HomeMy WebLinkAbout0922ORDINANCE NO. 922'(1982 Series)
INTERIM URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
ESTABLISHING A MORATORIUM ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF
ELECTRONIC GAME AMUSEMENT CENTERS FOR A PERIOD OF FOUR MONTHS
WHEREAS, there are at least three electronic game amusement centers now
operating pursuant to conditional use permit within the City of San Luis Obispo;
and
WHEREAS, electronic game machines and electronic game amusement centers
are a novel and increasingly popular activity; and
WHEREAS, it has been the experience of numerous other cities that
electronic game machines and electronic game amusement centers may sometimes
have objectionable characteristics and potentially deleterious effects on
adjacent areas and uses, such as:
1. Attraction of a large number of juveniles and a consequent increase
in social problems such as loitering, littering and minor vandalism;
2.. Decrease in patronage of adjacent commercial uses causedf.by a
congregation of a large number of juveniles and parking of bicycles
blocking walkways and store entrances;
3. Adverse impact on nearby residential land uses caused by excessive
noise and late hours of operation during weekends;
WHEREAS, other cities have adopted special regulations pertaining to
electronic game machines and electronic game amusement centers in order to
ensure that the above - described adverse effects do not contribute to blighting
or downgrading of surrounding uses or neighborhoods;
WHEREAS, based on the experience of other cities, the City Council finds
that the best interest of the city would be served by a study of the actual and
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0922
Ordinance No. 922 (1982 Series)
potential adverse impact of electronic game machines and electronic game
amusement centers on adjacent areas and uses, and if indicated, the adoption
of special regulations to alleviate such adverse impacts.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the Council of the City of San Luis
Obispo as follows:
SECTION 1. Pursuant to Section 65858 of the California Government Code,
the City Council hereby establishes a four -month moratorium on the issuance or
granting of any permit or other entitlement which would enable or assist the
establishment of any electronic game amusement center.
SECTION 2. For the purpose of this moratorium, an "electronic game" is
defined as any electronic or mechanical device, including, but not limited to,
video or computer games, which upon insertion of a coin, slug or token in any
slot or receptacle attached to the device, or connected therewith, operates, or
which may be operated, for use as a game, contest, or amusement, through the
exercise of skill or chance.
SECTION 3. For the purpose of this moratorium, "electronic game amusement
center" is defined as:
(a) Any premises where four or more electronic games are located; or
(b) Any premises where more than fifty percent of the public floor area
is devoted to electronic games, regardless of whether such electronic
games constitute a primary or incidental use of the premises.
SECTION 4. This ordinance is declared to be an ordinance for the immediate
protection and preservation of the health, safety and general welfare of the
community. Facts in support of the urgency of this ordinance are as follows:
(a) An urgency moratorium measure is necessary to prevent the establish-
ment of electronic game amusement centers in areas incompatible
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Ordinance No. 922 (1982)
with their use and, thereby, to avoid the experience of other
municipalities as described in the recitals above.
(b) At least three conditional use permits have been granted for the
establishment of electronic game amusement centers within the city;
unless this ordinance is passed immediately, there is a strong
likelihood that other such electronic game amusement centers will be
established without adequate study as to their proper location,
number, licensing and other general regulation.
SECTION 5. The provisions of this ordinance shall not apply to applications
to operate electronic game amusement centers made on or before the date of pas-
sage of this ordinance.
SECTION 6. The City Attorney, with appropriate staff support, including at
a minimum, the Community Development Director and Chief of Police, is directed to
study the experience and regulatory responses of other cities with respect to the
described problems attendant with electronic games and electronic game amusement
centers. Monthly reports concerning the progress of the study shall be made by
the City Attorney to the council.
SECTION 7. This ordinance being an emergency ordinance for the immediate
protection and preservation of the public health, safety, and general welfare,
containing a declaration of the facts constituting the urgency and passed by a
four - fifths (4/5) vote of the council shall take effect immediately pursuant to
Charter Section 605 and shall continue in effect for a period of four (4) months.
SECTION 8. This ordinance may be rescinded by the City Council at any time
by a majority action of this council.
INTRODUCED AND FINALLY PASSED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo
at a meeting held on the )9th day of March, 1982, on motion of Councilman Griffis
seconded by Councilwoman Dovey , and on the following role call vote:
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Ordinance No. 922 (1982 Series)
AYES: Councilmembers Griffin, Dovey, Dunin. and Mayor Billig.
NOES: Councilman Settle
ABSENT: None
ATTEST:
ZI
Pamela Voges, ty Clerk
?0-44
Paul Lanspery, City Administrator
A/vN.�
George C. Thacher, City Attorney
V/ I-I-z-4
Geoff Grote, Community Development
Director
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Mklanie C. Billig, Mayor
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