LOS ALAMITOS : Christmas Trees, Pumpkins on Agenda

The City Council tonight will consider an ordinance that would regulate the sale of Halloween pumpkins and Christmas trees.

The ordinance is intended to help the Planning Department promptly review applications to operate such seasonal businesses and to apply consistent standards, said Community Development Director Elizabeth Binsack.

“This is nothing different than in the past,” Binsack said. “We’re putting this in the code so everybody understands what they can do to make (selling pumpkins and Christmas trees) safer and with no impact on surrounding uses.”

In addition to a business license, a permit will be required for anyone planning to sell pumpkins or Christmas trees.

The $75 permit fee is the same amount currently being charged, Binsack said. The permit would allow the holder to sell both pumpkins and Christmas trees during the same year, she said.

Under the ordinance, pumpkins may be sold from Oct. 1 to Oct. 31. Christmas trees may be sold the day after Thanksgiving until Dec. 25.

All structures used for selling pumpkins and Christmas trees must be removed within seven days following the holiday.

Vendors also must comply with fire-safety requirements and submit a plot plan of the location, indicating sheds and other temporary structures and parking areas.

Binsack said that each year, four vendors usually apply for permits to sell Christmas trees. Two of them also sell pumpkins.

The Planning Commission, following a public hearing in August, voted to recommend that the council approve the ordinance.