CITY OF MENIFEE
SUBJECT: Ordinance Introduction Adding Section 11.20.200 to Chapter
11.20 of Title 11 of the Menifee Municipal Code Relating to the Abatement of Hazardous Vegetation on Vacant Parcels MEETING DATE: January 17, 2024
TO: Mayor and City Council
PREPARED BY: David Gutierrez, Police Captain
REVIEWED BY: Chris Karrer, Police Chief
APPROVED BY: Armando G. Villa, City Manager
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
1. Introduce an Ordinance adding Section 11.20.200 to Chapter 11.20 of Title 11 of the Menifee Municipal Code, establishing specific regulations for abatement of hazardous vegetation on vacant parcels.
DISCUSSION
As the City Council is aware, in some cases, property owners of vacant parcels within City limits are not adequately maintaining their properties. The conditions of such properties (1) threaten public safety; (2) are a life-threatening safety concern; and/or (3) violate state and/or local laws and regulations. Pursuant to state law, a city may enact, by ordinance, procedures to administratively abate such public nuisances and to recover costs incurred as a result.
While the City has an existing Administrative Nuisance Abatement Ordinance located in Chapter 11.20 of the Menifee Municipal Code, the Chapter does not specifically outline the abatement process or procedures for hazardous vegetation abatement on vacant parcels. In addition, the adopted Riverside County hazardous vegetation abatement, Ordinance 695, being used by staff specifically references and governs only “Unincorporated” areas.
This language was recently successfully challenged during a hazardous vegetation citation appeal.
Staff believes that if adopted, the proposed Ordinance will provide the City the necessary specific Menifee Municipal Code language to ensure those vacant parcel property owners that choose not to maintain their properties pursuant to the Menifee Municipal Code are held accountable.
City of Menifee Staff Report
Modification to Menifee Municipal Code Chapter 11.20
January 17, 2024
1 4
9 9
Additions for the Menifee Municipal Code proposed by Ordinance are shown in Exhibit A to the attached Ordinance.
STRATEGIC PLAN OBJECTIVE
Safe and Vibrant Community
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended action.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Ordinance Amending Title 11, Chapter 11.20
2. Riverside County Ordinance 695