City Council
MEETING DATE: 2/28/2018
TITLE:
Title
Review of Cathedral City Municipal Code Chapter 9.80 "Accessory Structures, Structure Heights, Yards, Walls and Fencing".
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FROM:
Pat Milos, Community Development Director
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council receive an update and review Cathedral City Municipal Code Chapter 9.80 Accessory Structures, Structure Heights, Yards, Walls and Fencing and provide staff direction.
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BACKGROUND:
In 1984 the City Council adopted Ordinance 80 intended to implement the goals and policies of the general plan of the city of Cathedral City by preserving and enhancing the visual aspects of the city and to promote the orderly and attractive construction, and placement of accessory structures, regulate structure heights, yards, walls and fencing throughout the city of Cathedral City. The Ordinance has been amended twice since to keep it up to date, add detail and better define the purpose and intent of the code.
The City Council reviewed Cathedral City Municipal Code (CCMC) Chapter 9.80 "Accessory Structures, Structure Heights, Yards, Walls and Fencing" as it relates to walls and fencing in several study sessions in late 2015. During those sessions, the Council directed staff to present Chapter 9.80 to the Planning Commission for their review and feedback.
Subsequently, the Planning Commission discussed Chapter 9.80 at their February 17, 2016 regular meeting and proposed the following recommendation:
Staff continue to adhere to and enforce CCMC section 9.80 in its entirety and does not recommend standardizing other materials such as metal, vinyl, composite, etc. Additionally, staff continue to review proposed alternative materials (other than the standard block wall and/or tubular steel) on a case by case basis with the emphasis on consistency with the existing building architecture and consider the adoption of a policy or code amendment to provide an applicant with an appeal procedure similar to the current Administrative Design Review process utilizing the Architectural Review Committee for those cases where the applicant disagrees with staff's determination.
The City Council was presented with the Planning Commission's recommendation during a Study Session on March 23, 2016 and directed staff to process an amendment to the municipal code to describe the type of metal fencing material that would be allowed.
DISCUSSION:
Due to the length of time that has elapsed and difficulties defining the related technical terms, Staff would like to revisit the issue in a work session to reaffirm the City Council's direction.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There are no immediate related fiscal impacts
ATTACHMENTS:
1. CCMC 9.78.050 Administrative Design Review
2. CCMC 9.80 Accessory Structures, Structure Heights, Yards, Walls and Fencing