TO: ADAM PIRRIE, CITY MANAGER
FROM: SHELLEY DESAUTELS, CITY CLERK
DATE: SEPTEMBER 24, 2024
Reviewed by:
City Manager: AP
SUBJECT:
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SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CLAREMONT MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE 18, PERTAINING TO REAL ESTATE “OPEN HOUSE” SIGNAGE
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SUMMARY
Section 18.015.030 of the Claremont Municipal Code (CMC), which is titled “Non-Illuminated Signs,” provides rules and regulations on real estate signs, including “Open House” signs. Current CMC language effectively prohibits “Open House” signs from being posted unless they are posted on a Saturday or Sunday between 12:00 and 6:00 p.m. In order to allow more flexibility on when “Open House” signs can be posted, staff recommends an amendment to the existing language to remove the limitation that “Open House” signs can only be posted on a Saturday or Sunday between 12:00 and 6:00 p.m.
The City Council considered this ordinance (Attachment) at the September 10, 2024 regular meeting; and placed the ordinance on first reading. The ordinance is now presented for second reading and adoption. If adopted, the ordinance will take effect in 30 days.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the City Council waive further reading and adopt AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO CLAREMONT MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE 18 THAT WILL AMEND SUBSECTION (C) OF CHAPTER SECTION 18.015.030 OF TITLE 18 (SIGNS) PERTAINING TO REAL ESTATE “OPEN HOUSE” SIGNAGE.
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ALTERNATIVES TO RECOMMENDATION
In addition to the recommendation, there are the following alternatives:
• Request additional information.
• Do not approve the proposed ordinance, in which case no changes will be made to the Claremont Municipal Code.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The staff cost to prepare this report and administer this project is estimated at $1,940 and is included in the operating budgets of the Administrative Services and Community Development Departments.
ANALYSIS
Section 18.015.030 of the Claremont Municipal Code, which is titled “Non-Illuminated Signs,” provides guidance on real estate signs, including “Open House” signs. Subsection (C) reads, in part, “One freestanding, on-site ‘Open House’ sign with a maximum area of three square feet shall be permitted on Saturdays and Sundays between the hours of 12:00 and 6:00 p.m.;” and, “Two freestanding, off-premises, directional ‘Open House’ signs, with a maximum area of three square feet, shall be permitted on Saturdays and Sundays between the hours of 12:00 and 6:00 p.m.” This language effectively prohibits “Open House” signs from being posted unless they are posted on a Saturday or Sunday between 12:00 and 6:00 p.m.
Staff recommends an amendment to this policy to allow for more flexibility in posting “Open House” signage. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, people are working flexible schedules that allow for open houses to take place on days and times other than Saturdays and Sundays between 12:00 and 6:00 p.m. The proposed amendments are as follows:
C. Real estate signs up to a maximum of six square feet in area, and, if freestanding, a maximum of five feet in height. One real estate sign shall be permitted per street frontage of a lot. Such signs shall be permitted to remain while the property is in escrow, but shall be removed when the property referred to is no longer for sale, rent, or lease. No real estate signs shall be permitted in the public right-of-way. (Real estate signs larger than six square feet may be permitted in each district pursuant to Section 18.035.020 if a sign permit is approved.)
1. Riders which provide additional information about the property, such as "Sale Pending" may be attached to the primary sign or signpost as long as the total sign area does not exceed the maximum area allowed.
2. One freestanding, on-site "Open House" sign with a maximum area of three square feet shall be permitted up to one hour before and one hour after the open house. on Saturdays and Sundays between the hours of 12:00 and 6:00 p.m.
3. Two freestanding, off-premises, directional "Open House" signs, with a maximum area of three square feet, shall be permitted up to one hour before and one hour after the open house. on Saturdays and Sundays between the hours of 12:00 and 6:00 p.m. No "Open House" signs shall be permitted in the public right-of-way. Prior to placing a sign on any property, authorization is required from the owner of the property where the sign is to be located.
LEGAL REVIEW
The proposed ordinance (Attachment) has been reviewed and approved as to form by the City Attorney.
RELATIONSHIP TO CITY PLANNING DOCUMENTS
Staff has evaluated the agenda item in relationship to the City’s strategic and visioning documents and finds that it applies to the following City Planning Documents: Council Priorities, Economic Sustainability Plan, and the 2024-26 Budget.
CEQA REVIEW
This item is not subject to environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
Prior to the first reading, a courtesy notice was sent to Homeowners Associations (HOA) and local realtors, informing them of the proposed changes to the Municipal Code as it relates to the placement of “Open House” signs.
The agenda and staff report for this item have been posted on the City website and distributed to interested parties. If you desire a copy, please contact the City Clerk’s Office.
Submitted by:
Shelley Desautels
City Clerk
Attachment:
Proposed Ordinance