AGENDA ITEM 6.A.
Ordinance 1099: Code Amendment 2023-05
Ordinance 1100 : Code Amendment 2023-06
Ordinance 1101: Code Amendment 2023-07
CITY COUNCIL
SUMMARY/PURPOSE
The proposed Code amendments are follow-up items to the Code Compliance/Enforcement improvement program reviewed by the City Council on March 1, 2023.
The Code amendments are part of the recommended improvement measures to enable Code Enforcement to expeditiously perform abatement of public nuisances, and building and construction violations.
CODE AMENDMENT 2023-05
Will amend NMC, Title 1 – General Provisions, amending Chapter 1.05 – ”Administrative Citations”. Section 1.05.030, to align with Government Code 36900 with respect to fine schedules.
Fines imposed for building Code violations and Short Term Rentals to be assessed at higher levels than general violations.
Currently all violations default to the general fines - $100 per violation, $200 per violation if unabated, and $500 if the violation remains unabated within the allotted timeframe for compliance. With the proposed Code amendment, fines would increase to $130, $700 and $1,300 for building code violations, and $1,500, $3,000 and $5,000 for short term rental violations.
CODE AMENDMENT 2023-06
Will amend Title 6, Chapter 6.22, specifically Section 6.22.35 to:
adopt a process for immediate issuance of a Notice to Abate; to change the process for a hearing to occur;
and to permit summary abatement by the City of hazardous nuisances on private property.
Currently, the Code only addresses abatement for the public right-of-way.
CODE AMENDMENT 2023-07
Will amend NMC Title 15 – “Building and Construction”, to adopt the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) 2021 and replace the current Housing Code.
The current Housing Code does not provide enough enforcement power because it does not cover the Dangerous Buildings Abatement and does not cover all property maintenance violations; however, the IPMC covers all of the above.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMENDATION
The proposed Code amendments are in-line with the recent Code Enforcement improvement assessment and improvement measures, and will provide the necessary enforcement power for the removal of public nuisances that are detrimental to the public convenience, health, safety, and general welfare in the City of Norco.
Staff is recommending that the City Council adopt:
Ordinance 1099, approving Code Amendment 2023-05;
Ordinance 1100, approving Code Amendment 2023-06; and
Ordinances 1101, approving Code Amendment 2023-07