HomeMy WebLinkAboutZoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 98-1 - Ordinance 3386 - Chapter I I
Council/Agency Meeting Held: 9L12 8 (04o.10
Deferred/Continued'to: !222 �
2ef Approved ❑ Conditi nally,Approved ,38(❑ Denied City Clerks Signature
Council Meeting Date: 2/2/98 Department ID Number: CD98-4
a 3
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH .
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
SUBMITTED BY: RAY SILVER, Acting City AdministratoraV
PREPARED BY: MELANIE S. FALCON, Community Development Director����
- MICHAEL DOLDER, Acting Assistant _ : y Administrator/Fire Chief
RON LOWENBERG, Police Chief
SUBJECT: APPROVE ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 98-1/ORDINANCE
NO., A REQUEST TO REPLACE CHAPTER NO. 17.10 OF -
THE HUNTINGTON BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE-PRETAINING TO
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE AND ADDING CHAPTER 17.10 TO BE
DESIGNATED AS THE HUNTINGTON BEACH NUISANCE CODE /71
Statement of Issue,Funding Source,Recommended Action,Alternative Action(s),Analysis,Environmental Status,Attachment(s)
Statement of Issue: _
Transmitted for the City Council's consideration is Zoning Text Amendment No. 98-1 and
Ordinance' No. i3&, a request to replace Chapter No. 17.10 of the Huntington Beach
Municipal Code pertaining to Property Maintenance and adding a new Chapter 17.10 to be
designated as the Huntington Beach Nuisance Code. This ordinance is being revised at the
request of the City Council to increase the City's effectiveness in enforcing against nuisance
properties. The revised ordinance defines nuisances, adds additional enforcement
remedies, provides a process for abating nuisances by the City Administrator, and provides
a lien method for noncompliance. The ordinance also includes- a process for imposing
administrative penalties and assessing administrative costs against the responsible party.
This ordinance is supported by Community Development, Police Department and Fire
Department. The ordinance .is intended to provide additional enforcement remedies to the
City for the abatement of nuisance properties.
Funding Source: Not applicable.
Recommended Action: Motion to:
"Approve Zoning Text Amendment No. 98-1 and Ordinance No. 331& repealing Chapter
17.10 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code and adding Chapter 17.10 which is
designated as the Huntington Beach Nuisance Code."
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
MEETING DATE: 2/2/98 DEPARTMENT ID NUMBER: CD98-4
Alternative Action(s):
The City Council may take the following alternative action:
Motion to:
"Deny Zoning Text Amendment No. 98-1 and Ordinance No. 330(o and retain the existing
Property Maintenance Ordinance."
Analysis:
At the request of the City Council, the City Attorney's Office has prepared a new ordinance
which addresses the abatement of nuisance properties within the City. The new ordinance is
designed to improve the City's enforcement methods and administrative procedures for
abatement, cost of recovery, administrative hearings and penalties for violations of the
nuisance property code.
The new ordinance includes a number of key sections which will improve the enforcement
capabilities of the Code Enforcement Section, Police Department, Fire Department and the
City Attorney's Office. The major sections are summarized below:
Section 17.10.010 Nuisances Defined
This section states that the purpose of this chapter is to provide for the administrative
abatement of nuisance related activities or conditions which affect the social and economic
stability of neighborhoods, impair property values and are detrimental to the health, safety
and general welfare of the citizens of Huntington Beach.
Section 17.10.040 Person/Responsible Person/Party
This section states that the responsible party shall mean any individual, business or entity
who is responsible for causing or permitting a nuisance activity or condition. This term also
includes property owner, tenant, person with legal interest in real property, corporate
president, business owner or manager.
Section 17.10.080 Abatement of Nuisance Related Activities or Conditions
This section states that any activity defined by this section is declared to be a public
nuisance and.. shall be abated by ceasing the activity, rehabilitation, demolition, removal,
repair or other appropriate remedy as defined in the ordinance.
The intent of this section is to provide the hearing officer with a variety of options for the
abatement of all nuisances that may exist on any real property within the City.
