Mendocino County Municipal Code Ch. 20.713 Outdoor Displays of Merchandise

The purpose of this Chapter is to promote the public health, welfare, and safety by restricting outdoor displays and sale of merchandise. Outdoor displays of merchandise can reduce property values, detract from the aesthetic appearance of the physical community, cause clutter and garishness, and adversely affect this historic community. This Chapter is intended to protect real property values, create a more attractive economic and business climate, protect and enhance the aesthetic appearance of the special community of the Town of Mendocino, preserve the scenic and natural beauty of the coastal area, and protect the aesthetic qualities which contribute to Town community character.

(Ord. No. 3915 (part), adopted 1995.)

(Ord. No. 4395, § 2, 11-17-2017)

The display of merchandise in an outdoor setting shall be permitted subject to the following restrictions:

(1) No more than two (2) items or products are displayed outside the commercial building.

(2) The items or products are within fifteen (15) feet of the commercial building.

(3) The items or products do not impede pedestrian traffic on a private walkway.

(4) The items or products are not displayed during non-business hours.

(5) The items or products are not located on public property.

(6) No mannequins shall be permitted.

The term "displayed in an outdoor setting" refers to merchandise displayed for public viewing upon a balcony, patio, terrace, walkway, parking area, lawn, garden or any other place which is unenclosed.

(Ord. No. 3915 (part), adopted 1995.)

A nonconforming outdoor display of merchandise may be legally continued for the time allowed by this Chapter provided that the display was lawfully erected, established and maintained prior to November 28, 1994.

(Ord. No. 3915 (part), adopted 1995.)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 4395, § 2, adopted November 17, 2017, repealed § 20.713.020 in its entirety. Former § 20.713.020 pertained to "Nonconforming Outdoor Display of Merchandise—Continuation," and was derived from Ord. No. 3915 (part), adopted 1995.

None of the provisions of this Chapter restrict any authority to require modification or termination of any nonconformity which has been declared a nuisance by the Board of Supervisors.

(Ord. No. 3915 (part), adopted 1995.)