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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 10202015 - C.49RECOMMENDATION(S): 1) ACCEPT the status report and associated documents regarding enforcing and administering the Alcoholic Beverage Sales Commercial Activities Zoning Ordinance that regulates the sale of alcohol in the unincorporated County for all Deemed Approved establishments; and 2) DIRECT staff to study whether the existing $400 annual fee per license is adequate to cover the costs of the administration and enforcement of the amended Ordinance and policies. FISCAL IMPACT: None. Administration and enforcement of the Deemed Approved Ordinance is funded by a $400 annual fee that is paid by the Deemed Approved establishments and collected by the office of the Tax Collector. BACKGROUND: On June 15, 2015 the Board of Supervisors adopted amendments to the Alcoholic Beverage Sales Commercial Activities Zoning Ordinance that authorizes the County to prohibit the sale of alcopops at any establishment not in compliance with the performance standards. These amendments also established new posting requirements for these “Deemed Approved” retail locations. The amendments became effective on July 16, 2015. For additional background on alcopops and the amendments, please refer to the report to the Board dated June 16, 2015. APPROVE OTHER RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE Action of Board On: 10/20/2015 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER Clerks Notes: VOTE OF SUPERVISORS AYE:John Gioia, District I Supervisor Candace Andersen, District II Supervisor Mary N. Piepho, District III Supervisor Karen Mitchoff, District IV Supervisor Federal D. Glover, District V Supervisor Contact: Ryan Hernandez, 925-674-7824 I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the date shown. ATTESTED: October 20, 2015 David Twa, County Administrator and Clerk of the Board of Supervisors By: June McHuen, Deputy cc: C. 49 To:Board of Supervisors From:John Kopchik, Director, Conservation & Development Department Date:October 20, 2015 Contra Costa County Subject:Status Report on the Administration of the Sales of Alcoholic Beverages Zoning Ordinance BACKGROUND: (CONT'D) > Along with the proposed code changes, various implementation procedures and strategies were also approved in order to better coordinate the efforts of the Department of Conservation and Development with other County departments and agencies for implementation and enforcement of the Deemed Approved Ordinance. Such policy revisions included establishing protocols with the Office of the Sheriff, the Tax Collector, and the Health Services Department for improved information and data sharing concerning Deemed Approved alcohol establishments in the unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County. The Board also directed staff to report back with an immediate status update on enforcement efforts. This status report reviews the actions (listed below) taken by the Department, consistent with the Board’s recommendations, in effecting change to the administration and enforcement of the amended Alcoholic Beverage Sales Commercial Activities Zoning Ordinance and recommends an additional action. Action Items Complete: 1. Revised the Performance Standards Notice (attached) to include: a. Quick Response matrix barcode; b. Specific email account for streamlining complaints, alcohol.nuisances@dcd.cccounty.us; c. Larger font; d. A portion of which is translated into the Spanish language; 2. Created a County webpage that identifies additional resources; 3. Coordinated with Office of the Sheriff to receive quarterly reporting data on the Deemed Approved establishments; 4. Coordinated with Code Enforcement to schedule consistent site inspections of Deemed Approved establishments. Action Items Ongoing: 1. Suggest language to the Legislation Committee to update the County’s State Legislative Platform reflecting the County’s opposition to the sale of alcopops; 2. Conduct trainings to owners of the Deemed Approved establishments; 3. Establish protocols with Tax Collector ensuring Deemed Approved establishments are paying the required fee pursuant to Section 82-38.1006. Additional Action Item to be Considered by the Board: The County currently receives a $400 annual fee per license issued by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control for each establishment located within the unincorporated areas of the County. This fee was adopted by the Board in May of 2003. Since that time, administration and enforcement costs have risen and the number of deemed approved establishments has declined. Staff recommends the Board authorize a study of the recently amended administration and enforcement policies, as it pertains to the cost of providing these services, and report back to the Board with findings and a recommendation on whether the existing annual fee is adequate for providing such services. CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION: Should the Board not accept the status report about the enforcement and administration of the amended Alcoholic Beverage Sales Commercial Activities Ordinance, County staff would proceed in a manner consistent with the Board approved Ordinance unless the Board directs otherwise. CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT: The approved amendments to the Alcoholic Beverage