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Council backs more proactive code enforcement and launches beautification ideas including public art
Summary
Council asked staff to make code enforcement more proactive, pursue beautification projects and report back; staff said officers have been given initiation targets and public art/median improvements are under consideration.
Westminster council members on April 28 endorsed a more proactive approach to code enforcement and discussed a menu of beautification ideas that staff will pursue with partners.
Interim Community Development Director Sherry Vanarduceen and the interim code enforcement manager told council they have directed code officers to begin more proactive case initiation. “This past month, we challenged all of our code enforcement officers to initiate 40 cases each,” Vanarduceen said, noting supervisors were accompanying officers and setting weekly goals.
Council members requested an emphasis on commercial corridors and repeat violators. They said visible issues — illegal banners, overflowing parking‑lot trash, abandoned furniture on sidewalks — shape public perceptions and undermine downtown and corridor revitalization efforts. Council members asked staff to prioritize public‑facing corridors and to hold property owners accountable when repeated problems occur.
Staff also outlined beautification opportunities. The manager’s office said the city is nearing closeout on a Caltrans‑related bridges project (405 improvements) that includes funds earmarked for art on bridges; staff proposed using that funding to install public art at gateway locations and to pursue utility‑box art and median/landscape upgrades. The city said it will coordinate with Midway City Sanitary District, school districts and other local partners and explore grant opportunities to expand efforts.
Staff recommended a September update to council on code enforcement activity and on early options for public‑art and corridor beautification programming. No ordinances or penalties were adopted at the workshop; the council’s direction was to pursue more proactive enforcement and to return with measurable outcomes and a plan for partnerships and pilot beautification projects.
