GALT, CA (MPG) - In recent years, Galt residents have grown familiar with city rules on parking and storing boats, RVs and trailers due to discourse on the driveway ordinance.

Another item also subject to city rules, a familiar sight in many neighborhoods, that residents and homeowners might not be aware of: portable basketball hoops.

Galt resident Lisa Moran said that she and a neighbor recently received a notice from the city regarding the basketball hoops placed in front of their homes.

“I received a letter from the City of Galt saying they received a complaint (anonymously) and we need to store it away when not in use,” said Moran.

“I understand they need to follow up on complaints, but I mentioned it needed to be addressed to our whole neighborhood, not just a couple of people,” Moran told The Galt Herald, adding that she has counted various other residences in her neighborhood with portable basketball hoops in front of their homes.

The courtesy notice was issued on July 10, with a photo attached, addressing the basketball hoop in front of her residence (near the sidewalk/public road) being outside of the city’s compliance code Galt Municipal Code 9.28.010., Sidewalk obstructions restricted.

According to this code, the city does not permit an item to be kept or stored on the sidewalk or between the sidewalk and the public roadway as it poses an obstruction to public use. The only exceptions are for sidewalk cafes, which are regulated under a separate municipal code.

For other residents, having a basketball hoop in front of their homes has never brought them any issues.

“I have one on our sidewalk. I never had an issue with others doing it,” said Nathan Graybill. “As long as it’s not left unsupervised in the middle of the road, I think it’s a good thing that people have things outside for their kids and neighborhood kids to enjoy.”

The Galt Herald reached out to the city’s code compliance division to clarify what information residents should know to stay informed about regulations on basketball hoops placed in the public right-of-way, such as on sidewalks or public roadways.

“Portable basketball hoops placed in the public right-of-way are addressed when reported by a resident through a code compliance complaint,” said Galt Code Enforcement officer Lewis Fedor.

The city does not proactively patrol for violations but responds to complaints submitted via phone call, email or online service requests through the Galt Connect app, according to Fedor.

Once a complaint is received, a code enforcement officer investigates the complaint. If a violation is confirmed, the homeowner receives a courtesy notice.

If the violation is not corrected within 30 days, the officer can send a final notice or issue an administrative fine.

“Our goal is not to issue fines. In most cases, if a fine is issued, we are willing to work with the individual to reach compliance,” Fedor said.

Since March, the city has received 14 complaints related to portable basketball hoops obstructing sidewalks and has issued courtesy notices for each.

Fedor explained that the city does not keep separate statistics for basketball hoops but includes them under general sidewalk obstruction cases. Complaints are more common during warmer months, and formal citations or fines are rare as homeowners typically comply after the initial warning.

“We understand that not all properties have sufficient driveway space or private areas for recreational use,” Fedor said. “However, city code prohibits placing any item, including basketball hoops, in the public right-of-way, as it may obstruct pedestrian pathways, create traffic visibility issues or pose safety hazards.”

Residents are encouraged to return the basketball hoop to private property after daily use to avoid obstructing the public right-of-way for an extended period of time; place the hoop entirely on private property, such as within a driveway, avoiding sidewalks or streets; and utilize parks or recreational facilities with basketball courts.

“We recognize that many residents may not be aware of this specific rule, and we are exploring ways to improve communication and public education around commonly-misunderstood codes,” Fedor said.

Homeowners and residents are also encouraged to contact Code Enforcement at 209-366-7209 or the Parks and Recreation Department at 209-366-7180 to discuss potential alternatives or nearby recreational options.