City of Coral Gables - File #: 16-4884

• File #: 16-4884
• Version: 1
• Name: Buttons ord
• Type: Ordinance
• Status: Adopted
• File created: 3/4/2016
• In control: City Commission
• On agenda: 4/12/2016
• Final action: 4/12/2016
• Enactment date: 4/12/2016
• Enactment #: 2016-25
• Title: An Ordinance of the City of Coral Gables, Florida, prohibiting buttons and other encroachments in the public right-of-way without approval from the City, directing the City to remove such unauthorized buttons and other encroachments from the right-of-way, authorizing the City to bill the property owner for such removal as a special assessment, and providing for a repealer provision, severability clause, codification, enforcement and providing for an effective date. (Sponsored by Mayor Cason)
• Sponsors: Commissioner Cason

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result
4/12/2016	1	City Commission	adopted by Ordinance Number	Pass
3/29/2016	1	City Commission	approved as an Ordinance on First Reading as Amended	Pass

Title
An Ordinance of the City of Coral Gables, Florida, prohibiting buttons and other encroachments in the public right-of-way without approval from the City, directing the City to remove such unauthorized buttons and other encroachments from the right-of-way, authorizing the City to bill the property owner for such removal as a special assessment, and providing for a repealer provision, severability clause, codification, enforcement and providing for an effective date.
(Sponsored by Mayor Cason)
Body
It has come to the City Commission’s attention that there is a proliferation of ceramic buttons, pyramids, reflectors and other encroachments in the public right-of-way, throughout the City, that create visual clutter and diminish the aesthetics of these areas. Further, these encroachments may cause hazardous conditions for drivers and pedestrians. Therefore, the City wishes to eliminate all unauthorized encroachments in the public right-of-way. This ordinance does not preclude the City from installing traffic and parking control devices in the public right of way where there is a safety concern or other demonstrated public benefit.
Property owners will be given 60 days after the Ordinance is approved to remove said encroachments. If they are not removed within the 60-day period, the City will remove the items and assess the cost to the property owner. Property owners who obtained permits to install the items may apply to the City for a refund of the permit fee. Reinstallation of these items after their removal is a code enforcement violation punishable by a fine of $100 per day.
Once the ordinance is approved, City staff will work with the community to facilitate removal of the buttons and other encroachments. Elements of the removal strategy could include the following:
· Distribute door hangers explaining property owner/resident responsibility, timeframe and options for removal/disposal of items in the public right of way.
· Provide options and suggesti...