Long Beach Municipal Code Div. XII Interim Park Use Permit

The City recognizes that vacant lots, due to their nature, have the potential to create an impression of blight and decay in a neighborhood. In addition to the negative visual impact, vacant lots are a potential source for nuisances (such as trash, debris, and rodents). Thus, as a means of unifying neighborhoods for the purpose of eliminating unsightly vacant lots and enhancing their neighborhood's visual and physical surroundings, community groups may opt to replace them with interim neighborhood serving parks.

(Ord. C-7378 § 26, 1995)

Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 21.21.201 (Application), the right to apply for an interim park use permit shall be limited to affected property owners or their agents. Applications for interim park use permits may be submitted only for playground uses as indicated in the applicable zone district use table. If the proposed project does not comply with an applicable development standards, a separate standards variance application shall also be required.

(Ord. C-7378 § 26, 1995)

The City Council shall consider all applications for an interim park use permit. The decision of the City Council shall be final.

(Ord. C-7378 § 26, 1995)

The following findings must be analyzed, made and adopted before any action is taken to approve or deny the subject permit and must be incorporated into the record of the proceedings relating to such approval or denial:

A. The proposed use is compatible with the surrounding neighborhood;

B. The proposed use will not be detrimental to the surrounding community including public health, safety or general welfare, environmental quality or quality of life; and

C. The approval is in compliance with the special conditions of approval established for playgrounds as listed in Chapter 21.52.

(Ord. C-7378 § 26, 1995)

The City Clerk shall set the matter for public hearing before the City Council within sixty (60) days of receiving a completed application.

(Ord. C-7378 § 26, 1995)

Conditions required by Division II of Chapter 21.52 may be waived but only if the waiver of those conditions will not conflict with required findings, provided that conditions necessary for the protection of public health, safety and welfare may not be waived under any circumstances.

(Ord. C-7378 § 26, 1995)

All conditions pertaining to the operation of the use shall be permanently posted, on a form provided by the Director of Planning and Building, at a location clearly visible to the public utilizing the facility.

(Ord. C-7378 § 26, 1995)

All projects for which an interim park use permit was approved shall be required to undergo an annual reinspection to verify compliance with the conditions of approval. The property owner shall be required to pay an annual fee to the City as established by the City Council to cover the costs of the reinspection program.

(Ord. C-7378 § 26, 1995)