§ 8.76.017. Security screens—Appearance standards (commercial properties).

A.

Purpose. In commercial areas, an unoccupied commercial unit or building secured with unpainted plywood visually stands out, tends to encourage vandalism, reduces the desirability of the commercial neighborhood and impacts resales. The purpose of this Section is to reduce the negative visual impacts of unoccupied commercial units by establishing minimum appearance standards for measures taken to secure the building from unlawful entry. It is intended that such measures, to the extent possible, soften the vacant occupancy status of the building to avoid an appearance of abandonment.

B.

Scope. The provisions of this Section apply to any vacant commercial unit or group of vacant units.

C.

Prohibited Materials. No woods, plastic or similar materials shall be used to cover window openings, whether glazed or unglazed, provided that plywood may be used if painted in a color conforming to and consistent with the existing color of the vacant unit or units and is so approved by the Director of Planning and Building or his/her designee.

D.

Permitted Materials. Steel screens, bars or grilles complying with this Section may be installed over window openings.

1.

The screens, bars or grilles shall be either painted, galvanized, plastic-coated, anodized, or cadmium-plated to protect against oxidation and discoloration.

2.

The color of the materials used shall be either gray, black or silver.

3.

All screens, bars or grilles installed over operable bedroom windows shall be equipped with a quick-release mechanism approved by the Building Official.

E.

Doors. Door and sliding-door openings may be secured with not less than one-half-inch plywood (if made operable with the use of hinges and locking hasp). Plywood coverings shall be painted on a manner similar to the permanent doors of the commercial unit.

F.

In all cases where plywood is placed pursuant to this Section, it shall be secured by screws or bolts.

G.

Exception. Nothing specified herein shall be constructed to prevent emergency hazard abatement authorized pursuant to Section 18.20.380 by materials otherwise prohibited by these provisions.

H.

Alternates. The Building Official may approve alternate methods of complying with this Section when such methods are found to be equivalent to prescriptive requirements or comply with the spirit and purpose of the regulations.

(Ord. C-7050 § 1, 1992)