AGENDA TITLE:
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Council Discussion Regarding Policy for Placement of Basketball Hoops in Public Right of Way (PW)
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MEETING DATE:
August 20, 2025
PREPARED BY:
Public Works Director
recommendation
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Council Discussion regarding policy for placement of basketball hoops in public right of way.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Portable basketball hoops are prevalent throughout the City’s residential neighborhoods and provide healthy activity for residents young and old. Currently, portable basketball hoops are not allowed to be placed on the public right of way to avoid obstructing the sidewalk or creating a danger for vehicular traffic.
While City staff do not actively monitor/enforce the placement of portable basketball hoops, Section 12.04 of the Lodi Municipal Code (LMC) prohibits placing and/or leaving any structure in the right of way. If staff observes a portable basketball hoop in the right of way, a courtesy warning will be issued to the owner. While rare, additional violations can result in fines until it is removed.
In 2023, a permanent basketball hoop (with concrete foundation) was found to be illegally constructed in the public parkway strip. The location was roughly mid-block in a residential area subject to through traffic. Since the placement of a permanent structure in the right of way was in violation of LMC 12.04, staff sent a notice directing the owner to remove the structure & foundation to which the owner complied.
Recently, it has been discovered that another permanent basketball hoop (with concrete foundation) was illegally installed in the public right of way; but this time at the end of a dead end street where there is no through traffic. The owner has requested a variance based on this consideration. While the permanent hoop replacement also violates Section 12.04 of the LMC, the lack of through vehicular traffic due to the dead end separates this example from the one above and has resulted in this item being brought to Council for consideration.
Staff is requesting Council discuss and provide feedback on whether to pursue a policy similar to the City of Santa Rosa (Attachment 1) for future consideration that would allow basketball hoops in the public right of way.
STRATEGIC VISION:
8A. Public Well-Being: Increase opportunities for physical, recreational, and cultural activities.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Not Applicable.
FUNDING AVAILABLE:
Not Applicable.