Temple City Municipal Code Part 1 Corner Properties

This article shall be known as the OBSTRUCTION ABATEMENT CODE. (1960 Code)

This article embraces only obstructions to visibility which unreasonably or substantially interfere with such visibility in areas covered by this article. (1960 Code)

On property at any corner formed by intersecting streets it shall be unlawful to install, set out or maintain or to allow the installation, setting out or maintenance of any sign, hedge, shrubbery, natural growth or other obstruction to the view higher than forty inches (40") above the reference point located at:

A. The point of intersection with the prolongation of the curb lines; or in the absence of such; or

B. The point of intersection of the prolongation of the edge of the paved roadway;

within the triangular area between the curb or edge of the paved roadway lines and a diagonal line joining points on the curb or edge of paved roadway lines forty feet (40') from the point of their intersection or in the case of rounded corners, the triangular area included between the reference point and the curb line or edge of paved roadway line forty feet (40') from the point of intersection. (1960 Code)

The foregoing provision shall not apply to permanent buildings, public utility poles, young saplings or trees trimmed (to the trunk) to a line at least six feet (6') above the level of the reference point as defined in section 6-1B-2 of this article, official traffic signs or to places where the natural contour of the ground is such that there can be no crossing visibility at the intersection. (1960 Code)

The enforcement of this part shall be under the direction of the city manager, as follows:

A. The city manager shall cause alleged violations of this code to be investigated forthwith;

B. The city manager shall review these findings within thirty (30) days and either authorize the sheriff of Los Angeles County to post such notice as is hereinafter set forth and perform such other duties to enforce this code as are necessary or shall notify the said sheriff in writing, that no abatement is necessary. (1960 Code)

The owner of such posted property may appeal to the traffic commission of the city and show cause why said work should not be done or why the time therefor should be extended. Such appeal shall be in writing and shall be filed with the city clerk of the city within ten (10) days from the date of posting notice. The said traffic commission shall hear and pass upon such appeal, and its determination thereon shall be final except for an appeal that may be filed with the city council within ten (10) days of the date of the mailing of the traffic commission's decision. (1960 Code)

Any obstruction maintained in violation of this article shall be deemed nuisance and upon failure to abate the same within twenty (20) days after the posting upon the premises of notice to abate the nuisance, the city manager or his authorized agent may enter upon the premises and remove or eliminate the obstruction. In such event, the cost to the city of the abatement of the nuisance shall be a lien upon the premises provided a claim therefor be filed within the time and in the manner as prescribed in sections 3093, 3097, 3115 and 3118 of the Civil Code of the state of California. The cost of such abatement shall, in addition, be a personal obligation against the owner of the premises upon which the nuisance was maintained, recoverable by the city in an action before any court of competent jurisdiction. (1960 Code)