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 17910 - 17998

• State Civil Code 1941

• City Municipal Code ARTICLE 4. ENFORCEMENT

Types of Enforcement StrategiesPassive 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 EnforcementReactive• 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 ManagementPriority Level Hazard Level Examples

1 Immediate Raw Sewage Structural Hazards

Hazardous ExcavationsElectrocution Hazards

 2 Potential Converted Garages

Tenant ImprovementsElectrical or Mechanical

 3 No Physical Hazard Trash Cans

Weeds in YardsParking Vehicles on Lawns

Illegal Signs

Current Staffing & Workload

• 2.5 Code Enforcement Inspectors

• 0.5 Shared Clerical Support

05

101520253035404550

Priority1

Priority2

Priority3

ActiveCases

Monthly Activity FY 2010-11

Actual Capacity

Performance MeasurementTargets

Priority Level Response Time Abatement Time

1 <24 Hours <24 Hours

2 3 Days 60-360 Days

3 5 Days 90 Days

Fiscal Year 2010-11 Actual

Priority Level Response Time Abatement Time

1 20% 100%

2 24% 82%

3 39% 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