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Commission backs staff recommendation to expand code enforcement fund and increase sign maintenance fee temporarily
Summary
Commissioners unanimously recommended an ordinance to expand the code-enforcement fund's revenue sources and approved staff's proposed sign-maintenance fee structure, drawing objections from major outdoor advertising firms.
The Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend approval of an ordinance that expands the sources and uses for the code enforcement fund and adjusts the annual sign-maintenance fee for general advertising signs.
Planning staff (Elaine Forbes) told commissioners the ordinance would expand revenues that may be retained in the code enforcement fund and would adjust fees to support the sign-inventory and enforcement program. Staff recommended a temporary inventory fee of up to $145 per sign through the program's substantial-completion phase, reverting to a lower maintenance fee thereafter; staff argued earlier estimates underestimated time and costs to validate the inventory and address violations. Representatives of Clear Channel and CBS Outdoor objected to a proposed temporary fee increase and warned of legal risk under Proposition 218 and comparative LA fee levels; they asked for further vetting. Staff responded that the program is designed to be cost-recovering, that reporting and refund mechanisms exist if revenues exceed costs, and that the Board of Supervisors will also examine the analysis.
After discussion the commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the ordinance (and its fee schedule) with staff amendments.
