HomeMy Public PortalAbout07) 7E_Code Compliance for washing machine and dryerAGENDA
ITEM 7.E.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
MEMORANDUM
DATE: October 20, 2020
TO: The Honorable City Council
FROM: Bryan Cook, City Manager
By: Scott Reimers, Interim Community Development Director
SUBJECT: COMMUNITY PRESERVATION POLICY ON ENFORCING PROHIBITIONS
ON EXTERIOR WASHING MACHINES AND DRYERS
RECOMMENDATION:
City Council is requested to adopt this policy directing community preservation staff to
refrain for a period of two years from enforcing Section 9-1N-6.D of Temple City Municipal
Code which states “all washing machines and dryers must be located within the main
dwelling or accessory structure” as against existing violations of the section. The section
would be enforced for new proposals to locate such appliances outside.
BACKGROUND:
On October 6, 2020, City Council discussed the adoption of Ordinance 20-1047 (Series
A Code Amendments) which, if adopted, would prohibit washing machines and dryers
from being located outside. During City Council deliberations the issue of how this rule
would be applied to existing facilities was raised.
ANALYSIS:
To memorialize the statement made by staff during the City Council deliberations, staff is
bringing forward a policy which would direct community preservation staff to refrain from
enforcing Section 9-1N-6.D for a period of two years. The adoption of a formal policy will
provide clarity and help ensure that these rules are enforced fairly across all cases.
Providing residents a two-year grace period will allow them time to make appropriate
adjustments.
The City had this rule in the Zoning Code since the Series 1 Code Amendments went into
effect July 7, 2016 but it was inadvertently left out during the City’s comprehensive Zoning
City Council
October 20, 2020
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Code update in December of 2019. Since these facilities tend to be in areas that are not
visible to the public, Community Preservation staff has not proactively enforced this rule.
Instead, this rule is used by the city planning staff when an applicant is remodeling or
expanding a house and to maximize the floor area the owner wishes to move the washing
machine and dryer outside.
STRATEGIC GOALS:
This action furthers the City Strategic Goal of Quality of Life.
FISCAL IMPACT :
Providing staff input on these land use decisions will not have any impact on the Fiscal
Year 2020-21 City Budget.