2010 Code Enforcement Program Update Jeff Lambert, Community Development Director Andrew Stuffler, Building & Safety Manager Sue Taylor, Code Enforcement Supervisor
Origin of Local Enforcement Authority State Health and Safety Code State Civil Code 1941 City Municipal Code ARTICLE 4. ENFORCEMENT
Types of Enforcement Strategies Passive Program One Technician Issue Notices & Citations Require Licensed Professional Certifications Active Program Admin., Support, and Inspection Staff Verify Violations, Issue Notices, Issue Citations, Verify Resolution Provide Complimentary, Professionally Certified, Services Written Response & No Facilitated Compliance, Minimal Cost to City On-Site Response, Facilitated Compliance, Greater Cost to City
Means of Enforcement Reactive Only Respond to Reports of Violations Occupants or Neighbors Must Report Violations On Their Own Proactive Planned Exterior and/or Interior Inspections Existing, Unreported Violations May Be Discovered Difficult to Focus Resources Increases Fear of Retaliation Minimizes Perception of Government Intrusion Allows for Focused Clean-Up Reduces Fear of Retaliation Increases Perception of Government Intrusion
Enforcement Philosophy Knowledgeable Staff Compassionate Active Timely Accountable
Case Management Priority LevelHazard LevelExamples 1ImmediateRaw Sewage Structural Hazards Hazardous Excavations Electrocution Hazards 2PotentialConverted Garages Tenant Improvements Electrical or Mechanical 3No Physical HazardTrash Cans Weeds in Yards Parking Vehicles on Lawns Illegal Signs
Current Staffing & Workload 2.5 Code Enforcement Inspectors 0.5 Shared Clerical Support Monthly Activity FY ActualCapacity
Performance Measurement Targets Priority LevelResponse TimeAbatement Time 1<24 Hours<24 Hours 23 Days Days 35 Days90 Days Fiscal Year Actual Priority LevelResponse TimeAbatement Time 120%100% 224%82% 339%61%
Possible Program Options Volunteers In Code Enforcement Program Property Maintenance and Sign Ordinance Program Vacant/Rental Building Registration Program Real Estate Re-Sale Report Program Tenant/Landlord Education and Support Services
Upcoming Items Ventura Safe Housing Collaborative Recommendations (December 13, 2010) Update the City Property Maintenance Code (December 2010 or January 2011) Report to City Council (Annually)
Is the current Code Enforcement Philosophy appropriate? Is the current reactive only approach working? Should staff consider implementing any of the Possible Program Options? To what extent should staff revise the City Property Maintenance Code? What issues should staff focus on and should additional code compliance resources be identified?
Thank you