Hanford council asks staff to draft regulated allowance for feather flags after code enforcement briefing

Hanford City Council on Tuesday directed staff to draft amendments to the municipal code to allow feather flags in commercial areas under defined conditions after a staff presentation on how the city enforces sign and other code violations.

The discussion grew out of a report by city code staff that reviewed enforcement practices, the difference between notices of violation and citations, and examples of how other nearby cities regulate feather flags. The council did not adopt an ordinance at the meeting; it asked staff to return with specific draft language and options.

Why it matters: Council members and business owners said feather flags are a low‑cost way for small businesses to advertise. Other council members and staff warned that removing limits could produce clutter, safety problems in the right‑of‑way and enforcement inconsistencies unless rules set clear parameters.

Staff presentation and enforcement context Jason (staff presenter) introduced the item and said code compliance’s primary goal is voluntary compliance. Gavino Barrera, who “oversees code compliance,” and Tom Webb, who “oversees the building and code compliance division,” joined him for the briefing.

Barrera told the council that most cases are resolved after…