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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Marissa N. Spencer, Assistant Corporation Counsel
DATE: July 5, 2018
SUBJECT:
An ordinance amending the City of Aurora Code of Ordinances Chapter 29 - Section 103, Entitled "Seasonal decorations".
PURPOSE:
The proposed amendment is to allow Commercial Developments, Commercial Businesses and the Commercial Business District parkway to have white ambient lighting displayed year-round as long as the lighting is neutral and cannot be attributed to a seasonal event or holiday.
BACKGROUND:
This City is seeking this amendment to specify that white ambient lighting may be used year-round in certain circumstances as long as it is not associated with a seasonal event or holiday.
DISCUSSION:
This section was last amended in 2006. The purpose of this section of the ordinance is not to limit décor that adds to the atmosphere of businesses or allows residents to celebrate holidays. The purpose of this section is to prevent holiday specific décor from being left up beyond the appropriate holiday season, therefore decreasing local home values, and detracting from neighborhood or business area aesthetics.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
The proposed changes to Chapter 29, Section 103 are anticipated to have a positive impact on the City of Aurora, particularly the residents, Commercial Districts, Businesses, and the Commercial Business District.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is respectfully requested the proposed amendment to Chapter 29, Section 103 be forwarded to the Tuesday, July 17, 2018, Committee of the Whole Meeting.
cc: Planning and Development Committee:
Alderman Michael B. Saville, Chairman,
Alderman Sherman Jenkins,
Alderman Carl Franco, and
Alderman William "Bill" Donnell, Alternate,
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
ORDINANCE NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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An Ordinance Amending Chapter 29, Section 103 of the City of Aurora Code of Ordinances Entitled "Seasonal decorations".
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora seeks to modify this section of the Ordinance to clarify what is not considered seasonal décor, and to allow for businesses to display neutral white ambient lighting as long as it is not associated with a seasonal event or holiday.)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: That Chapter 29, section 103 is hereby amended as follows:
Sec. 29-103. - Seasonal decorations.
(a) White ambient lighting displayed by a commercial development or business shall not be construed as “seasonal décor” as long as the lighting is neutral and cannot be attributed to a seasonal event or holiday.
(b) The white ambient lights displayed year-round in the Commercial Business District parkway shall not be construed as “seasonal decorations.”
(c) A citation may be issued for violations of this section, the penalty for which shall be provided in chapter 1, section 1-11 of this Code.