The provisions of this article shall apply to buildings, lands and uses which become nonconforming as a result of the application of this title to them, or from classification or reclassification of the property under this title or any subsequent amendments thereto. If a use originally authorized by variance or conditional use permit or occupancy permit prior to the effective date of the ordinance from which this title derives is located within a zone in which such use is not permitted by the terms of this title, such use shall acquire a nonconforming status and be subject to the provisions of this article pertaining to nonconforming buildings and uses.
(Prior code § 44-136)
A nonconforming building damaged or partially destroyed to the extent of not more than 50% of its value at the time of its destruction by fire, explosion or other casualty or act of God or the public enemy, may be restored and the occupancy or use of such building or part thereof which existed at the time of such partial destruction or damage may be continued subject to all other provisions of this article, but the restoring of any such nonconforming building shall not serve to extend the abatement date of the original building. The provisions of this section shall not apply to legal nonconforming single-family residences, which may be rebuilt. Reconstruction shall begin within 18 months of destruction and shall be in accordance with R-1 (Single-Family Residential) development standards.
(Prior code § 44-138)
A. 
Unless otherwise specifically provided in this title, nonconforming buildings may not be enlarged or structurally altered unless an enlargement or structural alteration makes the building more conforming, or is required by law; however, where one or more buildings and customary accessory buildings are nonconforming only by reason of substandard yards or open spaces, the provisions of this chapter prohibiting structural alterations or enlargements shall not apply; provided, further, that any structural alterations or enlargements of an existing building under such circumstances shall not increase the degree of nonconformity of yards or open spaces, and any enlargements shall observe the yards and open spaces required on the lot.
B. 
Structural alterations or enlargements may be permitted if necessary to adapt one or more nonconforming buildings to new technologies or equipment pertaining to the uses housed in such buildings. Such alterations and enlargements, however, shall be authorized only by a variance processed in the manner prescribed by this chapter. Any structural alterations or enlargements thus authorized shall be subject to the condition that such alteration or enlargements or equipment installations shall not extend the period of abatement of the building and use.
C. 
Normal upkeep, repairing and maintenance of nonconforming buildings is permitted; provided, that such activities shall not be considered as extending the life of the building or the time of required abatement when established under the procedures set forth in this title.
D. 
A residential legal nonconforming building located in an industrial or commercial zone may be enlarged subject to the issuance of a conditional use permit and subject to the following:
1. 
Any life-threatening building code violations shall be corrected in any nonconforming building.
2. 
The design of the expansion requires Development Review Board approval.
3. 
Legal nonconforming residential uses must conform to all R-2 (two-family residential) zone development standards.
4. 
Additions must either provide adequate living space or relieve overcrowding.
5. 
Expansion will only be allowed where it can be shown that it would not adversely affect existing development nor impede future development patterns.
(Prior code § 44-139)
The nonconforming use of a nonconforming building may be continued, and may be expanded or extended throughout such building so long as such nonconforming building remains nonconforming; provided, that other regulations of the City do not prohibit such expansion; and, provided, further, that no structural alterations or additions are made except those that may be required by law or which are specifically permitted by this article. A nonconforming use of a nonconforming building may be changed to another use of the same or more conforming classification, but if the change is to a more conforming use the building cannot thereafter be used by or for a less restricted use. Any uses outside of the building shall not be expanded on the same or adjoining property.
(Prior code § 44-140)
While a nonconforming use exists on any lot, no additional use may be established thereon, even though such additional use would be a conforming use, unless:
A. 
The use is a nonconforming use of a conforming building and such use has had a terminating date established by action of record by the Planning Commission; or
B. 
The nonconforming use is a building of a more restricted type than that allowed in the zone (except residential) and an abatement date by which such building shall be abated has been established by action of the City. If the nonconforming building shall be used for residential purposes, any conforming building on the lot shall be so placed as to retain contiguous to the residential building the side yards and open spaces as required in the R-3 zone, and such side yards and open spaces shall be subject to the same limitations of use as governed in the R-3 zone, and the principal access to the dwelling units shall be from the lot front line in the case of an interior lot, or from either the lot front line or side street side line in the case of a corner or reverse corner lot, and the passageway shall not be less than five feet in width.
(Prior code § 44-141)
A. 
Nonconforming Use of Land When No Structure Is Involved. In any zone the nonconforming use of land wherein no structure is involved and which use existed on the effective date of the ordinance from which this title derives shall be abated within one year from such date, and any future use of such land shall conform to the provisions of this title. If the nonconforming use of land is discontinued for six months or more, any future use of such land shall conform to the provisions of this title. During the period of the permissible nonconforming use of land such nonconforming use of the land shall not in any way be expanded or extended either on the same or adjoining property.
B. 
Uses in Open Where Accessory Buildings or Structures Are Involved.
1. 
