Canopies and Tarps Brochure

Code Enforcement
Mission:
To provide fair, sensitive, and
timely responses to the concerns of the residents of Hawaiian Gardens in order to maintain
and enhance the health, safety,
and welfare of the community.
Pride and Responsibility
It is the City’s goal to achieve voluntary compliance. We encourage tenants and property owners to take pride and responsibility in maintaining
their properties.
If you have any questions regarding this issue or
would like to report an illegal canopy, small tent,
tarp, or other code enforcement issue in your
neighborhood, please call the City of Hawaiian
Gardens Code Enforcement Division at (562)
420-2641 Ext. 221/224/277.
The Code Enforcement Division responds to
complaints from citizens and other agencies
regarding the enforcement of all Municipal
Code regulations and Ordinances within the
City of Hawaiian Gardens.
Canopies,
Small Tents, and
Tarps
Understanding Code Enforcement
General Guidelines
To help facilitate compliance with the City’s
standards, the City Council has initiated a
program to help provide residents with an
understanding of the Hawaiian Gardens
Municipal Code as it relates to some of the
more common code enforcement issues.
Other brochures in the series discuss the
following issues:
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Example of a non-permitted canopy.
Abandoned Vehicles
Bulky Items, Illegal Dumping
Graffiti
Trash and Debris
Vendors and Peddlers
City of Hawaiian Gardens
21815 Pioneer Boulevard
Hawaiian Gardens, CA 90716
P: 562.420.2641
F: 562.420.8521
www.hgcity.org
Code Enforcement—Canopies, Small Tents, and Tarps
City of Hawaiian Gardens
Community Development Department
Code Enforcement Division
21815 Pioneer Boulevard
Hawaiian Gardens, CA 90716
Canopies, Small Tents, and Tarps
Over the past five years the availability of
inexpensive canopies in the marketplace has
provided residents in many cities with a low cost
alternative to permanent carports, patios, and
garages. There has recently been a concern in
part by the City and by residents over the unsightly appearance and safety related issues of
these temporary structures.
It is the intent of this informational brochure to
answer some of the most common questions related to the assembly and maintenance of canopies within the City of Hawaiian Gardens.
What is a Canopy?
A canopy is a temporary prefabricated covering
made out of canvas or plastic sheeting and supported by a metal frame.
Title 18: Zoning Code
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Chapter 18.20: Definitions
Canopy: Any structure other than an awning,
made of cloth, metal, or other materials with
framework supported by the ground.
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Why are canopies a problem?
Although canopies can provide an inexpensive
alternative to permanent structures, they can be
an unsightly alternative when placed within the
front yard area or placed within view of the public
right-of-way which is prohibited by the Hawaiian
Gardens Municipal Code.
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Canopies are often constructed of materials that
are not fire-retardant. Given that they are not fireretardant they can be a fire hazard and a danger
to nearby properties and buildings when not located properly on the property.
Example of a canopy
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Can I use a tarp or canopy?
Tarps are not considered a canopy and are
expressly prohibited in the City.
Can I place a temporary canopy on
other areas of my property for
events such as birthday parties or
other family gatherings?
Yes, a canopy can be placed on the property for
weekend family gatherings so long as it is taken
down the following day.
Where can a temporary canopy be
placed and what City standards are
applicable to their placement?
Canopies are regulated as an accessory structure
by the Hawaiian Gardens Municipal Code. In
order for a canopy to meet the requirements of
the Municipal Code it must comply with the following:
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City of Hawaiian Gardens
Only one (1) temporary canopy is permitted
per lot, maximum size allowed is 9 feet by 20
feet by 10 feet high.
Canopies are prohibited within the front
yard.
A canopy may be placed within the side or
rear yards provided a minimum distance of
three (3) feet is maintained from the side and
rear property lines.
Temporary canopies placed within the side
yard may not project beyond the front building
wall of the primary dwelling unit.
A canopy may only be placed next to a structure on a lot if it has a documented fire rating.
A Fire Marshall’s tag will be attached to the
structure stating that it has been treated to
prevent the spread of fire. Canopies from
popular home improvement stores or department stores generally do not fulfill this requirement. Proof of fire-rating will be required.
If the canopy is not fire-rated, a minimum distance of 10 feet must be maintained between
the canopy and any structure on the lot or on
a neighboring property.
Temporary canopies shall be secured to the
ground in order to prevent wind generated
damage and movement of the structure.
The color of the canopies shall be white, light
grey, or other lighter hues.
Canopies that are unsightly, deteriorated, or
causing a detrimental condition shall be removed.
What happens if I have a canopy
that doesn’t meet the requirements?
A non-permitted canopy is a code violation and
subject to Code Enforcement action.
Code
Enforcement action includes, but is not limited to,
warnings and citations with increased fees for
each violation. For a complete description of the
role of Code Enforcement and the violation process, refer to the “Code Enforcement” brochure in
this series.
Code Enforcement—Canopies, Small Tents, and Tarps