HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 02051985 - X.10 li* ,., BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Contra
FROM: Supervisor Tom Torlakson
Costa
DATE: February 5, 1985 County
SUBJECT: EXPANDED CODE ENFORCEMENT FUNCTION
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S) OR RECOMMENDATION(S) & BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
Informational: In a previous memorandum to the Planning Department, I
discussed the concept of an expanded code enforcement function in a new and innovative
pr.ogr.am funded through the Community Development and Housing Block Grant. Staff
responded that this concept was inappropriate for the CDHGB program. I believe, however,
that a closer analysis of the concept I am proposing will generate a different viewpoint.
I believe the other supervisors share my desire that the county deal as
effectively as possible with the many situations of code violations in this county.
Our past experience have indicated these violations run across more than one county
department--planning, building inspection and health--and on occasion, involves other
governmental agencies. Often the problems are multiple in any singular reported situa-
tion and requires the close coordination of the various enforcement agencies involved.
I would like to suggest the concept of a specialized project whereby the county
would contract with an individual to provide multiple code enforcement services. Under
such a contract, this individual would work with the . existing enforcement staffs of the
various departments. This individual 's responsibilities would not only enhance our
normal enforcement function, but would go beyond that in the areas of community education
and prevention as well as community organization aimed at "neighborhood preservation."
In this context, I believe that the Community Housing and Development and Block Grant
program intended for "neighborhood preservation" would be an appropriate source of fund-
ing. It is possible that the contract could run in such a fashion that an effort could
be targeted to eligible areas in west county, central county and east county.
I initiated the development of the attached letter to the West Pittsburg community
in an effort to educate the residents about codes and ordinances applicable to their area.
This informational letter was followed by volunteers touring their neighborhoods and
identifying homes or businesses that are not in compliance with our county codes and
ordinances. The community is being involved on a volunteer basis to do a great part of
the leg work. This kind of effort could be expanded under special projects such as I
have suggested. It would be further enhanced if it is possible to give this individual
the authority to issue citations.
Recommended Action: Refer to the County Administrator and the Planning Director
to review this concept and report to the Board as io its feasibility and eligibility under
HUD guidelines for Community Housing and Development Block Grant funds.
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: YES SIGNATURE:
RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
APPROVE OTHER
SIGNATURE(S) �(�"�! rc •- � 'r� p
ACTION OF BOARD ON _ FebruarY 50 1985 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER X
REFERRED to the County Administrator and Director of Planning for review and report
to the Internal Operations Ccmittee.
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
X_ UNANIMOUS (ABSENT --- ) I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE
AYES: NOES: AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN
ABSENT: ABSTAIN: AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD
OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN.
CC: County Administrator ATTESTED February 5, 1985
Director of Planning J.R. OLSSON, COUNTY CLERK
Internal Operations CoIP ittee AND EX OFFICIO CLERK OF THE BOARD
M382/7-63 BY - ��' DEPUTY
�� Contra
Costa -
. : .. County Le
Dear Resident:
A number of residents and community groups in your area have been in contact with
County departments expressing serious concerns about the safety, health and
attractiveness of the area and are asking for increased enforcement of the County codes
and ordinances. The thrust of this concern is to improve your neighborhood and the
quality of life in your community. We are asking you to help us and together we can help
your community.
This letter is to let you know what some of the codes and ordinances are that apply to the
unincorporated area of West Pittsburg. You and your neighbors are expected to comply.
Please read these carefully and if you have questions, call the appropriate County
departments.
Ordinance 80-97: Animal Services Department - 372-2995
Dogs must be licensed.
Dogs cannot run loose off of the owner's property.
Owners must control potentially dangerous or vicious animals.
Ordinance 83-50: Riverview Fire District - 757-1303
It -is unlawful for any person to permit weeds, rubbish, trash, discarded tires or scrap
lumber to accumulate on their property.
Vehicle Code 22523: Highway Patrol - 372-4980
No person shall abandon a vehicle .upon a highway or upon public or private property,
including County roads/streets, without consent of the owner or person in lawful
possession of the property.
Ordinance Code, Chapter 416=4: Health Department - 372-4416
Garbage and refuse (junk, scraps) must be stored in garbage cans and cannot be piled or
scattered around the premise.
California Admin. Code, Title 14: Health Department - 372-4416
Garbage and refuse accumulations must be removed from premises once a week.
Ordinance 80-14: Building Inspection Department - 372-2311
All structures built in the County must meet certain minimum standards. If the structure
is not maintained or has become unsafe, it must be repaired or demolished.
Ordinance 82-23: Building Inspection Department - 372-2311
Structures or debris hazardous to a person or community must be removed.
Ordinance 77-1 i2: Building Inspection Department - 372-2311
Allows for the removal of abandoned vehicles and vehicle parts from roads and private
property. Vehicles that are not operable may be considered "abandoned".
County Code, Title 8: Planning Department - 372-2091
It is in violation of County Ordinance to store inoperative vehicles or vehicle parts at a
residential site (Section 88-4.206).
It is in violation of County Ordinance to conduct an automotive repair business at a
residential site (Section 84-4.402).
The community groups in your area and county officials wish to make your community the
nicest community possible. Your cooperation in observing these laws and regulations and
in encouraging your neighbors to do so or in working with County staff to have violations
identified and resolved will be greatly appreciated.
l �
West Pittsburg Clean-Up Committee
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