TITLE
Recommendation to request City Attorney to amend the Long Beach Municipal Code to allow the use of canopies, provided the following guidelines are met:
· Collapsible canopies shall be restricted to the rear yard.
· Collapsible canopies shall have a minimum setback of five feet from the side and rear property lines.
· Collapsible canopies shall not be visible from public and/or private streets.
· Collapsible canopies shall be maintained in a manner that prevents the creation of any nuisance or otherwise detracts from the property value or residential character of the neighborhood.
· Collapsible canopies shall be not greater than 10 feet in height as measured from the adjacent finished grade.
· Collapsible canopies shall be constructed of flame retardant materials.
DISCUSSION
Current Municipal Code 9.65.050 prohibits the use of canopies in residential backyards in excess of 72-hours.
Due to the heat in the summer, many residents have purchased canopies to provide shade so they can enjoy the use of their backyards. Most of these canopies are not visible from the street. Recently, these residents have been 'reported' by other neighbors and have been noticed by the City for violation of current law.
As of July 11, the internet listing of "Active Code Enforcement Cases" listed a total of 536 cases in the 5th District. 237 of those cases are related to canopies.
Active Code Enforcement Cases dealing with "canopy" problems in other Council District are: 8 cases in District #1; 9 cases in District #2; 2 cases in District #3; 125 cases in District #4; 18 cases in District #6; 62 cases in District #7; 7 cases in District #8; and 38 cases in District #9. (See http://clbchdm05.cLlonabeach.ca. us:6555/1 DMWeb/CLBT ools/PB/Council. htm)
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske, Fifth District