San Diego County Grand Jury
• 2011-2012
City of San Diego Newsrack Permits and Enforcement
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings 9 findings
F01
Of the 555 newsracks on City property surveyed by the Grand Jury in 2011, only 326 (59 percent) were covered by a permit.
F02
The 555 newsracks surveyed contained 62 publications, 22 of which had no City permit.
F03
If that compliance rate held city-wide, there are potentially around 1,600 newsracks without a City permit. Fact: The City permit fee is $15 per newsrack.
F04
The City is failing to collect thousands of dollars in permit fees. Fact: Neighborhood Code Compliance has a standard permit application that requests specific location information about each newsrack. Fact: Not all permittees provide the required information. Fact: The information provided by some permittees is incorrect.
F05
The quantity and quality of information provided on permit applications vary widely.
F06
The inconsistency in format and level of detail makes the permit files difficult to work with. Fact: Neighborhood Code Compliance does not have a searchable, sortable database of all newsrack permit information. Fact: Permittees are not required to post current permit information on their newsracks.
F07
It is difficult to check the permit status of a newsrack. Fact: Neighborhood Code Compliance takes enforcement action only in response to a complaint. Fact: Many newsracks on City property have condition problems, including graffiti, stickers, and broken windows.
F08
The condition problems are unattractive and detract from San Diego’s image as “America’s Finest City.” Fact: The Port of San Diego and the Metropolitan Transit System are considering newsrack ordinances. Fact: There are many newsracks on Port and MTS property. Fact: Those racks have graffiti and other condition issues.
F09
Enforcement of Port and MTS permit and condition requirements should bring in additional revenue and improve the appearance of their properties.
Recommendations 14
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12-01Page 9Issue a sticker for each permitted newsrack showing the current permit
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12-02Page 10Develop a searchable, sortable database of information about each newsrack
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12-03Page 10As funds allow, acquire hand-held devices that will link to that database
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12-04Page 10Develop a systematic field enforcement program that regularly reviews
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12-05Page 10Be more aggressive in following up on complaints and Notices of Violation, so
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12-06Page 10Periodically review distributors' maintenance logs, especially in light of a
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12-07Page 10Adopt an ordinance regulating the location, number and condition of
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12-08Page 10Issue a sticker for each permitted newsrack showing the current permit
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12-09Page 10Develop a searchable, sortable database of information about each newsrack
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12-10Page 10Develop a systematic field enforcement program that reviews the permit
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12-11Page 10Adopt an ordinance regulating the location, number and condition of
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12-12Page 10Issue a sticker for each permitted newsrack showing the current permit
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12-13Page 11Develop a searchable, sortable database of information about each newsrack
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12-14Page 11Develop a systematic field enforcement program that reviews the permit
Agency Responses 2
Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.