Where a nonconforming use has buildings or structures accessory to the main open air use such nonconforming use shall be discontinued, and such buildings and structures shall be completely removed or altered to conform to the uses permitted in the zone in which the property is located at such times as the buildings or structures are required to be removed according to the schedule contained in this article. Trailer parks, trailer courts, trailer camps and mobile home parks are considered to be in this category.
2. 
In trailer parks, residential buildings and community or recreational buildings are considered to be main buildings; required service buildings are considered to be accessory buildings.
C. 
Dairies Including Wholesale Milk Producers. Dairies, and the keeping of cows, is not permitted as a new use in any zone. Dairies and the keeping of cows, where existing on the effective date of the ordinance from which this title derives are declared to be nonconforming uses, and any building or structure in connection therewith is considered to be a nonconforming building or structure and subject to the provisions of Section 17.44.630 with reference to abatement. The keeping of dairy cattle on the premises may be continued until the buildings or structures are removed as required in this article. Where no building is involved, the keeping of cattle shall terminate within three years from the effective date of the ordinance from which this title derives.
D. 
Horses and Beasts of Burden. The keeping of horses or other beasts of burden is not permitted as a new use in any zone. The keeping of horses and other beasts of burden, where existing on the effective date of the ordinance from which this title derives is declared to be a nonconforming use, and any building or structure in connection therewith is considered to be a nonconforming building or structure and subject to the provisions of Section 17.44.630 with reference to abatement. The keeping of horses and beasts of burden, where such use existed on the effective date of the ordinance from which this title derives, may be continued until the buildings or structures are removed as required by this article. Where no building is involved, then the keeping of horses and beasts of burden shall terminate within three years from the date this title or such ordinance becomes applicable thereto.
E. 
Rabbits, Poultry, Fowl (Wild or Domestic), Sheep and Goats. The keeping of rabbits, poultry, fowl (wild or domestic), sheep and goats is not permitted as a new use in any zone. The keeping of rabbits, poultry, fowl, sheep or goats, where existing on the effective date of the ordinance from which this title derives, is declared to be a nonconforming use, and any building or structure in connection therewith is considered to be a nonconforming building or structure and subject to the provisions of Section 17.44.630 with reference to abatement. The keeping of rabbits, poultry, fowl, sheep or goats, where such use existed on the effective date of such ordinance, may be continued until the buildings or structures are removed as required by this article. Where no building is involved, then the keeping of rabbits, poultry, fowl, sheep or goats shall terminate within three years from the date this title or such ordinance becomes applicable thereto.
F. 
Abatement of Nonconforming Use of Conforming Building.
1. 
In "R" Zones. Every nonconforming use of a conforming building in any of the "R" zones shall be discontinued within three years from the date of formal notice to the owner from the Planning Commission.
2. 
In "C" Zones. Every nonconforming use of a conforming building in a C-3 zone which use is first permitted in a C-M, M-1 or M-2 zone shall be discontinued within 10 years from the date of formal notice to the owner from the Planning Commission. In a C-M zone, every nonconforming use of a conforming building which use is first permitted in an M-2 zone shall be discontinued within 10 years from the date of formal notice to the owner from the Planning Commission.
3. 
In "M" Zones. The nonconforming building in the "M" zones shall be discontinued within 10 years from the date of formal notice to the owner from the Planning Commission.
(Prior code §§ 44-142—44-147)
A. 
Abatement. No conversion of a garage shall be permitted after July 1, 1986 unless it is in conformity with all applicable development standards. Any garage which has been found to have been converted after July 1, 1986 shall be abated immediately.
B. 
Nonconforming Garage Conversions. Any garage converted prior to July 1, 1986 shall be deemed legal nonconforming.
C. 
Conformance to Building Codes. Nothing in this section shall permit the continuation of any substandard conditions which may be found to exist within a garage conversion in the course of an inspection by a building, health, fire, or code enforcement inspector. If, in the course of any inspection of a garage conversion by the City, conditions are found which do not meet all provisions of the Paramount Municipal Code, such conditions shall be corrected by the property owner within a reasonable time period specified by the inspector at the time of the inspection.
(Prior code §§ 44-147.1—44-147.3)
The abatement provisions of this article are based upon the requirements of the Building Code and the State Housing Act for specific types of buildings, in matters of design, materials and structural features, to accommodate specific types of uses such as residential, commercial and industrial. The provisions of this article are not intended to require abatement of buildings by reason of structural obsolescence or inadequacies, or failure to conform to the requirements of the building regulations of the City.
