HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-06-01 - AGENDA REPORTS - CODE ENFORCEMENT (2)Agenda Item:_ /
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO: "enn
ellar and City Councilmembers
FROM: . ulska y Manager
DATE: June 1, 2004
SUBJECT: CODE ENFORCEMENT PRESENTATION AT CITY COUNCIL
STUDY SESSION
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council receive a follow up presentation regarding the City's Code Enforcement
program with recommended revisions to the Municipal Code to better facilitate the code
enforcement process and to direct staff to prepare the final draft ordinance for adoption.
BACKGROUND
Last year, the City's Code Enforcement section met with City Council in a study session
to review the current policies, procedures, successes, and challenges that Code
Enforcement is experiencing while processing cases for substandard properties.
Specific problem areas were discussed that make obtaining compliance difficult for
properties in violation of the Code. In addition, citizen input voicing frustrations with
non-compliant neighbors or with the Code Enforcement appeals process was also
received.
At that time, Council directed staff to explore ways to increase the effectiveness of Code
Enforcement actions, in particular, with property owners who are unresponsive to
requests for obtaining expeditious compliance.
Staff has identified areas where changes to the Municipal Code would facilitate the
enforcement process for these cases. Staff has identified specific sections of the Code that
might be revised or added to better achieve this goal.
These include:
Updating the City's current provisions on general penalties and fines
Updating the City's current administrative citation process including adding
provisions for the enforcement of NPDES violations
• Establishing a more effective process for identifying and abating public nuisances
in a timely manner
• Updating and clearly defining the appeals process
• Establishing a more effective cost recovery process that places the financial
responsibility upon the persistent violator rather than law-abiding tax payers
The results of this on-going effort, as well as the key points of these Code revisions, will
be presented for the City Council's review and comment at the Study Session.
Staff will use Council's comments and direction from the June 1st study session to
prepare a final draft ordinance entitled "Neighborhood Preservation" for your
consideration and adoption at a regularly scheduled City Council meeting.
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS
City Council may choose not to revise the Municipal Code. Other direction as
determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
Possible additional revenues generated from collection of fees from non-compliant
property owners.
Pbs/council/ceordinancememofor6-1-04ss.doc