CITY COUNCIL WRAP-UP

The following is from the March 3 City Council meeting.

Building inspection changes 5-0

The council unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance designed to ensure quality and code compliance and eliminate the uniform sign code.

WHAT IT MEANS

If the ordinance is approved on the second reading it would require special inspections, as well as the usual ones by city inspectors, for single family homes when the construction is complex and for extensions of plan review and permits. The uniform sign code has been overridden by the new California Building Code and is no longer applicable.

Zoning, Coastal Plan amendments 5-0

The council approved amendments to an ordinance regarding interior signs, which has the effect of encouraging business owners to place larger and more numerous signs four feet from a window and address ongoing issues of enforcement.

WHAT IT MEANS

If passed on the second reading, the ordinance would require permits to be obtained for signs placed inside a business that are intended to be visible from the outside.

Green Laguna 5-0

The council approved a proposal to ask the Environmental Committee to return to the City Council with a recommended ordinance to require compostable or reusable grocery bags. In a separate action the council also approved a proposal to ask residents to turn off their lights from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. March 28 to call attention to the need to reduce reliance on fossil fuel.

WHAT IT MEANS

The committee will return with proposals for these “green” measures for future consideration.

Television rate increase report

The council requested Cox Cable prepare a cost analysis for its rates in Laguna Beach compared with other cities, after a Cox spokesman was unable to answer questions to council’s satisfaction about how the company’s rate in Laguna compares to other localities and providers.

WHAT IT MEANS

Cox will send a representative to the council in April prepared to compare old rates with the news, for televisions, phone and computer services.

Road abandonment 5-0

The council approved the abandonment of a portion of Grandview Street right-of-way between Cedar Way and North Coast Highway.

WHAT IT MEANS

The parcel will be divided between two property owners who have been responsible for its maintenance.

Laguna Presbyterian project amended 5-0

Changes were approved to the Laguna Presbyterian Church conditional use permit, coastal development permit and Design Review, which included a variance.

WHAT IT MEANS

The church will get a bigger reduction in parking requirements, as recommended by the Heritage Committee and Planning Commission.

Heritage Tree not to be replaced 3-2

A heritage tree ay 31612 Second Ave. was removed without a city permit. The owner claimed she didn’t know a permit was required, and the tree was dead.

WHAT IT MEANS

The tree was removed from the Heritage Tree List. A bare council majority voted not to require replacement.

St. Mary’s gets an extension 5-0

A neighbor of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church appealed the Planning Commission approval of a two-year extension of permits needed for construction at the church property, because the church had not fulfilled all of the requirements.

WHAT IT MEANS

The council approved the extension, subject to the church following the requirement within 60 days, and to show written proof that the requirement was met.

— Barbara Diamond