(Prior code § 44-148)
Where this title requires a use to be contained within an entirely enclosed building as such term is defined in this title, and a use existing on the effective date of the ordinance from which this title derives is not in an entirely enclosed building, the building or structure containing such use shall be made to conform to the requirements of this chapter with respect to such enclosure within a period of three years from the date of notification by the Planning Commission authorized by the City Council. The Planning Commission shall notify the owner or lessee of the subject property of the intent to consider the matter at a public meeting and the date of such meeting. The Planning Commission shall consider all pertinent data in connection therewith and provide the opportunity for the owner or lessee to present such evidence which properly relates to such case. The Planning Commission shall, by resolution, establish the facts upon which the determination is made to require such property owner to make the building conforming, and shall formally notify the owner or lessee in writing of the Commission's decision and of the date by which such building shall be made conforming. Such formal notification shall be mailed to the property owner or lessee at the address of record not more than 10 days following the date of the public meeting at which the matter was considered.
(Prior code § 44-149)
Where a use in a "C" or "M" zone exists on the date the ordinance from which this title derives became effective and such use is nonconforming only because it does not meet the requirements of this title with reference to improvement of outside areas used for storage, parking or outside activities, or if the property on which any use is located has a common property line with "R" zoned property and no wall exists on such property line as is required by this title, such use shall be made to conform to the requirements of this title with respect to such features within a period of 60 days from the date of notification by the Planning Commission authorized by the City Council. The procedures to be followed in serving notice upon the property owner, or lease if there be such, shall be in the same manner as that set forth in Section 17.44.610.
(Prior code § 44-150)
A. 
Nonconforming Buildings.
1. 
In "R" Zones. Every nonconforming building in any of the "R" zones, except residential buildings, churches, schools and public utility facilities (other than offices, administrative buildings and service yards) which nonconforming building was designed or intended for a use not permitted in the "R" zone in which it is located, shall be completely removed or altered to structurally conform to the uses permitted in the zone in which it is located within the herein specified times upon notice from the Planning Commission. The specified times shall be measured as follows:
a. 
If the nonconforming building has remained in one ownership between the date of construction of the building and the effective date of the ordinance from which this title derives, then the time by which the removal of the building shall occur shall be measured from the date of the construction of the building;
b. 
If the nonconforming building changed ownership by transfer of title by any means other than inheritance or gift prior to the effective date of the ordinance from which this title derives, then the time by which removal of the building shall occur shall be measured from the date of the last transfer of title. Any change in ownership subsequent to the effective date of such ordinance shall not serve to extend the time by which removal shall be required.
In no case, however, shall the period of time be less than 10 years from the date of notification by the Planning Commission; provided, that this 10-year minimum period shall not apply to Type V, Group J buildings and structures as indicated in paragraph (b)(x). As used in this section the designations "Type I buildings," "Type II buildings," "Type III buildings," "Type IV buildings" and "Type V buildings" are employed as defined in the existing building code of the City.
i. 
If property is occupied by structures of a type for which the existing Building Code does not require a building permit, one year.
ii. 
Type I buildings, 70 years.
iii. 
Type II buildings, 60 years.
iv. 
Type III buildings, one-hour, 55 years.
v. 
Type III buildings, non-one-hour, 50 years.
vi. 
Type IV buildings, one-hour, 45 years.
vii. 
Type IV buildings, non-one-hour, 40 years.
viii. 
Type V buildings, one-hour (excluding Group J), 40 years.
ix. 
Type V buildings, non-one-hour (excluding Group J), 40 years.
x. 
Type V buildings, Group J, but not limited to, agricultural buildings, sheds and garages, three years.
2. 
In "C" Zones.
a. 
In the C-3 and C-M zones residential structures and structures containing dwelling units on the ground floor existing on the effective date of the ordinance from which this title derives shall be considered as nonconforming buildings but, as such, shall be subject only to those provisions of this article pertaining to abatement which provides that a nonconforming building removed or destroyed shall not be replaced by other than a conforming building, that the nonconforming building may not be enlarged or expanded unless such enlargement or expansion makes the building conforming, and that the degree of nonconformity may not be increased by changing to a less restricted residential use.
b. 
Every nonconforming building in a C-3 zone which is designed for a use first permitted in a C M, M-1 or M-2 zone shall be completely removed, or altered to conform to those uses permitted in the C-3 zone within the herein specified times upon notice from the Planning Commission. The specified times shall be measured as follows:
i. 
If the nonconforming building has remained in one ownership between the date of construction of the building and the effective date of the ordinance from which this title derives, then the time by which the removal of the building shall occur shall be measured from the date of construction of the building;
ii. 
If the nonconforming building changed ownership by transfer of title by any means other than inheritance or gift prior to the effective date of such ordinance, then the time by which removal of the building shall occur shall be measured from the date of the last transfer of title. Any change in ownership subsequent to the effective date of such ordinance shall not serve to extend the time by which removal shall be required.
In no case, however, shall the period of time be less than 10 years from the date of notification by the Planning Commission; provided, that this 10-year minimum period shall not apply to Type V, Group J buildings and structures as indicated in paragraph (ii)(J). As used in this section, the designations "Type I buildings," "Type II buildings," "Type III buildings," "Type IV buildings" and "Type V buildings" are as defined in the existing building code of the City.
