Agenda Item Wording:
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Potential Municipal Ordinance Update - Receive staff presentation and provide comment and/or direction on potential amendments to Visalia Municipal Code Chapter 8.40 "Nuisances", Section(s) 8.40.020 "Definitions" to define illegal dumping and 8.40.030 "Public Nuisances" to make illegal dumping in the public right of way punishable with a fine of $1,000 per day.
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Deadline for Action: 10/7/2024
Submitting Department: Community Development
Contact Name and Phone Number: Tommy Contreras, Code Enforcement Officer, tommy.contreras@visalia.city, (559) 713-4194 Tracy Robertshaw, Neighborhood Preservation Manager, tracy.robertshaw@visalia.city, (559) 713-4187 Paul Bernal, Planning and Community Preservation Director, paul.bernal@visalia.city, (559) 713-4025.
Department Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the City Council receive the staff report, presentation and take public comment regarding Visalia Municipal Code Sections 8.40.02 "Definitions", and 8.40.030 "Public Nuisances" and direct to staff revise these sections to include a definition of illegal dumping and set an administrative fine for illegal dumping in the public right of way punishable with a fine of $1,000 per day, as noted in the staff report below. Changes to the Municipal Code will require the revisions to be adopted by a separate ordinance at a future public hearing before the City Council.
Background:
The Solid Waste Environment Enhancement Program (SWEEP) Division was established in an effort to help with the City's beautification and recycling efforts by picking up trash and recyclables illegally dumped in the public right-of-way (i.e., alleys, streets, sidewalks, etc.). In most cases, these items are illegally dumped material on the side of the road, trash that has been taken out of cans or dumpsters and left on the ground, or windblown debris that ends up in the public right of way which makes this an eyesore for the community. Illegal dumping degrades th...
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