El Monte Passes Resolution Establishing Guidelines to Enforce Local Public Safety Laws

El Monte, CA – On February 7, the El Monte City Council unanimously approved a resolution which established guidelines for the enforcement of existing laws regarding public right-of-way obstructions and fire hazards. The resolution will reinforce the City’s ability to enforce local public safety laws in order to address objective health, safety, and welfare concerns that have increased in recent years due to unpermitted vendors.  

"We are proud of the culture and entrepreneurship of our vendors who are legally permitted to vend in our City. Unfortunately, we have those who do not have the appropriate permits and are not following specific operation and safety requirements,” said Alma Martinez, El Monte City Manager. “This resolution serves as a crucial step in enforcing the City’s existing laws around public safety, promoting a safe and accessible environment for vendor’s and the public, and educating our vendors on the guidelines and permits required.”  

The resolution takes effect immediately, authorizing the City’s Enforcement Officers to take the following actions: 

• Order to Cure or remove the Fire Hazard or Obstruction 
• Issue a warning or administrative citation 
• Impound Equipment creating Fire Hazard or Obstruction, if individual fails to cure or remove the item 
• Individuals will have the opportunity to reclaim their impounded equipment within 60 days. After 60 days, unclaimed equipment will be forfeited  

Amendments and Codes the City of El Monte will enforce include: 

• 2022 CA Fire Code Title 24, Part 9, Section 1.11.2.1: Assigns enforcement powers to both the chief of the fire department and the chief building official 
• CA Fire code Title 32, Section 104.5.1: Allows the county fire code official to authorize the El Monte Police Department to enforce the LA County Code 
  • Section 307.6 of Title 32 of the LA County Code states: “A person shall not build, light, maintain, or cause or permit to be built, lighted, or maintained, any open outdoor fire or use or cause or permit to be used, any open outdoor fire for any purpose” unless permitted or specifically exempted. 
• 2017 Los Angeles County Fire Code and the 2016 California Fire Code: Authorizes the City to “adopt additional regulations relating to fire protection and fire safety”. 

In addition, the City will also enforce the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure that City sidewalks are unobstructed. Any individual or business found obstructing the public right-of-way or violating the CA Fire Code without proper permitting will be at-risk of having their equipment impounded by a City Enforcement Officer.  

Through this resolution, the City of El Monte will be able to promote the safety and well-being of its residents, businesses, and visitors.  

The City of El Monte, located in Southern California, is committed to improving the quality of life for its citizens and strives to provide its community personalized service, uncompromising commitment, and individualized accountability. For information on the City of El Monte, please call 626-580-2059 or visit www.elmonteca.gov.