(A) 
If property is occupied by structures of a type for which the existing Building Code does not require a building permit, one year.
(B) 
Type I buildings, 70 years.
(C) 
Type II buildings, 60 years.
(D) 
Type III buildings, one-hour, 55 years.
(E) 
Type III buildings, non-one-hour, 50 years.
(F) 
Type IV buildings, one-hour, 45 years.
(G) 
Type IV buildings, non-one-hour, 40 years.
(H) 
Type V buildings, one-hour (excluding Group J), 40 years.
(I) 
Type V buildings, non-one-hour (excluding Group J), 40 years.
(J) 
Type V buildings, Group J, but not limited to agricultural buildings, sheds and garages, three years.
3. 
In "M" Zones.
a. 
In the "M" zones any building, which by definition of this chapter, is not designed, arranged or constructed for a use permitted in the "M" zones shall be considered a nonconforming building, and shall be completely removed or altered to structurally conform to the uses permitted in the zone within the herein specified times upon notice from the Planning Commission. The specified times shall be measured as follows:
i. 
If the nonconforming building has remained in one ownership between the date of construction of the building and the effective date of the ordinance from which this title derives, then the time by which removal of the building shall occur shall be measured from the date of the construction of the building;
ii. 
If the nonconforming building changed ownership by transfer of title by means other than inheritance or gift prior to the effective date of such ordinance, then the time by which removal of the building shall occur shall be measured from the date of the last transfer of title. Any change in ownership subsequent to the effective date of such ordinance shall not serve to extend the time by which removal shall be required.
In no case, however, shall the period of time be less than 10 years from the date of notification by the Planning Commission; provided, that this 10-year minimum period shall not apply to Type V, Group J buildings and structures as indicated in paragraph (ii)(J). As used in this section, the designations "Type I buildings," "Type II buildings," "Type III buildings," "Type IV buildings" and "Type V buildings" are employed as defined in the existing building code of the City.
(A) 
If the property is occupied by structures of a type for which the existing Building Code does not require a building permit, one year.
(B) 
Type I buildings, 70 years.
(C) 
Type II buildings, 60 years.
(D) 
Type III buildings, one-hour, 50 years.
(E) 
Type III buildings, non-one-hour, 50 years.
(F) 
Type IV buildings, one-hour, 45 years.
(G) 
Type IV buildings, non-one-hour, 40 years.
(H) 
Type V buildings, one-hour (excluding Group J), 40 years.
(I) 
Type V buildings, non-one-hour (excluding Group J), 40 years.
(J) 
Type V buildings, Group J, but not limited to agricultural buildings, sheds and garages, three years.
b. 
Nonconforming residential buildings in an "M" zone may be structurally altered or enlarged; provided, that:
i. 
Such alterations or enlargements shall not extend the time of required removal as established by this title for the building to which such enlargement or alterations have been made;
ii. 
That any such structural alterations or enlargements shall conform to all requirements of this title for the R-3 zone, including yards, open spaces, height and floor area restrictions; and
iii. 
That the amount of floor space that may be added to the nonconforming building or structure by means of structural alterations or enlargements during the remainder of the time preceding the date of the required removal shall not exceed a total of 50% of the floor space contained within the building or structure at the time the removal date was established and recorded.
B. 
Nonconforming Structures Other Than Buildings. Any nonconforming structure which is not a building, and which structure existed on the effective date of the ordinance from which this title derives, shall be completely removed within five years from the date this title or such ordinance becomes applicable to it.
C. 
Nonconforming Exterior Security Doors, Gates and Window Coverings. Any nonconforming exterior security doors, gates and window coverings existing on the effective date of the ordinance from which this title derives shall be completely removed within 180 days from the date this title or such section becomes applicable to it.
D. 
Procedure for Determination of Date of Removal.
1. 
When any nonconforming condition exists in any zone, other than the nonconforming use of land where no structure is involved or where buildings and structures are accessory to the nonconforming use, it shall be the responsibility of the Planning Commission on its own initiative, to fix a date upon which the nonconforming building was established. It shall also be the responsibility of the Planning Commission to determine whether, by reason of structural alterations or enlargements, or the installation of major equipment designed into the building prior to the date this title or the ordinance from which it derives became applicable thereto, or certain transfer of title has occurred, it is deemed necessary to establish a later date for removal than that prescribed herein for the building itself in order to assure that the investment represented by such structural alterations, enlargements, equipment installations or newly-acquired title maybe amortized. In performing this function the Planning Commission shall consider all pertinent data in connection therewith and, at a public meeting, provide the opportunity for the owner of record, or lessee if there be such, to present such evidence as they may possess and which property relates to such case. The Planning Commission, by resolution, shall establish a date of removal and shall set forth such facts as bear upon which the determination of such date of removal is based, and shall formally notify the owner of such nonconforming property of the action of such commission by mailing to such owner a copy of the formally-adopted resolution not later than 10 days following the date of subject action by the Planning Commission.
