11B - 2ND READ ORD REGISTRATION OF ABANDONED PROPERTY

Home Browse Search

F. The City Council finds that the implementation of the following changes and additions will assist the City in protecting neighborhoods from the negative impact and conditions that occur as a result of vacancy, absentee ownership and lack of compliance with existing City regulations and laws. Section 2. Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") and the state CEQA Guidelines, the adoption of this Ordinance is exempt from CEQA review pursuant to California Code of Regulations section 15061(b)(3), which is applicable if it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the project may have a significant effect on the environment. As a result, a Notice of Exemption will be filed upon the adoption of this ordinance. Section 3. The City hereby amends the Santa Ana Municipal Code ("SAMC") by adding Division 3 to Article 10 of Chapter 8, entitled "Registration and Maintenance of Abandoned and Defaulted Mortgage Properties" to read as follows: DIVISION 3. REGISTRATION AND MAINTENANCE OF ABANDONED AND DEFAULTED MORTGAGE PROPERTIES 8-1982. Purpose. It is the intent of the City Council, through the adoption of this division, to establish a mechanism to protect neighborhoods from becoming blighted through the lack of maintenance and security of abandoned and vacant properties; to establish an abandoned property registration program and to set forth guidelines for the maintenance of such properties. 8-1983. Definitions. For the purpose of this Division the following terms, phrases and words, shall have the meaning set forth below: "Abandoned" means any real property that is vacant or shows evidence of vacancy, and (1) is subject to a current notice of default and/or notice of trustee's sale, pending tax assessors lien sale and/or (2) is the subject of a foreclosure sale resulting in the acquisition of title by an interested beneficiary of a deed of trust, and/or (3) was conveyed to the current owner under a deed in lieu of foreclosure/sale. "Abatement order" means a notice of violation, notice and order, or administrative citation. As used in this chapter, the terms "abate" and "abatement" means action to repair, replace, remove, destroy, terminate, or otherwise remedy the condition or activity in question by such means and in such manner as is necessary in the interests of the health, safety or welfare of the public. (SAMC Section 17-4) "Accessible Property" means real property that is accessible to the public, either, in general or through an open and unsecured door, window, gate fence, wall, etc. "Accessible Structure" means a building or structure that is not secured or is open in such a way as to allow public or unauthorized access to the interior. Ordinance No. NS-XXXX Page 2 11 B-4