sr-073063-6bCITY OF SANTA IvlONICA
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
July iS, i9b3
The Honorable City Council
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Ernest N. Mobley, City Manager
SUBJECT: Auto Painting and Auto Repair Shops
The City Council, at its regular meeting of July 9, 19b3, directed this office to
investigate and report on ways and means to improve the aesthetics of the subject
shops.
The City Clerk advises that there were 131 such shops issued husiness licenses
during 1962-b3. Of these, 37 were independent operators and 44 were dealers
{new or used automobiles},
A field check was made of 40 independent operators' places of business, i. e.
those located on Main Street, Lincoln Boulevard, Santa Monies Boulevard, and
Broadway. Approximately S to 10 0£ these locations were unsightly. The major
causes of unsightliness were the autos being worked on, a heavy growth of weeds,
and an assortment of loose debris {paper, scrap rubber, d'art, etc. }.
The Fire Department inspects all such shops at least 3, and sometimes 4, times
a year. Combustible matter is always cleaned up as a result of such an inspec-
tian.
The appearance of automobiles is a problem not easily resolved, since frequently
the unsightly appearance is the very reason for the automobile being at the shop.
Consideration has been given to an ordinance requiring either a fence enclosing
such shops or maintenance of building and grounds accordang to a reasonable
standard.
The former would create a grave hardship on many shops, since the buildsngs are
set back only 20 to 25 feet from the sidewalks and automobiles are parked in this
area {thus, creating an unsightly condition}. Fences would destroy access to the
areas or, at the very least, reduce the number of automobiles which could be
parked in these areas.
An ordinance regulating maintenance would be difficult to enforce, since there
would also be some question as to the reasonableness of a standard established.
Another alternative might be to use Zoning restrictions limiting these shops to
industrial areas, unless operated as an adjunct to a dealership. This would not
solve the immediate problem--since existsng shops would be non-conforming
uses--but would lead to future improvement.
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To the Honorable Gity Council
Subject: Auto Painting and Auto Repair Shops
3uly 18, 19b3
There is a fourth course of action which might be considered. The Mayor or the
City Manager could be directed to send a form letter to each operator, advising
him that the City Council has received complaints about shop appearances and
requesting that he take steps to enclose (if possible), clean up and maintain his
shop area. This approach has proved successful in past situations involving
circumstances of this sort.
This office recommends the latter approach as an initial step to solution of this
problem. If it does not work, legislation could be adopted pursuant to any or ali
of the first three courses at a later date.
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ERNEST N. i~10BLEY
City Manager
ENM/cc
cc; K. O. Grubb, City Clerk
R, G. Cockins, City Attorney
L, S, Storrs, Dixector of alarming