park, Reservoir Park, and the Signal Hill Library on or before November 17, 2023. A summary of the Ordinance will also be published in the Signal Tribune newspaper per Government Code §65091(a) (4) on [date]. Second reading of the Ordinance will be agendized for the [date] City Council meeting.
Waive the Reading of All Ordinances
Wherein the titles appear on the public agenda, said titles shall be determined to have been read by title, and further reading is waived. The purpose of waiving the reading of ordinances in full and authorizing reading by title only is to help streamline the Council meeting process, to avoid unnecessary delay and to allow more time for substantive discussion of items on the agenda.
Attachment:
A. Ordinance
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