§ 17.30.070. Temporary fencing and landscaping requirements for vacant commercial-general (C-G) properties.

Any vacant site(s) in the commercial-general district (C-G), including a site that is already vacant upon the implementation of this title, shall be cleared of debris and fenced and landscaped within thirty days of becoming vacant and shall comply with the below stated criteria at all times, until a grading and/or building permit is issued and actual re-construction of the site commences:

A.

A six-foot high chain link fence shall be installed around the vacant site, set back a minimum of five feet from the sidewalk or curb (property line), to provide an area for temporary landscaping. Access gates shall be permitted as necessary. All fencing and gates shall be installed with horizontal top bars and stretched taught to avoid sagging and maintained in this manner for the duration of time the fence is in place. Said fencing, including gates, shall also be covered with screening of a dark green mesh and shall be installed from top to bottom and maintained in a neat and orderly fashion at all times. Should any graffiti result on said fence screening, the graffiti shall be removed immediately (which may include replacement of the screening or portions thereof) by the property owner and/or tenant.

B.

Landscaping shall be installed within the required five-foot minimum setback area between the fence and sidewalk/curb to the satisfaction of the planning director and/or community services director. In the event that there is a park strip (within the city's public right-of-way) adjacent to the vacant site, the landscaping plan must address this area in addition to the setback area to be landscaped on private property.

C.

Any proposed fencing and landscaping for corner properties must comply with Section 12.08.040 (Corner cutoffs) of the RHEMC.

D.

A landscape plan shall be submitted for review and approval by the park and activities commission. The landscaping plan must be submitted to the city prior to a demolition permit being issued to allow ample review time, such that the required landscaping can be installed within the thirty-day time limit upon the site becoming vacant. Landscaping shall be temporary in nature, capable of being replanted when no longer needed, but need not include mature specimens. Said landscaping shall also be water efficient in as much as possible, and screen the fence in as much as possible. A temporary irrigation system (on automatic timers) shall also be required for the maintenance of said landscaping.

E.

The interior portions of the site shall be maintained on a regular basis and be kept free from weeds and debris. The required landscaping shall also be maintained in good order and trimmed as necessary such that the site has a pleasing appearance at all times.

F.

Any trash or illegal dumping on the property shall be removed immediately by the property owner and/or tenant.

G.

Any request for signage on the site, including on the required fencing, shall be subject to the City's Sign Code (Chapter 17.60 of the RHEMC) and shall be approved by the planning director.

(Ord. No. 649, § 1, 12-9-08)