2. 
A copy of the resolution establishing the date of removal for subject property shall be filed with the County Recorder after the expiration of the 10 days within which an appeal can be taken, and such resolution shall be in such form as to clearly identify the property to which the removal date applies.
3. 
The decision on the removal date by the Planning Commission shall be final and conclusive unless within 10 days after the mailing of the resolution to the owner or lessee, if there be such, an appeal in writing is filed with the City Council. If an appeal is filed with the City Council, the City Council shall, within 60 days, and at a public meeting, review the findings set forth in the resolution of the Planning Commission, and the facts upon which the action of such commission was based. If the action of the City Council is to affirm the action of the Planning Commission, such action shall be final. If the Council proposes an action that is in any way contrary to the actions by the Planning Commission, the City Council shall, before any such action is taken, refer its findings and proposed action to the Planning Commission and request a further report of the Planning Commission on the matter. Failure of the Planning Commission to report to the City Council within 40 days after reference may be deemed to be approval by the Planning Commission of any proposed change.
E. 
Public Utility Exemptions. The foregoing provisions of this section concerning the required removal of nonconforming buildings and uses and the reconstruction of nonconforming buildings partially destroyed shall not apply to public utility buildings and structures pertaining directly to the rendering of service or distribution, such as power generating plants and electric distribution and transmission substations; water wells and pumps; gas storage and metering and valve control stations. Nothing in this section shall be construed or applied so as to prevent the expansion, increase in capacity, modernization or replacement of such public utility buildings, structures, equipment and features as are used directly for the delivery of, or distribution of, the service; provided, however, that all yard requirements of the zone in which the site is located shall be maintained and there shall be no enlargement of the site. The provisions of this subsection shall not exempt from the provisions covering nonconformity any of the buildings, structures or uses which do not immediately relate to the direct service to customers, such as warehouses, storage yards, service yards and the like.
(Prior code §§ 44-151—44-154)
Irrespective of other provisions of this article, nonconforming uses, buildings and structures shall be subject to abatement and termination of usage in the manner and time as hereinafter set forth:
A. 
Any nonconforming use which has been suspended or discontinued for a continuous period of at least 180 days shall be considered to have automatically expired.
B. 
A nonconforming building which is vacant for a continuous period of at least 180 days shall not thereafter be occupied, except by a use which conforms to the use regulations of the zone in which it is located; provided, that such nonconforming building is brought into conformity with building laws and zone in which it is located.
C. 
An increase or enlargement of the area, space or volume of the building, structure or land occupied by or devoted to such nonconforming use shall automatically abate the right of the nonconforming use.
D. 
A change from a nonconforming use to a conforming use shall terminate the right of the nonconforming use.
(Prior code § 44-154.1)
A. 
Definition. A "sign" means any structure, housing, device, figure statuary, painting, display message, placard, or other contrivance, or any part thereof, which is designated, constructed, created, engineered, intended, or used to advertise, or to provide date or information in the nature of advertising, for any of the following purposes:
1. 
To designate, identify, or indicate the name of the business of the owner or occupant of the premises upon which the advertising display is located.
2. 
To advertise the business conducted, services available or rendered, or the goods produced, sold, or available for sale, upon the property where the advertising display is erected.
B. 
A nonconforming sign shall be required to be removed, without compensation, if any of the following criteria are met:
1. 
Any legal nonconforming sign which was lawfully erected but whose use to advertise or identify an ongoing business, product or service has ceased, or the structure upon which the sign is located has been abandoned by its owner, for a period of not less than 180 days. Costs incurred in removing an abandoned display may be charged to the legal owner.
2. 
Any legal nonconforming sign which has been more than 50% destroyed, and the destruction is other than facial replacement, and the display cannot be repaired within 30 days of the date of its destruction.
3. 
Any legal nonconforming sign whose owner, outside of a change of copy, requests permission to remodel and remodels that nonconforming sign or expands or enlarges the building or land use upon which the nonconforming sign is located, and the nonconforming sign is affected by the construction, enlargement or remodeling, or the cost of construction, enlargement or remodeling of the nonconforming sign exceeds 50% of the cost of reconstruction of the building.
4. 
Any legal nonconforming sign whose owner seeks relocation thereof and relocates the nonconforming sign.
C. 
Any flashing or rotating features of a legal nonconforming sign may be deactivated without compensation within 45 days after this title becomes law, unless the flashing or rotating features of the legal nonconforming sign has historical significance.
D. 
An inventory and identification of all illegal and abandoned nonconforming signs shall commence within six months from the date of adoption of the ordinance codified in this title. Within 60 days after the six-month period, abatement of the identified preexisting illegal and abandoned nonconforming signs shall commence.