CD98-4.DOC -2- 01/26/98 1:47 PM
RtQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
MEETING DATE: 2/2/98 DEPARTMENT ID NUMBER: CD98-4
Section 17.10.090 Nuisance Designated
This section lists the following prohibited public nuisances:
1) The frequent gathering. or coming and going, of people who have an intent to
purchase or use controlled substances on or at any premises in the City.
2) Participation in a criminal street gang.
3) The occurrence of criminal activity at any premises which threatens the life, health,
safety or welfare of the residents of the premises, neighbors or the public.
4) Buildings which are abandoned, boarded up, partially destroyed or left unreasonably
in a state of partial construction.
5) Property that is detrimental to nearby property or property values.
6) Abandoned, broken, neglected machinery or equipment which posses a potential
hazard to the general public.
7) Unprotected or hazardous excavations, swimming pools, and ponds.
8) Premises including, but not limited to building exteriors which are maintained in such
a condition as to become so defective, unsightly or in such conditions of
deterioration or disrepair_that the same causes decrease in the property values of
surrounding property or is materially detrimental to nearby properties and
improvements.
9) The use of any premises for the purpose of illegal gambling, lewdness, assignations,
or prostitution.
10)The use of any premises for the purpose of unlawful selling, serving, storing,
keeping, manufacturing, or giving away any controlled substance, precursor, or
analog as those terms are defined by State law.
11)Noise disturbances in violation of Chapter 8.40 of this code.
12)Maintenance of properties or premises in .such a manner as to cause substantial
decrease in the enjoyment, use, or property values of adjacent properties.
CD98-4.DOC -3- 01/26/98 1:47 PM
MOUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTANI
MEETING DATE: 2/2/98 DEPARTMENT ID NUMBER: CD98-4
Section 17.10.100 Notification of Nuisance and Abatement Thereof
This section defines .the process by which violators are notified that a nuisance exists on
their property. The violator shall be issued a "Notice of Abatement" which describes the
activity or condition and sets forth a reasonable time limit not to exceed thirty days for
correcting or abating the nuisance. Except in the case of an emergency situation where the
nuisance condition or activity poses an immediate threat to the health, safety or general
welfare of the public, the time permitted for corrections or abatement shall be at least fifteen
calendar days. Extensions may be granted by the City Administrator for good cause.
Section 17.10.100 also defines the hearing process for those persons contesting the
abatement notice. The hearing officer will hold a hearing considering all relevant evidence,
and by his/her action confirm, amend, or modify the "Notice of Abatement" or extend the time
of compliance. The decision of the hearing officer shall be final and conclusive. The notice
will state that the nuisance shall be abated, if appropriate by the City, at the expense of the
owner and that administrative penalties and/or costs will be assessed against the person for
non compliance with the order. .
Section 17.10.120 Administrative Penalties
This section permits the City to impose administrative penalties not to exceed two hundred
,fifty dollars ($250.00) per day for each on going violation, except that the total administrative
penalty shall not exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000.00), exclusive of any administrative
costs, for violation or related series of violations.
Section 17.10.130 Administrative Costs
This section permits the City to assess administrative costs against the person when it has
been determined that a violation has occurred and that compliance has not been achieved.
The administrative costs may include any and all actual costs incurred by the City in
connection with the matter, including investigation costs, staffing costs, staffing overhead
and costs incurred for all inspection or re-inspections necessary,,to enforce rthe compliance
order.
Section 17.10.140 Abatement by City
This section authorizes the City to abate the nuisance by the use of City forces or. private
contractor. The costs of the abatement shall be assessed to the responsible party and shall
reflect the actual cost incurred by the City in effecting the abatement.
CD98-4.DOC -4- 01/26/98 4:38 PM
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTIUN
MEETING DATE: 2/2/98 DEPARTMENT ID NUMBER: CD98-4
Section 17.10.160 Expenses and Administrative Penalties and Costs of Lien Against the
Property
This section permits the City to place a lien against subject property for failure to pay the
administrative penalties, administrative costs or the expense of abating the nuisance within
ten days after the decision of the hearing officer. The lien shall continue against the property
until paid, including interest. The lien may be collected at the same time and in the same
manner as ordinary municipal taxes.
