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HomeMy WebLinkAboutG. 9 - Auto Repair Activities in Residential ZonesFuture Agenda response for: Auto Repair Activities in Residential Zones 7-22-2025 2030 Vision Goal #2 “Maintain Public Safety ” •The City has received concerns regarding auto repair activities the residential zone •May raise issues of public safety, noise, environmental degradation, and neighborhood impacts •Staff reviewed existing City ordinances, zoning provisions, and applicable State laws to determine if further legislative action is necessary BACKGROUND •GTMC §18.06.365 (Home Occupation Regulations) Auto repair is explicitly excluded as a permitted home occupation. •The operation of a commercial auto repair facility in a residential zone constitutes a zoning violation ZONING AND HOME OCCUPATION RESTRICTIONS •GTMC Chapters 5.04 and 5.06 require that any business activity obtain a valid City business license and, where applicable, a Home Occupation Permit •An unlicensed auto repair business operating from a home is subject to enforcement for operating without a license BUSINESS LICENSE REQUIREMENTS •GTMC Chapter 18.60 outlines off-street parking requirements that cannot be met by most residential properties for a business like auto repair NOISE AND NUISANCE REGULATIONS •Auto repair often involves improper disposal of oil, coolant, and solvents that present environmental and health hazards. •These issues are subject to enforcement by local and state environmental authorities under various stormwater, hazardous materials, and pollution control laws. ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH RISKS •Under California Business and Professions Code §9884 et seq., any person or facility performing auto repairs for compensation must be registered with the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR). •Performing repairs without a BAR license is illegal and subject to State enforcement. STATE LICENSING REQUIREMENTS •GTMC §10.04.020 – Obstruction of Streets Prohibited “No person shall place or cause to be placed in any public street or right-of-way any object which obstructs, impedes or interferes with the free passage of vehicles or pedestrians…” •GTMC §10.08.020 – Repairing Vehicles in the Street “No person shall repair or cause to be repaired any vehicle upon any public street except in emergencies.” •GTMC §10.08.030 – Parking of Inoperable or Unregistered Vehicles “It is unlawful to park any vehicle on a public street that is inoperable, disassembled, or not currently registered.” •GTMC §8.12.030 – Public Nuisance Defined “Any condition which obstructs the free use of property so as to interfere with the comfortable enjoyment of life or property by an entire community… is hereby declared to be a public nuisance.” PUBLIC SAFETY AND STREET USE •The Grand Terrace Municipal Code already prohibits auto repair businesses in residential zones. •The City has sufficient tools to enforce zoning, business licensing, nuisance, and safety laws through its existing code enforcement and permitting processes. •The State of California also regulates commercial auto repair activity through licensing and environmental protection statutes. •As such, no additional ordinances are necessary at this time CONCLUSION RECOMMENDATION •That the City Council receive and file this report. Future Agenda response for: Auto Repair Activities in Residential Zones THANK YOU!