BACKGROUND:
When a property owner fails to comply with a Code Compliance Notice of Violation or Notice of Public Nuisance and Order to Abate, the Code Compliance Officer may proceed with an abatement of the property. The property owner is responsible for all costs of abatement incurred by the City, including administrative costs and attorneys’ fees. If the abatements costs are not paid prior to June 30 th, the abatement costs may become a special assessment levied against the property.
For Fiscal Year 2022-2023, twelve (12) abatements were conducted by the City in which the costs were not recovered. In accordance with the Municipal Code, each time an abatement was conducted, the property owner was notified as prescribed, and proof of service documented. Upon abatement of the property, a Notice of Administrative Costs was mailed to the property owner with a description of the abatement work and total cost owed.
DISCUSSION:
The total costs incurred by the City for the twelve abatements was $14,920.13. The costs, as shown on Exhibit A of the Resolution, include administrative costs and staff time for preparing the necessary paperwork, inspection of the property and the contractor’s cost of labor and materials. No attorney fees were incurred for the abatements.
The City Council may adjust or waive any costs or fees; however, the City would then have to identify another source for recovery of the costs.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The recommended action will serve to recover costs incurred by the City in abating public nuisances on the referenced properties.
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:
This action will further Goal F – Embracing, Inclusive City Objective - Cathedral City is valued and respected as a community that welcomes and embraces diversity, has an abundance of high quality and affordable housing options, and vibrant businesses. Our neighborhoods are attractive and well-maintained and issues surrounding homelessness have been compassionately addressed with thoughtful, coordinated, and collaborative programs.
Action F-16 - Implement a code compliance program that proactively identifies and responds to code compliance complaints.