Section 17.10.190 Right to Judicial Review
This section permits a person to contest the final administrative order or decision of the City
Administrator regarding the imposition, enforcement or collection of the administrative fines
of penalties provided for in this ordinance, within twenty days after service of the final
administrative order or decision by filing an appeal with the municipal court in accordance
with the provisions and procedures established by California Governmental Code, Section
53069.4.
Section 17.10.210 Violations
This section states that the owner of any building or property where a violation of this
ordinance occurs, or violates any order of abatement is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Section 17.10.220 Alternatives
This section authorizes the City Attorney to commence a civil or criminal proceeding to abate
a public nuisance under applicable provisions of the California Civil Code or Penal Code as
an alternative to the proceedings set forth in the ordinance.
STAFFING
The adoption of this ordinance may require additional staffing and/or re-organization of the
Code Enforcement Division in the Community Development Department and a possible
increase in staff to enforce, implement and administer this program. Additional information
on this matter will be submitted to the City Council within the next few months.
SUMMARY
The revised nuisance code will create a reasonable, efficient process for abating nuisance
properties within the community. The nuisance code also creates a process by which
administrative fees and penalties can be assessed, and collected in a reasonable time
period. This ordinance is supported by the Community Development, Police and Fire
Departments.
CD98-4.DOC -5- 01/26/98 3:02 PM
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
MEETING DATE: 2/2/98 DEPARTMENT ID NUMBER: CD98-4
Environmental Status:
The proposed project is categorically exempt pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the
California Environmental Quality Act.
Attachment
(sl:
NumberCity Clerk's
Page . Description
1. Proposed Ordinance No.
9,6
2 Legislative Draft
RCA Author: Mike Strange
CD98-4.DOC -6- 01/27/98 9:46 AM
(13) 02/17/98 - Council/urgency Agenda - Page 13
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[Removed From Agenda]
G. Ordinances
G-1. Ordinance For Adoption
G-1A. (City Council) Adopt Ordinance No. 3386 -Zoning Text Amendment No. 98-1 -
Repealing Chapter 17.10 Of The Huntington Beach Municipal Code Pertaining To
Property Maintenance And Adding Chapter 17.10 To Be Designated As The
Huntington Beach Nuisance Code - (640.10) Approve introduction of Ordinance
No. 3386 - "An Ordinance of the City of Huntington Beach Repealing and Replacing
Chapter 17.10 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code Pertaining to Property Maintenance
and Adding Chapter 17.10 to be Designated as the Huntington Beach Nuisance Code."
Submitted by the Community Development Director, Acting Assistant City Administrator-Fire
Chief, and the Police Chief (Introduction, as amended, approved on February 2, 1998.
Recommended Action: After City Clerk reads by title, adopt Ordinance No. 3386,
by roll call vote.
[Adopted 7-0
Also motion adopted 7-0 to:
(1) Request City of Anaheim Code Enforcement be studied
t# ..
(3) That Civil Procedure be explored
(4) Report to be returned to Council on progress]
G-2. Ordinances For Introduction - (None)
(13)
-a,aa'fY,w54
_ '� 33 3�fl3333 313� (kma ,
ORDINANCE NO. 3386 -
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH REPEALING AND
REPLACING CHAPTER 17.10 OF THE HUNTINGTON BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE
PERTAINING TO PROPERTY MAINTENANCE AND ADDING CHAPTER 17.10 TO BE
DESIGNATED AS THE HUNTINGTON BEACH NUISANCE CODE
The City Council of the City of Huntington Beach does hereby ordain as follows:
Section 1. That Chapter 17.10 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code is hereby
repealed in its entirety.