1. 
For purpose of this section "illegal nonconforming sign" means any of the following:
a. 
A sign erected without first complying with all ordinances and regulations in effect at the time of its construction and erection and use.
b. 
A sign that was legally erected, but whose use has ceased, or the structure upon which the display is placed has been abandoned by its owner, not maintained, or not used to identify or advertise an ongoing business for a period of not less than 180 days.
c. 
A sign that was legally erected which later became nonconforming as a result of the adoption of an ordinance, the amortization period for the display provided by the ordinance rendering the display nonconforming has expired, and conformance has not been accomplished.
d. 
A sign which is a danger to the public or is unsafe.
e. 
A sign which is a traffic hazard not created by relocation of street or highways or by acts of the City.
E. 
Adoption of Resolution for Abatement of Illegal Signs.
1. 
The City Council shall declare, by resolution, as public nuisances and abate all illegal on-premises advertising displays. The resolution shall describe the property upon which or in front of which the nuisance exists by giving its lot and block number according to the County assessment map and its street address if known. Any number of parcels of private property may be included in one resolution.
2. 
Prior to adoption of the resolution by the City Council, the City Clerk shall send not less than a 10 days' written notice to all persons owning property described in the proposed resolution. The notice shall be mailed to each person on whom the described property is assessed on the last equalized assessment roll available on the date the notice is prepared. The notice shall state the date, time, and place of the hearing and generally describe the purpose of the hearing and the nature of the illegality of the sign.
3. 
After adoption of the resolution, the enforcement officer shall cause notices to be conspicuously posted on or in front of the property on which the display exists.
4. 
The notice shall be substantially in the following form:
NOTICE TO REMOVE ILLEGAL ADVERTISING DISPLAY
Notice is hereby given that on the _____ day of _________, 20____, the City Council of the City of Paramount adopted a resolution declaring that an illegal sign is located upon or in front of this property which constitutes a public nuisance and must be abated by the removal of the sign. Otherwise, it will be removed, and the nuisance abated by the City of Paramount. The cost of removal will be assessed upon the property from or in front of which the display is removed and will constitute a lien upon the property until paid. Reference is hereby made to the resolution for further particulars. A copy of this resolution is on file in the office of the City Clerk.
5. 
The notices shall be posted for notice at least 10 days prior to the time for hearing objections by the City Council of the City of Paramount.
6. 
In addition to posting of the resolution and notice of the meeting when objections will be heard, the City Council of the City of Paramount shall direct the City Clerk to mail written notice of the proposed abatement to all persons owning property described in the resolution. The City Clerk shall cause the written notice to be mailed to each person to whom the described property is assessed in the last equalized assessment roll available on the date the resolution was adopted by the City Council. The notices mailed by the City Clerk shall be mailed at least 10 days prior to the time for hearing objections by the City Council. The notices mailed by the City Clerk shall be substantially in the form provided by subsection (E)(4).
7. 
At the time stated in the notices, the City Council shall conduct a hearing regarding removal of the illegal sign and consider all objections to the proposed removal of the illegal sign. It may continue the hearing from time to time. By motion of resolution at the conclusion of the hearing, the City Council shall allow or overrule any objections. At that time, the City Council acquires jurisdiction to proceed and perform the work of removal. The decision of the City Council is final. If objections have not been made or after the City Council has disposed of those made, it shall order the enforcement officer to abate the nuisance by having the sign removed. The order shall be made by motion or resolution.
8. 
The enforcement officer may enter private property to abate the nuisance.
9. 
Before the enforcement officer arrives, any property owner may remove the illegal sign at the owner's expense. Nevertheless, in any case in which an order to abate is issued, the City Council, by motion or resolution, may further order that a special assessment and lien be assessed against the property, and such lien shall be limited to the costs incurred by the City in enforcing abatement upon the property, including investigation, boundary determination, measurement, clerical, and other related costs.
10. 
The enforcement officer shall keep an account of the cost of the abatement of an illegal sign for each separate parcel of property where the work is done by him or her. He or she shall submit to the City Council for confirmation an itemized written report showing that cost.
a. 
A copy of the report shall be posted for at least three days, prior to its submission to the City Council on or near the chamber door of the City Council, with notice of the time of submission.
b. 
At the time fixed for receiving and considering the report, the City Council shall hear it with any objections of the property owners liable to be assessed for the abatement. It may modify the report if it is deemed necessary. The City Council shall then confirm the report by motion or resolution.
11. 
Abatement of the nuisance may, in the discretion of the City Council be performed by contract awarded by the City Council on the basis of competitive bids let to the lowest responsible bidder. In that event, the contractor shall keep the account and submit the itemized written report for each separate parcel of property required by subsection (E)(10).
12. 
