PURPOSE

The purpose of this report is to provide Council with information concerning the introduction of an ordinance and associated Burbank Fee Resolution amendment to eliminate the sunset provision of the Temporary �Open House� Real Estate Sign Ordinance.

BACKGROUND

The issue of adopting an ordinance which allows the posting of temporary signage advertising residential property �open houses� in Burbank has been before Burbank City Councils since the 1980�s.  Most recently this issue was considered by the City Council as a discussion item in November, 2003.  This resulted in staff returning to Council in June, 2004 with options for such an ordinance.  At this time, Council chose one of the ordinance options and directed staff to return with a trial ordinance which would sunset one year after the effective date of the ordinance. 

On June 8, 2004, staff presented Council with the requested ordinance which they approved and became effective on July 24, 2004.  Consequently, as requested by Council staff provided Council with an status report and recommendation concerning the Temporary Real Estate �Open House� Sign Ordinance at the May 3, 2005 City Council.  At this time staff was directed to return to Council with an ordinance which eliminates the sunset provision of the Temporary �Open House� Real Estate Sign Ordinance.  Also, at the May 3, 2005 meeting Council further directed staff to provide a resolution amending the Burbank Fee Resolution to raise the permit fee for Temporary �Open House� Real Estate Sign Permits from $10 to $12 and make this fee non-prorated.

ANALYSIS

The Temporary Real Estate �Open House� Sign Ordinance allows certain temporary signage to be placed in and upon the public right-of-way which promotes �open house� activity for the sale, lease, or rent of residential properties located in the City of Burbank.   The ordinance contains definitive operation standards, which are:

1.     Size of sign (face of sign may be no greater than 24� X 24�)

2.     Height of sign (not to exceed  three feet in height)

3.     Local address (only a Burbank address may be advertised)

4.     Limit in number (no more than four signs per property)

5.     Sign types (stake-type or A-frame signs only with no attachments)

6.     Definitive location restrictions

7.     Time (Signs may only be posted on certain days and times)

8.     Permit must be secured for each sign

9.     Insurance and indemnification must be provided for each sign

At the May 3, 2005 Burbank City Council meeting staff reported to Council that during the first 10 (ten) month trial period of this ordinance approximately 1,100 Temporary Real Estate �Open House� Sign Permits were secured.  In addition, staff reported that during the trial period the ordinance was successful in accomplishing what it was designed to do, which was, to efficiently and effectively regulate the posting of real estate �open house� signs posted on public right-of-way.

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends the Burbank City Council approve �AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURBANK AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 3641 TO ELIMINATE THE SUNSET PROVISION OF THE TEMPORARY OPEN HOUSE REAL ESTATE SIGNS ORDINANCE�.  In addition, staff recommends the Burbank City Council approve �A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURBANK AMENDING ARTICLE II, SECTION 7, SUBSECTION (D) (5) OF RESOLUTION NO. 26,737, THE BURBANK FEE RESOLUTION, RELATING TO TEMPORARY OPEN HOUSE SIGNS IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY PERMIT�.

Attachments:

Exhibit A      May 3, 2005 Staff Report

go to the top