Section 2. That Chapter 17.10 is hereby added to the Huntington Beach Municipal
Code, said Chapter to read as follows:
Chapter 17.10
HUNTINGTON BEACH NUISANCE CODE
Sections:
17.10.010 Nuisance Defined
17.10.020 Additional Enforcement Remedies
17.10.030 City Administrator/Administrative Abatement Officer
17.10.040 Person/Responsible Person/Party
17.10.050 Abate/Abatement
17.10.060 Premises
17.10.070 Service of Notice
17.10.080 Abatement of Nuisance Related Activities or Condition
17.10.090 Nuisance Designated
17.10.100 Notification of Nuisance and Abatement Thereof
17.10.110 Notice of Administrative Penalty
17.10.120 Administrative Penalties
17.10.130 Administrative Costs
17.10.140 Abatement by Administrative Abatement Officer
17.10.150 Record of Administrative Penalties and Costs; Costs of Abatement
Hearing
17.10.160 Expenses and Administrative Penalties and Costs Shall be a Lien Against
the Property
17.10.170 Notice of Lien
17.10.180 Alternative Method of Collection
17.10.190 Right of Judicial Review
17.10.200 Violations
17.10.210 Alternatives
gAordinanc\nuisanc l.doc2/4/98 1
r 17.10.010 Nuisance defined. As used in this chapter, a nuisance shall mean activities or
conditions which affect the social and economic stability of neighborhoods, impair property
values and which are injurious or detrimental to the health, safety and general welfare of the
citizens of Huntington Beach.
17.10.020 Additional Enforcement Remedies. The procedures provided for in this chapter
shall be cumulative and in addition to any other procedure or legal remedy provided for in this
Code or by state law for the abatement of nuisance related activities or conditions. Nothing in
this chapter shall be deemed to prevent the City from commencing a civil or criminal proceeding
to abate a nuisance under applicable civil,penal or municipal code provisions as an alternative or
alternatives to the proceedings set forth in this chapter.
17.10.030 City Administrator/Administrative Abatement Officer. As used in this
chapter, "Administrative Abatement Officer" shall mean the City Administrator and any other
person or persons designated by the City Administrator as being an Administrative Abatement
Officer.
17.10.040 Person/Responsible Person/Party
A. As used in this chapter, "Person"/"Responsible Person"/"Party" shall mean any
individual, business or entity who is responsible for causing, maintaining or permitting a
nuisance activity or condition. The terms "person,""responsible person" or"responsible party"
include,.but are not limited to, a property owner, tenant,person with a legal interest in real
property or person in possession or occupying real property, the president or other officer of a
corporation, a business owner or manager of a business.
B. Any act of negligent or willful conduct of a minor which results in the creation or
maintenance of a condition or activity which constitutes a nuisance within the meaning of this
chapter shall be imputed to the parent or guardian having custody and control of the minor for all
purposes, including the duty to abate the nuisance(s) and the imposition of administrative
penalties and costs as provided for herein. The parent or guardian having custody and control of
the minor shall be jointly and severally liable with the minor for any and all penalties or costs
imposed pursuant to this chapter.
17.10.050 Abate/Abatement. As used in this chapter, the terms "abate" and"abatement"
shall mean action to terminate, remove, stop, cease, repair, replace or otherwise remedy a
nuisance related activity or condition by such means and in such manner as in necessary to the
interest of the health, safety or general welfare of the public.
17.10.060 Premises. As used in this chapter, the term"premises" shall mean any location,
building, structure, residence, garage, room, shed, shop, store, dwelling, lot, parcel, land or
portion thereof whether improved or unimproved.
gAordinanc\nuisancl.doc2/4/98 2
17.10.070 Service of Notice -
A. Whenever any notice, amended notice, supplemental notice, order, statement or
other document is required to be served upon any person, by the provisions of this chapter, such
service shall be either by personal service or by delivery into the United States mail, postage
prepaid, certified or registered mail, to the person's last known address. If service is by mail, the
service is complete at the time of the deposit,but any period of notice and any right or duty to do
any act or make any response within any period or on a date certain shall be extended five days if
the place of address is within the State of California or ten days if the place of address is outside
the State of California.
B. In lieu of personally serving the person or service by certified or registered mail,
service of any notice, amended notice, supplemental notice, order, statement or other document
may be made as follows:
1. In the event that the responsible person refuses to accept certified or registered
mail or cannot be personally served, service may be made by substituted service.
