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<br />I ()~-J.i <br /> <br />replacement signs would be subject to the new ordinance. All other signs, meaning the non- <br />conforming signs listed in the City inventory, could therefore remain indefinitely (or until <br />demolition caused by new development). This option would not lead to the anticipated <br />aesthetic improvements. <br /> <br />Recommendation 3) <br />After reviewing the inventory, at the December 13, 1999 Council meeting, staff was given <br />clear direction on the importance of moving the Sign Enforcement effort forward in order to <br />improve the physical appearance of the City. The Council further requested that a Public <br />Hearing notice be sent out (in conformance with State law), to inform all businesses as well <br />as affected property owners of the City's intent to consider the need for the regulation or <br />prohibition of on-premises advertising display(s). In addition, Council asked staff to bring <br />back additional information relating to various enforcement alternatives and their costs for <br />review. <br /> <br />Additionally, as discussed in the December 13, 1999 City Council Information Report <br />(attached), the estimated time typically needed to abate a sign violation(s) at a given site is <br />expected to involve approximately six hours of staff time; two hours to initiate the process, <br />followed by an average of four hours for the abatement/enforcement period, (depending on <br />the individual business' level of compliance). The enforcement process includes the following <br />steps: <br /> <br />. Identification: On-site inspection and confirmation of violation(s). <br />. Update of inventory: As necessary. <br />. Contact: Personal visit with business operator, notification letter to business and <br />property owners. <br />. Follow through: Re-inspection after 7-10 days. Phone call to business, as necessary. <br />. Abatement of violation: or enforcement (through administrative citation), if non- <br />compliance. <br />. Closure: After full compliance, sign inventory is updated and confirmation note is sent <br />to business and property owners. <br />. Follow up: Visual drive-by after 90 days (or as opportunity allows). <br /> <br />In order to implement the ordinance a full time Code Enforcement Specialist is needed at an <br />estimated 2,000 hours of yearly service. This corresponds to an estimated enforcement of <br />345 sites per year, or about 65% of the City's total recorded sites with sign violations (as a <br />reminder, there are 531 sites with a total of 905 recorded sign violations). By abating all <br />recorded violations contained in the sign inventory, the two-year enforcement period <br />(anticipated to begin in July, 2000), is expected to lead to a significant upgrade in the <br />appearance of Redwood City. <br /> <br />Because all non-conforming signs, signage violations cannot be enforced simultaneously (in <br />light of the recorded number of sign violations), the following options are available: <br /> <br />Option 1: Phasing in byarea(s): Should enforcement focus on specific areas of town, <br />such as State Highways, Districts or portions thereof? <br />Option 2: Phasing in by type(s) of signs: Should enforcement activities focus on <br />specific types of sign violations, such as illegal temporary or window signs? <br />Option 3: Phasing in by specific types of signs located in targeted areas: Should <br />enforcement activities focus on highly visible sign violations located in <br /> <br />4 <br />