Title
Proposed Code Enforcement Policy Updates
Description
This report provides the Economic Development and Housing Subcommittee with a review of the Neighborhood Services Department's (NSD) Code Enforcement Policy (CEP), with recommended updates.
THIS ITEM IS FOR CONSENT ACTION.
Report
Summary
The CEP provides guidelines for enforcement of the Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance, Zoning Ordinance and portions of other City codes/ordinances enforced by NSD (see Attachment A). Each year, staff presents a review of the policy with any recommended updates to the City Council, as stated in the policy, which was last updated June 28, 2023. The information in this report is intended to initiate the review process and recommend updates for consideration.
The CEP is comprised of five sections. Sections I through III of the CEP establish the purpose of standard code enforcement and the notification and enforcement options available to inspection staff; define recidivist person/properties and the possible consequences for repeat offenders; and describe the inspection and enforcement protocols for resident complaints with exceptions for proactive code enforcement in the immediate area of a complaint and in strategic initiative areas. Section IV includes information encouraging the use of hardship assistance programs for low- and moderate-income households where funding is available and support for owners/responsible parties who are impacted by homelessness, including increased communication, assistance and support in the form of information, referral counseling, outreach, the provision of volunteer labor and/or the provision of direct financial assistance. Section V provides guidance for NSD to work cooperatively with other departments and agencies to resolve complex and hazardous cases.
Based on NSD's annual review of the CEP, staff is proposing the following updates:
- Remove the term "commercial business violations" and replace with "home occupation standards," where applicable, to be consistent with City Code section 41-608.
- Add language to allow proactive enforcement of the new text amendments related to Short Term Rentals and the Vacant Property Registry.
- Add language to allow inspection of Short Term Rentals for compliance with the Standards and Operating Requirements in City Code section 10-205.
- Correct minor formatting and grammar issues.
All staff recommended updates to the CEP are highlighted in Attachment B, with the current CEP provided as Attachment A for reference.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and the Neighborhood Services Department.