In lieu of personal delivery of a copy of the document, notice may be served by
leaving a copy during usual office hours at the person's usual place of business
with the individual who is apparently in charge, and by thereafter mailing by first-
class mail a copy of the notice to the person at the address where the copy of the
notice was left. Or, a document may be served by leaving a copy at the person's
dwelling or usual place of abode in the presence of a competent member of the
household, at least 18 years of age, and thereafter mailing by first-class mail a
copy of the notice to the person at the address where the copy was left.
2. In the event a person refuses to accept certified or registered mail or cannot be
personally served or served by substituted service and has a property manager or
rental agency overseeing the premises, substituted service may be made as set
forth above, upon the property manager or rental agency.
3. If a person lives out of state and will not accept certified or registered mail, then
service may be made by first-class mail.
17.10.080 Abatement of Nuisance Related Activities or Condition. Any activity,
condition or premise(s) maintained as described herein is declared to be a public nuisance and
shall be abated by cessation of the activity, rehabilitation, demolition, removal,repair or other
appropriate remedy pursuant to the procedures set forth in this chapter.
17.10.090 Nuisance Designated. It is hereby declared a public nuisance, or an act in the
nature of a public nuisance, for any person or party to cause, permit, abet or otherwise allow any
premises in this City to be used in such a manner that any one or more of the activities or
conditions described in the following subsections are found to occur thereon.
g:\ordinanc\nuisancl.doc2/4/98 3
A. Any condition or activity which is a"nuisance" or a"public nuisance" as defined
in Sections 3479 and 3480 of the Civil Code of the State of California or which is specifically
declared to constitute a nuisance or public nuisance by any statute of the State of California or by
any ordinance of the City of Huntington Beach.
B. The violation of any provisions of the following Uniform Codes which have been
adopted, as amended, by the City of Huntington Beach:
1. Uniform Building Code;
2. National Electrical Code;
3. Uniform Fire Code;
4. Uniform Housing Code;
5. Uniform Plumbing Code;
6. Uniform Mechanical Code;
7. Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings;
8. Uniform Sivimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code;
9. Uniform Adminstrative Code.
C. The violation of any provision of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code, or the
Huntington Beach Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance Code, or any code adopted by reference.
D. The operation or maintenance of any business, trade or profession in violation of
Title 5 of this Code, or lack of a proper certificate of occupancy.
E. The frequent gathering, or coming and going, of people who have an intent to
purchase or use controlled substances on or at any premises in this City.
F. Participation in a criminal street gang as proscribed by California Penal Code
Section 186.22.
G. The making or continuing, or causing to be made or continued, of any loud,
unnecessary or unusual noise which disturbs the peace and quiet of the neighborhood or which
causes discomfort or annoyance to any reasonable person of normal sensitiveness residing in the
area. '
H. The occurrence of criminal activity at any premises which threatens the life,
health, safety or welfare of the residents of the premises, neighbors or the public.
I. Buildings which are abandoned, boarded up, partially destroyed or left
unreasonably in a state of partial construction.
J. Land, the topography or configuration of which, whether in a man-made state or
as a result of grading operations, excavation or fill, causes erosion, subsidence, or surface water
drainage problems of such magnitude as to be injurious to the public health, safety and welfare or
to adjacent properties;
gAordinanc\nuisanc1.doc2/10/98 4
K. The failure to secure and maintain from public access all doorways, windows and
other openings into vacant structures;
L. Overgrown vegetation on developed property which:
(1) Harbors rats, vermin, and other disease carriers; or
(2) Causes detriment to neighboring properties or property values; or
(3) Causes a hazardous condition to pedestrian and/or vehicular traffic; or
M. Dead, decayed, diseased or hazardous trees, weeds,and other vegetation on
developed property which:
(1) Constitutes an unsightly appearance; or
(2) Creates danger to public safety and welfare; or
(3) Is detrimental to nearby property or property values;
N. Abandoned,broken, neglected machinery or equipment which poses a potential
hazard to the general public;
O. Unprotected or hazardous excavations, swimming pools, and ponds;
P. Broken or discarded furniture,household equipment and appliances on the
premises, visible from the street, which causes damage or is a detriment to neighboring
properties;
Q. Packing boxes, lumber, dirt and other trash or debris outside commercial and
industrial buildings which is visible from public streets and causes detriment to neighboring
properties;
R. Accumulation of dirt, litter or debris in doorways, adjoining sidewalks, parking
lots and landscaped areas;
