RulesCommunications Highlights 2010 0622

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City Council Rules and Communications Committee June 22, 2010 Page 12 Community Relations Representative Kathy Ornelas suggested that, rather than adopt a Council resolution, a letter could be issued under the Mayor's signature. Mayor Santos agreed with this suggestion. 3. Discussion Regarding Changes to the Hearing Process for Code Enforcement and Weed Abatement Cases Assistant City Attorney Rich Pio Roda provided a review of the current Code Enforcement ordinance, which utilizes the Board of Zoning Adjustments (BZA) as the official hearing body for Notices of Violation and appeals related to code enforcement, community preservation, and weed cases; and the recent amendment to the Weed Abatement Ordinance to have weed violations heard by a three-person administrative hearing body, rather than by the BZA. Community Development Director Luke Sims gave background on the hearing process. From 2002 to 2007, code enforcement, community compliance and weed abatement hearings were handled by a three-person administrative hearing body comprised of City managers. In 2007, the BZA became the hearing body for Notices of Violation and appeals under the City's Code Enforcement Ordinance, eliminating the need for the administrative hearing board. The Weed Abatement Ordinance was amended in 2009, and the administrative hearing board was reinstated to expedite the adjudication of weed abatement matters. Mr. Sims noted that, while the BZA is adept at handling planning and zoning issues, it has been awkward for the Board to handle code enforcement matters, of which they have little to no expertise. Due to staff cutbacks, the BZA meeting schedule has been reduced to once per month, which further delays the scheduling of community compliance and other code enforcement matters. Staff requested that the Committee consider exploring alternatives to the current hearing processes, including referring all community compliance/code enforcement cases to the administrative hearing body. Committee Member Prola reported that residents have complained to him about the length of time it takes to abate properties. Committee members discussed the City's problems with chronic and repeat violators, and with foreclosed properties. The Committee requested information on ways to improve and streamline the current code enforcement process, including research on how these cases are handled in other cities, and review of the Notice of Violation procedures.