HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncilmember Item - Submitted by Mayor Pro Tem Peterson anCity of Huntington Beach
File #: 18-349 MEETING DATE: 9/17/2018
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Erik Peterson, Mayor Pro Tern
Lyn Semeta, City Council Member
DATE: September 17, 2018
Councilmember Item Submitted by Mayor Pro Tern Peterson and Councilmember Semeta -
Violations and Abuses Related to In -Home Businesses
Statement of Issue:
The City seeks to preserve the quality of life of its residents, including their ability to enjoy the peace
and quiet of their homes and their neighborhoods. The City also has an interest in insuring the health
and safety of all residents of Huntington Beach by stopping certain in -home business operations,
many of which are exploiting and abusing the system by illegally offering un-licensed, in -home
counseling and other medical services.
We are aware of at least one death that recently occurred at an in -home business within the City, as
well as instances of overdoses and other health and safety problems in neighborhoods with
unregulated in -home businesses. We also are informed that in -home businesses in these single-
family residences experience overcrowding. We also have knowledge that: business operations
occur without requisite State -law certifications; that business operations occur in violation of the
Health and Safety Codes; business operations occur in violation of the Business and Professions
Code; and more. The Orange County District Attorney's office recently formed a specialized Task
Force aimed at probing insurance fraud perpetuated by these businesses in an effort to prevent
exploitation and abuse. The City has a similar interest in preventing such exploitation in the City.
The City should enhance its ability to investigate and prosecute possible State and local law
violations and abuses related to in -home businesses in order to address the quality of life and public
and individual safety concerns outlined above.
Recommended Action:
Direct the City Attorney to return to the City Council with a proposal for an increased investigation of
illicit, State and/or local law violating, unlicensed, and/or nuisance in -home businesses as outlined
above, including the possibility of engaging an independent contractor(s) to assist with investigative
and enforcement efforts.
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HUNTINGTON
BEACHCITY OF
City Council Interoffice Communication
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Mem ers
From: Erik Peterson, Mayor Pro Tem
Lyn Semeta, City Council Member
Date: September 10, 2018
Subject: City Council Member Item for the September 17, 2018, City
Council Meeting — Violations and Abuses Related to In -Home
Businesses
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
The City seeks to preserve the quality of life of its residents, including their ability to
enjoy the peace and quiet of their homes and their neighborhoods. The City also has
an interest in insuring the health and safety of all residents of Huntington Beach by
stopping certain in -home business operations, many of which are exploiting and
abusing the system by illegally offering un-licensed, in -home counseling and other
medical services.
We are aware of at least one death that recently occurred at an in -home business within
the City, as well as instances of overdoses and other health and safety problems in
neighborhoods with unregulated in -home businesses. We also are informed that in -
home businesses in these single-family residences experience overcrowding. We also
have knowledge that: business operations occur without requisite State -law
certifications-, that business operations occur in violation of the Health and Safety
Codes; business operations occur in violation of the Business and Professions Code;
and.more. The Orange County District Attorney's office recently formed a specialized
Task Force aimed at probing insurance fraud perpetuated by these businesses in an
effort to prevent exploitation and abuse. The City has a similar interest in preventing
such exploitation in the City.
The City should enhance its ability to investigate and prosecute possible State and local
law violations and abuses related to in -home businesses in order to address the quality
of life and public and individual safety concerns outlined above.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Direct the City Attorney to return to the City Council with a proposal for an increased
investigation of illicit, State and/or local law violating, unlicensed, and/or nuisance in -
home businesses as outlined above, including the possibility of engaging an
independent contractor(s) to assist with investigative and enforcement efforts.
xc: Fred Wilson, City Manager
Lori Ann Farrell Harrison, Assistant City Manager
Robin Estanislau, City Clerk
Michael Gates, City Attorney