S. Deteriorated parking lots which have pot holes, cracks and ridges;
T. Fences in a state of disrepair or in a dilapidated condition.
U. Premises including, but not limited to, building exteriors which are maintained in
such condition as to become so defective, unsightly or in such condition of deterioration or
disrepair that the same causes diminution of the property values of surrounding property or is
materially detrimental to proximal properties and improvements. This includes, but is not
gAordinanc\nuisanc 1.doc2/10/98 5
limited to, the keeping and disposing of or the scattering over the property or premises of any of
the following: (I) lumber,junk, trash or debris; (ii) abandoned or discarded or unused objects or
equipment such as automobiles, furniture, stoves, refrigerators, freezers, cans or containers; (iii)
stagnant water or excavation(s); (iv) any device, decoration, design, fence, structure, clothesline
or vegetation which is unsightly by reason of its condition or inappropriate location; or (v)
permitting or allowing any graffiti to remain on any building, wall fence or structure.
V. The use of any premises for the purpose of illegal gambling, lewdness,
assignation, or prostitution as proscribed by state law or this Code.
W. The maintenance, use, rental or lease of any premises, or sub-unit thereof,
including single-family dwellings, where persons are allowed to congregate, gather or loiter in
such a manner as to disturb the peace of other persons lawfully on the property itself or lawfully
in the vicinity of the property.
X. The use of any premises for the purpose of unlawfully selling, serving, storing,
keeping, manufacturing or giving away any controlled substance, precursor, or analog as those
terms are defined by state law.
Y. Noise disturbances in violation of Chapter 8.40 of this Code.
Z. Maintenance of properties or premises in such a manner as to cause substantial
diminution of the enjoyment, use, or property values of adjacent properties.
17.10.100 Notification of Nuisance and Abatement Thereof
A. Whenever the Administrative Abatement Officer declares or finds that any
nuisance activity or condition is being maintained or carried on at any premises in the City
contrary to the provisions of this Chapter, the Administrative Abatement Officer shall give
written "Notice of Abatement"to any and all responsible persons or parties, whose names and
identities have been determined by the Adminstrative Abatement Officer after making reasonable
investigation and inquiry, setting forth a brief description of the activity or condition constituting
the nuisance and the sections of this chapter that are being violated.
B. The Notice of Abatement shall include the following:
1. Set forth a reasonable time limit not to exceed thirty days for correcting or abating
the nuisance;
2. Suggested methods of correction or abatement and the fact that the City will take
steps to abate the nuisance if the person fails to do so;
3. That administrative penalties and/or administrative costs will be assessed against
the responsible person in the event the nuisance activity or condition is not
gAordinanc\nuisanc1.doc2/10/98 6
corrected or abated within the time frame established by the notice for correcting
or abating the nuisance;
4. That the person or party served has the right to request a hearing as provided by
this Chapter;
5. That failure to make timely application for a hearing as provided for in this
section shall be deemed a conclusive admission that: 1) the nuisance activity or
condition described in the notification of nuisance does or did exist, 2) that the
person(s) to whom the notice was directed is in fact the person(s) responsible for
creating or maintaining the nuisance condition or activity, and 3) that-the time
specified in the notice for the correction or abatement of the nuisance is, in fact,
reasonable under the circumstances.
C. Except in the case of an emergency situation wherein the nuisance condition or
activity poses an immediate threat to the health, safety, or general welfare of the public, the time
permitted for correction or abatement shall be at least fifteen calendar days.
D. The Administrative Abatement Officer may grant an extension of time to abate a
nuisance if, in his/her opinion, good cause for an extension exists.
E. The person or party who has been served with notice pursuant to this section may,
within seven calendar days, make a written application to the Administrative Abatement Officer
for a hearing on the question of whether a nuisance activity or condition in fact exists; whether
the person to whom the notice was directed is responsible for the creation or maintenance of such
nuisance; and whether the Administrative Abatement Officer has provided sufficient time to
correct or abate the nuisance condition or activity.
