City of Santa Maria
www.cityofsantamaria.org
City of Santa Maria
Code Enforcement
Neighborhood Preservation Through Education
2023 Division Update
City of Santa Maria
www.cityofsantamaria.org
Division Transition
In 2022, the Code Enforcement Division
relocated from the City Attorney’s Office to
the Community Development Department
(110 S. Pine St. Santa Maria, CA., 93458, Suites 106 & 107) Community
Development
Department Director
Code Enforcement
Manager
Code Enforcement
Supervisor
1 - Code Technician
4 - Code Enforcement
Officers
City of Santa Maria
www.cityofsantamaria.org
Code Enforcement Process
Service Request Form Received
•Research for
appropriate
municipal code
•Review history of
violations. Is this
a re-occurring
violation?
•Additional
Research if
applicable:
(i.e.: building
permits/BL/etc.)
•Request assistance
from allied
departments
(when applicable)
Investigation
•Inspect property to
confirm Municipal
Code Violation
•Provide education
regarding
violation(s)
•Photograph
violations
•Determine the
responsible party
•Complete written
reports to include
factual findings,
witness statements,
and inspection
summaries
Notice of Violation
•A Notice of
Violation is issued
to all responsible
parties associated
with the property
which may include:
Property owner
Tenant
Property Manager
Business Owner
Business Tenant
Utility Customer
Citations
•Administrative
citation(s) are
issued if
compliance is not
achieved with the
Notice of
Violation
•Administrative
Citation amounts:
$175
$500
$1,000
•Compliance Order
•Criminal Citation
Administration Citation Hearings/ Appeals
•Schedule hearings
•Prepare hearing
packets/case file
•Submit applicable
paperwork to staff
and mail notice of
hearing to
responsible parties
•Testify before a
Hearing Officer
Case Closure
• Once
compliance is
achieved, the
case is closed
• Citations remain
open until paid
• If a complaint is
received for the
same violation
within a year,
citations may be
issued
City of Santa Maria
www.cityofsantamaria.org
Continued Developments
• Cases opened: 1,526
• Cases closed: 1,442
• Interdepartmental cases received: 493
• Projected Enforcement: Organics Waste
• Electronic Service Request submissions continue to be successful • Ongoing improvements with electronic computer software to help streamline code case paperwork and efficiency (Central Square)
• Facilitate the City of Santa Maria Task Force Meetings consisting of numerous City Departments
City of Santa Maria
www.cityofsantamaria.org
Community Outreach Efforts
Code Enforcement Understands the Value in Providing Community Education • Reintroduced the Walk & Talk Program: Communication with community members in residential and commercial areas
• Partnered with Allan Hancock College, Chamber of Commerce, and the Santa Barbara County Health Department to provide information to program participants
• AHC Career Day
• Downtown Friday event
• Virtual Presentations for Non-Profit Agencies
• Educational Presentations
• National Night Out
• Radio Interviews: Sunny Country and American General Media • Increased neighborhood projects to address blight in the community • Assisted our local businesses regarding complaints for trespassing on private property
City of Santa Maria
www.cityofsantamaria.org
In an effort to enhance community outreach efforts, the Code Enforcement Division introduced an informational series entitled, “Did You Know?”. This series may be viewed on Youtube under Santa Maria Code Enforcement and Santa Maria Today.
The first segment describes the role of Code Enforcement in the community. The second segment provides information regarding sidewalk vending and catering vehicles.
Educational points focusing on health & safety along with helpful tips for businesses to follow.
City of Santa Maria
www.cityofsantamaria.org
Increased Trends
• Home based food sales: (i.e. Microenterprise Home Kitchens Operations / Home Occupations) • Pop-up events: (i.e. food sales, markets, etc.)
• Prohibited discharges: (i.e. mobile car washing, vehicle fluids, cement, etc.) • Trespassing against abandoned structures
• Graffiti
• Mobile Commercial Washing
City of Santa Maria
www.cityofsantamaria.org
Increase in Home Based Food Sales
Action: Code continues to partner with the SB County Public Health Department for ongoing enforcement. As a result of increased prohibited food sales, Code has developed a partnership with USDA
City of Santa Maria
www.cityofsantamaria.org
Increase in Pop-up Food Sales
Action: Due to the overwhelming concerns surrounding the pop-up food sales including a lack of required health permits, Code Enforcement responded swiftly and developed a plan of action to address the violations in collaboration with the Santa Maria Fire and Police Departments. Code Enforcement responded with administrative penalties which has prevented the out-of-town-businesses from returning to the City.
City of Santa Maria
www.cityofsantamaria.org
Increase in Prohibited Discharges
Action: Ongoing efforts in collaboration with the Utilities Department Clean-out overflow Construction debris discharged
into the public street
City of Santa Maria
www.cityofsantamaria.org
Continuous Enforcement Efforts
Blighted Properties in Public View
Action: Routine neighborhood projects are scheduled based on data collected from Neighborhood Connect and proactive efforts. Graffiti efforts are also coordinated with the Recreation and Parks Department.
City of Santa Maria
www.cityofsantamaria.org
Mobile Commercial Car Wash
Requirements: Maintain an active City Business License
Obtain a FREE Mobile Commercial Washing Permit
Must operate on private property. Washing in the public street is prohibited Contain, collect, and safely dispose of wastewater to prevent storm water runoff and pollution Action: Continue to respond to complaints and proactively address violations with assistance from SMPD City of Santa Maria
www.cityofsantamaria.org
Health & Safety / Substandard Housing
Garage used for
dwelling purposes
Mold
Action: Provide education to tenants(s) and property owner(s) City of Santa Maria
www.cityofsantamaria.org
Unpermitted Construction
Unpermitted restroom in shed Shed used for dwelling
Unpermitted shed in rear
yard (plumbing & electrical)
Action: Provide education to tenant(s) and property owner(s). A permit is required to legalize or demolish the unpermitted construction
City of Santa Maria
www.cityofsantamaria.org
Sidewalk Vendors
Action: Ongoing project. Response based on complaints and proactive enforcement City of Santa Maria
www.cityofsantamaria.org
2024 Goals
City of Santa Maria
www.cityofsantamaria.org
Continue Vendor Details
Nights and Weekends
Plan of Action: Enhance collaborative efforts with city departments (Fire & SMPD) along with outside agencies for additional work details involving catering vehicles and sidewalk vendors (i.e. flowers, fruit etc.)
City of Santa Maria
www.cityofsantamaria.org
Enhance Existing Programs
Increase community awareness and Code Enforcement presence within the Community:
• Maintain regular neighborhood Walk & Talk efforts
• Increase Business Walk & Talk efforts
• Implement routine Neighborhood Projects to address blighted areas • Schedule regular Graffiti Details
City of Santa Maria
www.cityofsantamaria.org
Thank You
A special “THANK YOU” to all City Departments for another successful year of collaboration!
City of Santa Maria
www.cityofsantamaria.org
Code Enforcement would like to extend our appreciation to the City Council for their ongoing support
We believe in public health, safety, and beautifying our community