The cost of abatement in front of or upon each parcel of property, and the cost incurred by the City, in enforcing abatement upon the parcels, including investigation, boundary determination, measurement, clerical, and other related costs, are a special assessment against that parcel. After the assessment is made and confirmed, a lien attaches on the parcel upon recordation of the order confirming the assessment in the office of the County Recorder of the County of Los Angeles. However, if any real property to which the lien would attach has been transferred or conveyed to a bona fide purchaser for value, or if a lien of a bona fide encumbrancer for value has been created and attaches thereon, prior to the date on which the first installment of the assessment would become delinquent, the lien which would otherwise be imposed by this section shall not attach to the real property and the costs of abatement and the costs of enforcing abatement, as confirmed, relating to the property shall be transferred to the unsecured roll for collection.
After confirmation of the report, a copy shall be given to the County of Los Angeles Tax Assessor, who shall add the amount of the assessment to the next regular tax bill levied against the parcel for municipal purposes.
If the County Assessor and the tax collector assess property and collect taxes for the City, the City shall file a certified copy of the report with the County Auditor on or before August 10th. The description of the parcels reported shall be those used for the same parcels on the County Assessor's map books for the current year.
The County Auditor shall enter each assessment on the County tax roll opposite the parcel of land.
The amount of the assessment shall be collected at the time and in the manner of ordinary municipal taxes. If delinquent, the amount is subject to the same penalties and procedures of foreclosure and sale provided for ordinary municipal taxes.
The City Council may determine that, in lieu of collecting the entire assessment at the time and in the manner of ordinary municipal taxes, assessments of $50.00 or more may be made in annual installments, not to exceed five, and collect one installment at a time and in the manner of ordinary municipal taxes in successive years. If any installment is delinquent, the amount thereof is subject to the same penalties and procedure for foreclosure and sale provided for ordinary municipal taxes. The payment of assessments so deferred shall bear interest on the unpaid balance at a rate to be determined by the City Council, but not to exceed six percent per annum.
13. 
As an alternative method, the County Tax Collector, at his or her discretion, may collect the assessments without reference to the general taxes by issuing separate bills and receipts for the assessments.
14. 
Law relating to the levy, collection, and enforcement of County taxes apply to these special assessments.
15. 
The lien of the assessment has the priority of the taxes with which it is collected.
16. 
The enforcement officer may receive the amount due on the abatement cost and issue receipts at any time after the confirmation of the report and until 10 days before a copy is given to the assessor and tax collector or, where a certified copy is filed with the County Auditor, until August 1st following the confirmation of the report.
17. 
The City Council may order a refund of all or part of an assessment pursuant to this chapter if it finds that all or part of the assessment has been erroneously levied. An assessment, or part thereof, shall not be refunded unless a claim is filed with the clerk of the legislative body on or before November 1st after the assessment became due and payable. The claim shall be verified by the person who paid the assessment or by the person's guardian, conservator, executor, or administrator.
(Prior code § 44-154.2)
The following provisions apply exclusively to any legally existing metal-related use in an M-1, M-2, and PD-PS zone that was legally existing as of October 4, 2018, but which is determined to be legal nonconforming by September 4, 2018:
A. 
A legally established use existing prior to September 4, 2018, shall be considered a legal nonconforming use in the M-1, M-2, or PD-PS zone after October 4, 2018.
B. 
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Chapter 17.44, Article 4, or any other provision of the Paramount Municipal Code relating to nonconforming uses, any permitted legal nonconforming use as defined in subsection A, shall be allowed to remain and operate, subject to the requirements of this section.
C. 
A legal nonconforming use may be allowed to expand, including its physical size, operational capacity, production output, and/or equipment installations, within a conforming or nonconforming parcel upon review and approval of a conditional use permit from the Planning Commission. Where such expansion requires the alteration of existing buildings or the construction of new buildings, such alterations or construction shall comply with all regulations and requirements under the Paramount Municipal Code. No expansion will be allowed until a conditional use permit has been approved. A development review application shall be approved if required by the Paramount Municipal Code.
D. 
A legal nonconforming use shall be allowed to continue operations in accordance with the rules and regulations in place prior to October 4, 2018, except as otherwise set forth in this section.
E. 
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this section, a legal nonconforming use shall, at all times, obtain and maintain required permits from the South Coast Air Quality Management District and all other applicable regulatory agencies. A legal nonconforming use shall comply with all requirements of permits issued by the South Coast Air Quality Management District and all other regulatory agencies.
F. 
All legal nonconforming uses shall comply with required housekeeping and best management practices of the South Coast Air Quality Management District and all other applicable regulatory agencies.
G. 
To the extent the installation of emissions control equipment is required by an adopted and applicable South Coast Air Quality Management District rule or regulation, then such emissions control equipment, including retrofit equipment, required for the operation of a legal nonconforming use shall comply with best available control technology requirements. A metal-related manufacturing and/or processing use shall install lowest achievable emission rate equipment if required by the South Coast Air Quality Management District.
