South El Monte : Renovation Rules Adopted

The City Council has given final approval to a measure requiring improvements to most of the 237 metal buildings in town. Owners of metal buildings adjacent to and visible from public or private streets must cover the structures with non-metal material or new metal siding. Portions of other metal buildings on the property visible from the street also must be renovated. Parts of rear buildings not seen from the street must be coated with a color matching the improved portions.

The measure will take effect March 13, after which property owners will have one year to apply for building permits. They must have the work completed within three years.

The measure is an amendment to an existing ordinance that had been scheduled to take effect in April. It would have required total renovation or removal of all metal buildings. The amendment, which was passed on a 3-2 vote, was introduced by Councilman Stanley Quintana and supported by Councilmen Ignacio (Slim) Gracia and Albert Perez. Mayor John Gonzales and Councilman Greg Meis opposed the measure.