HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 6a. Ordinance amending Safety Enhancement Zones PresentationIntroduction of an Ordinance Amending
Municipal Code Section 9.22.040
January 9, 2024
Recommendation
Introduce an amendment to section 9.22.040 of the
SLMC regarding Safety Enhancement Zones
include additional city-wide safety enhancement
dates prior to and inclusive of St. Patrick’s Day and
Halloween.
Safety Enhancement Zone
In December 2004 Council enacted Chapter 9.22 of the San Luis Obispo Municipal
Code. This created a process to designate the entire City as a safety enhancement
zone during specific dates/times to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of
the citizens of San Luis Obispo.
Chapter 9.04 Possession or consumption of alcohol in public
Chapter 9.05 Social Host –minors consuming or possessing alcohol
Chapter 9.12 Noise Control
Chapter 9.13 Unruly Gathering
Chapter 9.16 Dangerous and Deadly Weapons
Chapter 9.20 Urinating in Public
Fine Structure
Regular Enhancement Zone Fines
•First Offense: $350.00
•Second Offence (in 12 mo. Period): $700.00
•Third and subsequent (in 12 mo. Period): $1000.00
Safety Enhancement Zone Fines
•First Offense: $700.00
•Second Offence (in 12 mo. Period): $1000.00
•Third and subsequent (in 12 mo. Period): $1000.00
Background
•Safety Enhancement Zone (SEZ) first adopted in 2004 to help
in policing Mardi Gras after the riot occurred in February 2004
•2010 –Halloween & St. Pats SEZ were added
•2013 –Start of School SEZ was added
•During a SEZ, fines for public urination, open container, unruly
gathering, and noise are doubled.
Reason for an Ordinance Amendment
•Party behaviors surrounding St. Patrick’s Day and Halloween are
becoming dangerous
•Parties are being planned to avoid current Safety Enhancement
Zones (St. Fratty’s)
•Public Health and Safety
•Neighborhood Wellness
•Personal responsibility, awareness, and concern
St. Patrick’s Day SEZ and Non-SEZ Data
Halloween SEZ and Non-SEZ Data
2020, 2021 Pandemic restrictions
Proposed Amendments
St. Patrick’s Day
Halloween
St. Patrick’s Day
•Currently, the St. Patrick’s Day SEZ is:
•The entire area within the city limits of San Luis Obispo is designated a
safety enhancement zone from 12:01 a.m. on March 17th (St. Patrick’s
Day) until 7:00 a.m. on March 18th of each year.
•Proposed:
•12:01 a.m. on March 17th until 7:00 a.m. on March 18th AND include the
two weekends prior to St. Patrick’s Day, beginning at 12:01 a.m. on
Friday and ending at 7:00 a.m. Monday morning. Should St. Patrick’s Day
fall on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, the safety enhancement period
would begin at 12:01 a.m. on Friday and end at 7:00 a.m. on Monday.
2024 & 2025 Proposed
Halloween
•Currently, the Halloween SEZ is:
•The entire area within the city limits of San Luis Obispo is designated a safety
enhancement zone from 12:01 a.m. on October 31st (Halloween) until 7:00 a.m.
on November 1st of each year. If Halloween falls on a Thursday, Friday,
Saturday, or Sunday, the SEZ will be effective at 12:01 a.m. on the Thursday
falling on or preceding October 31st until 7:00 a.m. on the Monday following
October 31st.
•Proposed:
•If Halloween falls on a Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, the safety
enhancement zone period will be effective at 12:01 a.m. on the Thursday falling
on or preceding October 31st until 7:00 a.m. on the Monday following October
31st and to include the weekend prior from 12:01 a.m. Friday until 7:00 a.m.
Monday. If Halloween falls on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, the SEZ will
include the previous Thursday at 12:01 a.m. –Monday 7:00 a.m. and 12:01
a.m. on Oct. 31st to 7 a.m. on Nov. 1st.
2024 & 2025 Proposed
Nov. 1 Nov. 2
Nov. 3
Nov. 1
Nov. 2
Stake Holder Outreach Meetings
Student Community Liaison Committee
Cal Poly Associated Students Incorporated External Affairs
United Sorority and Fraternity Life
Panhellenic Council
Inter Fraternal Council
SLO Bar Owners/ Managers
Residents for Quality Neighborhoods
Proposed Amendments to the Safety
Enhancement Zone Ordinance
Proposed changes are informed by data.
Minimize adverse impacts on the community.
Mitigate disruptions and enhance public safety.
Proactive approach to addressing the challenges
posed by the events surrounding St. Patrick’s Day
and Halloween.
Questions?