H. 
Core production and manufacturing activities relating to a legal nonconforming use shall be conducted within an enclosed structure. Ancillary activities of a legal nonconforming use shall be permitted outdoors, including, but not limited to, the following activities:
1. 
Storage established prior to the adoption of Ordinance No. 571 on July 3, 1984 or with the approval of a conditional use permit for outdoor storage;
2. 
Maintenance;
3. 
Inspection;
4. 
Measuring;
5. 
Packing; and
6. 
Loading and unloading.
Other ancillary activities shall be approved by the Planning Director.
I. 
At least one clearly visible exterior wall sign identifying the business shall be installed in public view following separate review and approval of the Planning Department in compliance with approval criteria of the Paramount Municipal Code and the individual zone.
J. 
Failure to continuously operate a legal nonconforming use for a period of six consecutive months shall result in such use losing its nonconforming status. For the purpose of this subsection, a failure to continuously operate means the discontinuance of all activities relating to the legal nonconforming use for six consecutive months.
(Prior code § 44-142.1; Ord. 1198, 4/22/2025)
The following provisions apply to any legally established non-metal-related business operation that was rendered legal nonconforming by September 4, 2018.
A. 
Expansion. A legally established non-metal-related use which, by September 4, 2018, has been rendered legal nonconforming may be permitted to expand provided that a conditional use permit is obtained from the Planning Commission and provided that:
1. 
All requirements of the Paramount Municipal Code, all Federal environmental regulations, as set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, all California Environmental Quality Act regulations, and all South Coast Air Quality Management District regulations are met.
2. 
The use of best available control technology is required at minimum. A facility shall install lowest achievable emission rate equipment if required by the South Coast Air Quality Management District.
(Prior code § 44-142.2)
A home garden is a permitted use in a residentially developed legal nonconforming property located in a commercial or manufacturing zone, subject to the following:
A. 
On-Site Sales Prohibited. The retail sales of edible landscaping shall not be conducted on the premises.
B. 
Edible Landscaping Area—Front Yard. With the exception of fruit trees, edible landscaping in the front yard shall be restricted to one raised garden bed limited to a maximum area of 50 square feet.
C. 
Raised Garden Beds. Raised garden beds shall not exceed a height of three feet measured from the surface of the natural ground to the top of the frame of the raised garden beds. In a front yard or corner side yard, raised garden beds shall not be closer than five feet to a front or corner side property line. Raised garden beds shall be constructed of wood, brick, masonry, landscape timbers, metal, ceramic, or synthetic lumber. Raised garden beds constructed of wood shall be structurally sound and free of rot. Prefabricated raised garden beds shall be permitted. Raised garden beds shall not be constructed of wire, chicken wire, rope, cable, utility poles, tires, plumbing fixtures, or any other similar materials.
D. 
Front Yard Plant Height. With the exception of fruit trees, edible landscaping in the front yard shall not exceed a maximum height of three feet measured from the highest point of the frame of a raised garden bed to the highest point of an edible plant.
E. 
Edible Landscaping Harvest. Edible plant materials shall be promptly harvested and removed when mature or ripe. Plants not harvested for consumption shall be promptly removed or tilled into the soil.
F. 
Maintenance. Planting areas fallowed between growing seasons shall be covered with mulch or similar material or otherwise maintained in clean condition until the next planting period. Weeds shall be promptly removed. Actions shall be taken to prevent and eliminate pests.
G. 
Composting.
1. 
Purpose. The purpose and intent of residential composting is to promote the recycling of landscape waste through composting and with minimum standards for composting.
2. 
Location. Compost areas shall be located a minimum of five feet from property lines, a minimum of 15 feet from a residential structure (including accessory dwelling unit and junior accessory dwelling unit), and to the rear of the front dwelling on a property. Compost areas shall not be located within any drainage or utility easement.
3. 
Compost Bins. All compostable material shall be enclosed in one or more compost bins. Compost bins shall be properly maintained to prevent attracting and harboring rodents and pests and to prevent unpleasant odors.
4. 
Compostable Material. Compostable material includes leaves, grass clippings, garden debris, brush, tree clippings and other plant material generated solely within the residential lot where the material will be composted.
5. 
Compost Contents. Compost shall only contain compostable material, soil, and commercial compost additives. Prohibited compost contents include processed food products, including, without limitation, salad dressings and cooking or other vegetable oils; animal or dairy products, including, without limitation, fats, bones, meat, fish, fowl and cheese; and manure of any kind or other pet or human waste.
6. 
Nuisance. Any compost which gives off foul or putrid odors, attracts vermin, or encroaches on neighboring property is hereby declared to be a nuisance that will result in penalties in accordance with the relevant enforcement provisions of the Paramount Municipal Code.
(Prior code § 44-154.3; Ord. 1150 § 12, 2021)