Report Prepared by: Craig J. Cornwell, City Attorney
Title
SUBJECT: Adoption of an Urgency Ordinance Extending a Temporary Moratorium on Street Closure Encroachment Permits Pursuant to California Government Code Section 65858
REPORT IN BRIEF
Consider adopting an urgency ordinance extending a temporary moratorium on the approval, issuance, processing, or appeal of street closure encroachment permits under Merced Municipal Code Section 12.42 and other administrative policies, for a period of ten months and 15 days, while allowing limited administrative approvals under defined criteria. This extension will provide the City time to further evaluate and implement a comprehensive regulatory framework governing street closures to ensure public safety, coordination, and consistency in application with the City's focus on the nature of the special event going forward.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting Ordinance 2592, an urgency ordinance of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Extending for a Period of Ten Months and Fifteen Days, Pursuant to California Government Code 65858, a Temporary Moratorium on Street Closures; and
B. Directing staff to continue to study this issue and return with proposed amendments to the Merced Municipal Code to establish a comprehensive framework governing street closures, focusing on the nature of the special event, including distinctions between parades, community events, and other uses of the public right-of-way.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to conditions other than as recommended by staff; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Continue to a future meeting.
AUTHORITY
California Government Code Section 65858
DISCUSSION
Background
On April 20, 2026, the City Council adopted Urgency Ordinance 2590 to establish a temporary moratorium on the approval, issuance, processing, or appeal of street closure encroachment permits, while allowing for limited administ...
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