Sales Commercial Activities Zoning Ordinance coupled with implementing the recommended administrative changes further the achievement of two of the five targeted outcomes: (2) Children and Youth Healthy and Preparing for Productive Adulthood; and (5) Communities that are Safe and Provide a High Quality of Life for Children and Families. ATTACHMENTS Cover Letter and Performance Standards Notice Contra Costa County October 7, 2015 Re: New Posting Requirements for “Deemed Approved” Businesses Selling Alcohol Dear Property/Business Owner: The Alcoholic Beverage Sales Commercial Activities Ordinance, Chapter 82-38 of the County Code, was adopted in October 2002 and established zoning requirements for businesses that sell alcohol in the County called Performance Standards. Businesses that were already selling alcohol prior to the date the ordin ance was adopted are considered “deemed approved” and were not required to obtain a land use permit. However, as a condition of being deemed approved, such businesses are subject to the Ordinance which includes complying with and posting these Performances Standards. The Board of Supervisors recently adopted amendments to the Performance Standards that became effective on July 16, 2015. These amendments are designed to educate the public, protect the general health and welfare of residents of the County an d to prevent nuisance activities where alcoholic beverage sales occur. The amendments include the requirement to post the enclosed Performance Standards notice on the premises of your business. The enclosed notices must be posted immediately for public review in a conspicuous and unobstructed place visible from both the entrance to your establishment and in a place clearly visible to customers from the cash register (Contra Costa County Zoning Code Section 82-38.810). Code Enforcement Officers will be inspecting your business in the upcoming weeks to verify your compliance with the new ordinance requirements and to confirm that these notices have been posted. John Kopchik Director Aruna Bhat Deputy Director Jason Crapo Deputy Director Maureen Toms Deputy Director Department of Conservation and Development 30 Muir Road Martinez, CA 94553 Phone:1-855-323-2626 2 Please note that the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors also adopted policy recommendations that include more consistent and routine visits to Deemed Approved establishments by the Code Enforcement, Building Inspection Division. Should you have any questions regarding this letter or the requirements of the Alcohol Ordinance, please contact Gary Kupp at (925) 674-7799 or visit https://ca- contracostacounty2.civicplus.com/5831/Deemed-Approved-Alcohol-Beverage-Sales Sincerely, Jason Crapo Deputy Director Enclosed: Two (2) Performance Standards Notices (11-inch by 17-inch) cc: Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Contra Costa County Municipal Advisory Councils – NUISANCES? Related to the sale of Alcoholic Beverages? ¿Molestias? ¿Relacionada con la venta de bebidas alcohólicas? COMPLAINTS WILL BE INVESTIGATED Call (925) 674-7210 (Contra Costa County Code Enforcement Division) if you wish to file a complaint that this site may be in violation of the performance standards listed below. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS Violation of the performance standards could result in modification or revocation of the privilege of selling alcohol. The standards are as follows: (a) its operation does not result in adverse effects to the healt h, peace or safety of persons residing or working in the surrounding area; (b) its operation does not result in repeated nuisance activities on or near the premises, including but not limited to disturbance of the peace, illegal drug activity, public drunkenness, drinking in public, harassment of passersby, gambling, prostitution, sale of stolen goods, public urination, theft, assaults, batteries, acts of vandalism, excessive littering, loitering, graffiti, illegal parking, excessive loud noises especially in the late night or early morning hours, traffic violations, curfew violations, lewd conduct, or police detentions and arrests; (c) its operation does not result in violations of other county, state, or federal regulations, ordinances, or statutes; (d) its operation does not result in the transfer, expiration or revocation of a State of California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control license; (e) its upkeep and operating characteristics are compatible with and will not adversely affect the livability or orderly development nor encourage the marginal development of abutting properties and the surrounding neighborhood; and (f) its operation does not result in jeopardizing or endangering the public health or safety of persons residing or working in the surrounding area. To report a life threatening emergency please call 911. To report a non-emergency, call the Contra Costa County Sheriff Dispatch at 877- 308-5248. This notice must be posted for public review in a conspicuous and unobstructed place visible from the entrance of the establishment and in a place clearly visible to the buyer from the cash register (Contra Costa County Zoning Ordinance, Section 82-38.810). email: alcohol.nuisances@dcd.cccounty.us web: http://www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/alcoholnuisance Contra Costa County, Code Enforcement Division