O
F. Upon receipt of a timely written application for hearing,the Administrative
Abatement Officer shall establish the date and time of the hearing and shall so notify the
applicant in writing. Failure to make timely application for a hearing as provided for in this
section shall be deemed a conclusive admission that: 1)the nuisance activity or condition
described in the notification of nuisance does or did exist, 2)that the person(s)to whom the
notic6 was directed is in fact the person(s) responsible for creating or maintaining the nuisance
condition or activity, and 3) that the time specified in the notice for the correction or abatement
of the nuisance is, in fact, reasonable under the circumstances.
G. The hearing provided for in this section shall be conducted by the Administrative
Abatement Officer. At the time stated in the notice of hearing, the Administrative Abatement
Officer shall hear and consider all relevant evidence, including, but not limited to, testimony
from the applicant, owners, City personnel, neighbors, witnesses or other interested parties, and
may consider staff reports or other written materials relative to the matter. The hearing may be
continued from time to time as appropriate and the strict rules of evidence shall not apply. Proof
of the existence of a nuisance condition or activity must be by a preponderance of the evidence
and the burden of proof on this issue is upon the City.
gAordinanc\nuisancl.doc2/10/98 7
H. At the conclusion of the hearing, or in the case where no hearing has been
requested by a person or party served with the Notice of Abatement and the time for correcting or
abating the nuisance as set forth in the Notice of Abatement has expired, the Administrative
Abatement Officer shall issue a compliance order confirming, amending or dismissing the Notice
of Abatement or he/she may extend the time for compliance. The decision of the Administrative
Abatement Officer shall be final and conclusive. Written notice of the Administrative
Abatement Officer's decision and findings shall be given to the person or party and said notice
shall state clearly and concisely the basis for the Administrative Abatement Officer's findings
with respect to the existence of the nuisance activity or condition. The notice shall further state
that unless the person or party shall cause the abatement of the nuisance activity or condition,
pursuant to the notice, the nuisance shall be abated, if appropriate, by the City at the expense of
the person or party, and that administrative penalties and/or costs will be assessed against the
person for non-compliance with the notice.
17.10.110 Notice of Administrative Penalty
A. After the time for abatement or correction has expired, the Administrative
Abatement Officer shall determine whether the person or party has taken the necessary
abatement or corrective action and whether the nuisance activity or condition has in fact been
abated.
B. If the Administrative Abatement Officer determines that the person has complied
with the "Notice of Abatement" or order and that the nuisance has been abated, the person shall
be notified in writing of such determination and the administrative action provided for herein
shall be suspended. If the Administrative Abatement Officer suspends the administrative action,
he/she may continue to monitor the premises or activity associated with it for a period not to
exceed eighteen months.
C. If the Administrative Abatement Officer determines that the person has failed to
comply with the initial abatement order or any expansion thereof or that the nuisance activity or
condition has recurred within eighteen months of the suspension of the case, the Administrative
Abatement Officer may impose, after a hearing conducted in the manner set forth in section
17.10.100(G), an administrative penalty and/or administrative costs as provided in this Chapter.
In the event administrative penalties or costs are imposed by the Administrative Abatement
Officer, the responsible person shall be notified in writing of the amount of the administrative
penalty imposed in accordance with the provisions set forth in this Chapter. The decision of the
Administrative Abatement Officer shall be final and conclusive.
D. In addition to imposing administrative penalties or costs, the Administrative
Abatement Officer may, after conducting the hearing described in section 17.10.110(C), issue
another order to correct or abate the nuisance condition or activity for the existence of any
nuisance which has not been abated, or which has recurred within the eighteen month period the
action was held in suspension.
g:\ordinanc\nuisanc1.doc2/10/98 8
9 17.10.120 Administrative Penalties
A. Administrative penalties imposed by the Administrative Abatement Officer are
not to exceed a maximum of five hundred dollars per day for each on-going violation, except that
the total administrative penalty shall not exceed thirty thousand dollars, exclusive of any
administrative costs, for any violation or related series of violations.
