Q: Skateboard Ramps:My neighbor has told me that there is a city ordinance against having skateboard ramps in backyards. The only reference I can find in the SC Municipal Code is under 23.30.040 Nuisances Designated and the way I read it, this ordinance refers to "abandoned or neglected conditions" and the intent of the law is to protect children from harm. I do not believe it refers to ramps in good working order used as enjoyment in the sport of skateboarding. I would think the city would prefer kids skate in their own backyards as opposed to out in the street or parking lots where skateboarding is prohibited by signage. So, is there a city ordinance against using skateboard ramps on private property in a backyard? Would the noise level of skateboarding exceed noise standards of the city? Thank you. Date Submitted -8/14/2009
A: There is not an ordinance that prohibits skateboard ramps in rear yards.
However, depending on the size of the structure it may require a building permit. The other thing to consider is that no structure shall be placed within five feet of the side yard property line or within six feet of the main dwelling's structure, this would be a setback violation. If the structure exceeds 120 square feet of the floor area it will require a building permit.
The Nuisance Ordinance you referenced 23.30.040 SCMC states the following pertaining to skateboard raps and other nuisance problems:
6. Abandoned, broken, unused, neglected or unprotected equipment and machinery, ponds, reservoirs and pools, whether or not the same contains any water or liquid, excavations, abandoned wells, shafts, basements, foundations, or other holes, abandoned refrigerators or other appliances, abandoned motor vehicles, any unsound structure, skateboard ramps, or accumulated lumber, solid waste, junk, or vegetation which may reasonably attract children to such abandoned or neglected conditions;Q: Unmarked Lanes:On The Old Road in Stevenson Ranch in front of the stores there is a double lane with no divider to the right. How is that lane used? The DMV book does not mention it. It can fit two cars. It looks like its used for turning right but other cars can still be in the same lane going straight ahead safely. Who has the right of way, the one turning right or the one going straight ahead? Date Submitted -7/17/2009
A: The road has been widened in that area, but it is not a marked traffic lane. It is not to be used for straight ahead vehicle travel or passing, but can be used briefly to safely make right hand turns.
Q: My Neighbor Takes All The Parking:I live in a cul-de-sac, and I have a neighbor that parks both cars in front of her house so no one else can park in front of it. Unfortunately with so many people living on the block with cars, everyone takes any available space. When my family or I park in front of her house, she harasses us by leaving a letter on the car and/or pounding at our door to tell us to move the car. Even when it is a friend visiting she has told them to move the car. Is there anything we can do? Date Submitted -7/17/2009
A: We can have a parking control officer come by and take a look. We can red tag the vehicle, but cannot cite or tow it unless it remains unmoved for more than 72 hours as verified through our red tag process or is unregistered or in violation of some other parking law.
Law:
No vehicle can be parked on a public street for more than 72 hours without being moved. Vehicles must be legally parked and must not obstruct the view at intersections or driveways. The vehicles must also display current registration information. Also, some housing tracts have CC&R's covering the parking of recreational vehicles.
Also, anyone can legally park vehicles on a public roadway as long as all the requirements of the law are being met. The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station cannot control how your neighbor legally parks vehicles in front of their own house.
That being said, she has no authority or right to tell you to move your car, or your visiting friends car, when it is legally parked in front of her house. It is a public roadway that is available for legal parking by any person at any time.
The leaving of notes or asking you to move your car would not necessarily be illegal depending on the extent of the comments left in the note or the extent of the neighbor's actions. You can refuse to move your car if it is legally parked. If the leaving of notes or comments escalates you might want to let us know.
Don't confront your neighbor, just let us talk to her. There is nothing illegal with you parking in front of her house and nothing illegal about her taking up all the parking on a first arrival basis.Q: Property Rental or Leasing:We are leasing a property on Hermes Lane in Canyon Country. How do we ensure that the persons who are leasing the property are the legal owners of the property, before we hand over large sums of money? Date Submitted -6/22/2009
A: Probably the best way to protect yourself is to consult with your attorney or a property management company and have them process the transaction through an escrow company or account.
They would be able to run a title check and verify the information before the transaction is finalized. There may be on-line services available that you can run title verification through.
There is nothing that your local law enforcement can do pertaining to this matter. We cannot give you legal advice and suggest you consult a property attorney before turning over a large sum of money to anyone.Q: Bicycle Laws:Where can I find information about the laws on bicycle riding? Can we ride a bike on the sidewalk? Date Submitted -6/19/2009
A: Visit the California Law Web site at the following link: California Law.
Search whatever key word you want to under California Vehicle Code and you can find all the bicycle and vehicle related laws. You cannot ride a bicycle on the sidewalk in a business district.
