VALLEYWIDE : City Expected to OK Quake Bins Extension
The City Council on Friday is expected to approve a motion to extend by six months the length of time homeowners may keep storage bins and trash containers in front of their homes for earthquake repair.
Under the motion, introduced by Councilman Hal Bernson, homeowners will have until July 17 to remove curbside containers used for rubbish or to store clothing, furniture and appliances. The deadline was Jan. 17, the second anniversary of the Northridge temblor.
Bernson introduced the motion last week after his office received about 10 complaints from residents with ongoing repairs who were told that they must clear the containers or face a fine, Bernson spokeswoman Francine Oschin said.
After contacting the city Bureau of Street Maintenance, Bernson’s office found that 214 storage containers and 82 trash bins are still in use because of ongoing repairs.
“There are a lot of people whose repairs are just beginning,” Oschin said.
The motion specifies that applicants for the six-month extension must provide a copy of a city Building Safety Department permit indicating that earthquake work is being done. They must also obtain a no-fee permit from the Bureau of Street Maintenance before placing storage bins or trash containers on the streets.
The motion also leaves open the possibility of another one-year extension if earthquake victims need more time for repairs.
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