HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 344 -Locking mailboxesORDINANCE 344
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE SARATOGA CITY CODE
REGARDING LOCKING MAILBOXES
The City Council of the City of Saratoga finds that:
1. The City of Saratoga wishes to amend the City Code to add an Article regarding locking
mailboxes.
2. The purpose of this ordinance is to enhance the City's Public Safety regulations.
3. The City Council of the City of Saratoga held a duly noticed public hearing on October
19, 2016 and after considering all testimony and written materials provided in connection
with that hearing, introduced this ordinance and waived the reading thereof.
Therefore, the City Council hereby ordains as follows:
Section 1. Adoption.
The Saratoga City Code is amended by adding Article 6-25 to read as set forth below.
Article 6-25 — LOCKING MAILBOXES
6-25.010 — Purpose of Article.
This Article is intended to deter mailbox theft, prevent identity theft, and improve overall
public safety in the City of Saratoga.
6-25.020 - Definitions.
The following definitions apply throughout this Article.
(a) Commercial structure means a structure utilized for a business purpose.
(b) Demolition is defined in Section 15-06.195.
(c) Locking Mailbox is defined as a mailbox designed to ensure that in -coming
mail is only accessible by an authorized person. All Locking Mailboxes shall
be approved for use by the US Postal Service.
(d) Residential structure means a structure utilized for permanent living
accommodations.
(e) Reconstruction is defined in Section 15-65.020(D.
(0 Structure is defined in Section 15-06.670.
6-25.030 —Locking Mailbox required.
The installation of a locking mailbox approved for use by the US Postal Service is
required in the following structures:
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(a) Any new residential structure.
(b) Any new commercial structure.
(c) Any demolition and reconstruction of an existing residential or commercial
structure.
6-25.040 —Exceptions to Locking Mailbox requirement.
The installation of a locking mailbox is not required in the following circumstances:
(a) When an address change is obtained and there is no accompanying construction or
replacement of a residential or commercial structure.
(b) Where an addition to a residential structure is made, without a demolition of the
existing structure.
(c) Replacement of an existing mailbox.
(d) When a secured mailbox slot is provided at the entry of the structure. A mailbox
slot shall be approved for use by the US Postal Service.
(e) When a mailbox is not required by the US Postal Service.
6-25.050 — Location and Height.
Each locking mailbox shall be located in a manner satisfactory to the US Postal Service.
6-25.060 — Maintenance of required locking mailbox.
Maintenance of the locking mailbox is required in a manner satisfactory to the US Postal
Service.
Section 2. Severance Clause.
The City Council declares that each section, sub -section, paragraph, sub -paragraph, sentence,
clause and phrase of this ordinance is severable and independent of every other section, sub-
section, paragraph, sub -paragraph, sentence, clause and phrase of this ordinance. If any section,
sub -section, paragraph, sub -paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance is held
invalid, the City Council declares that it would have adopted the remaining provisions of this
ordinance irrespective of the portion held invalid, and further declares its express intent that the
remaining portions of this ordinance should remain in effect after the invalid portion has been
eliminated.
Section 3. California Environmental Quality Act.
This proposed amendment to the City Code is Categorically Exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA and the CEQA Guidelines, particularly
Guidelines 15303 — New Construction and Conversion of Small Structures, and 15061(b)(3) -
Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have
a significant effect on the environment.
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Section 4. Publication.
This ordinance or a comprehensive summary thereof shall be published in a newspaper of
general circulation of the City of Saratoga within fifteen (15) days after its adoption.
Following a duly noticed public hearing the foregoing ordinance was introduced at the
regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Saratoga held on the 19th day of October,
2016, and was adopted by the following vote on the 16th of November, 2016.
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
AYES: Vice Mayor Emily Lo, Council ,Member Mary -Lynne Bernald, Howard A.
Miller, Rishi Kumar
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor E. Manny Cappello
ABSTAIN: None
MAYOR, CITY OF SARATOGA, CALIFORNIA
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C stal Bothelio, CITY CLERKT>-ercd Gc5I c4 't4
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Richard Taylor, CITY ATTORNEY
DATE:
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