Item 28 - Code Enforcement Abatement Action

Home Browse Search

Code Enforcement Abatement Action November 16, 2021 Page 2 2 2 3 8 lack of property maintenance along with the improper land use violation associated with the property owner consenting an unpermitted encampment on the premises. As part of the enforcement effort, the Code Enforcement Division issued a warning notice on May 7, 2020, to the property owner regarding violations of SAMC sections 16-48 (noxious growth, rubbish, garbage prohibited) and 41-190(a) (Use not permitted) relating to the unpermitted encampments on the premises parking lots and creating an increasingly negative and unsafe, unhealthy environment for the surrounding properties and residents. As part of the continuing enforcement efforts, the Code Enforcement Division issued additional Administrative Citation fines on December 2, 2020 ($100); December 7, 2020 ($200); December 14, 2020 ($500); and January 4, 2021 ($1000). Each time the Administrative Citation fines was mailed via certified and regular mailed as prescribed by the municipal code and ensuring due process. This method further ensures the property owner is aware of the violations and required corrections of the City codes. Notwithstanding the Code Enforcement Division’s enforcement actions and in an effort to assist the property owner obtain compliance, the City reached an agreement with the 837 N. Ross property owner to suspend additional issuance of fines and allow an extended period to comply. As part of the agreement, the City also provided additional services that included but were not limited to hosting two outreach events at the premises, provide mental health and shelter assistance as well as portable restrooms and wash stations to assist the encampment occupants. Unfortunately, despite the mutual agreement, the property owner was unable to abate the violations and bring the property into compliance in the prescribed and accorded dateline. As such, the Code Enforcement Division, through the City Attorney’s Office, requested and obtained an Inspection and Abatement Warrant to abate all outstanding violations from the Orange County Superior Court. The inspection abatement warrant allowed the abatement of the nuisance conditions at the exterior of the property by thoroughly cleaning the area, removing all garbage, trash, and debris in order to render the area safe. On May 13, 2021, in collaboration with the City’s Quality of Life Team and participation of the Public Works Agency, Santa Ana Police Department, Community Development Agency, Parks and Recreation Services; the Inspection and Abatement Warrant was executed at 837 N. Ross Street. Pursuant to the Santa Ana Municipal Code authority outlined in sections 16-55 and 16- 56, the Code Enforcement Division hereby provides a summary of the costs associated with the execution of the one Inspection and Abatement warrant totaling $39,604.19, which includes City staff time and City equipment. The adoption of the attached resolution will enable the city to invoice and pursue collection of costs and expenditures incurred by the city associated with the abatement efforts.