B. In determining the amount of administrative penalty, the Administrative
Abatement Officer shall take any or all of the following factors into consideration:
1. The duration of the violation;
2. The frequency, recurrence and number of violations, related or unrelated, by the
same violator;
3. . The seriousness of the violation;
4. The good faith efforts of the violator to abate the nuisance or otherwise come into
compliance;
5. The economic impact of the penalty on the violator;
6. The impact of the violation on the community; and
7. Such other factors as justice may require.
C. Administrative penalties imposed shall accrue from the date specified in the
compliance order and shall cease to accrue on the date the violation is corrected as determined by
the Administrative Abatement Officer.
D. The Administrative Abatement Officer, in his/her discretion, may suspend the
imposition of applicable administrative penalties for any period or time during which;
1. The violator has filed for necessary permits; and
2. Such permits are required to achieve compliance; and
3. Such permit applications are actively pending before the City, state or other
appropriate governmental agency.
17.10.130 Administrative Costs
A. In addition to the imposition of administrative penalties,the Administrative
Abatement Officer may assess administrative costs against the person when it is determined that
a violation has occurred and that compliance has not been achieved within the time specified in
gAordinanc\nuisanc1.doc2/4/98 9
the initial compliance order or that a violation has recurred within eighteen months of the
suspension of the case.
B. The administrative costs may include any and all actual costs incurred by the City
in connection with the matter before the Administrative Abatement Officer including, but not
limited to, costs of investigation, staffing costs or staffing overhead incurred in preparation for
the hearing and for the hearing itself, and costs incurred for all inspections or reinspections
necessary to enforce the compliance order.
17.10.140 Abatement by Administrative Abatement Officer. If the nuisance related
condition or activity is not completely abated in the manner and within the time set forth in the
"Notice of Abatement" or order of the Administrative Abatement Officer,then the
Administrative Abatement Officer, in addition to the imposition of administrative costs or
penalties, may cause the nuisance to be abated by City employees or a private contractor. The
costs of the abatement shall be assessed to the responsible party and shall reflect the actual cost
incurred by the City in effecting the abatement.
17.10.150 Record of Administrative Penalties and Costs: Cost of Abatement:
Hearing
A. The Administrative Abatement Officer shall keep an itemized account of any
administrative penalty or administrative cost assessed as well as the cost incurred by the City in
abating a nuisance. The Administrative Abatement Officer shall also give written notice to the
responsible party or parties of any such penalty or costs assessed,together with a notice of time
and.place when a hearing will be held by a hearing officer appointed by the City Administrator to
determine the appropriateness of the penalties and/or costs assessed.
B. At the time fixed for the hearing concerning the appropriateness of the penalties
and/or costs assessed,the hearing officer shall hear and consider all relevant evidence, including,
but not limited to,testimony from the person assessed, City personnel or other interested parties,
and may consider staff reports or other written materials relative to the matter. Proof of the
appropriateness of the costs or penalties assessed must be by a preponderance of the evidence
and the City shall have the burden of proof on this issue. At the conclusion of the hearing, the
hearing officer shall confirm, revise, correct or modify the amount of the penalties or costs
assessed. The decision of the hearing officer shall be final and conclusive, and the responsible
party or parties shall be notified in writing of the hearing officer's determination.
17.10 160 Expenses and Administrative Penalties and Costs Shall be a Lien Against the
PropejU. If the responsible party does not pay the administrative penalties, administrative costs
or the expense of abating the nuisance within ten days after the hearing officer confirms the
administrative penalty, administrative costs or costs of abatement, the costs and penalties shall
become a lien against the real property upon which the nuisance was abated. The lien shall
continue until it is paid, together with interest at the legal rate per year computed from the date of
confirmation of the costs or penalties until payment. The lien may be collected at the same time
and in the same manner as ordinary municipal taxes are collected, and shall be subject to the
gAordinanc\nuisanc1.doc2/4/98 10
same penalties and the same procedures and sale in case of delinquency as provided for ordinary
municipal taxes. All acts applicable to levy, collection and enforcement of municipal taxes apply
to this lien.
17.10.170 Notice of Lien. The City shall file in the office of the county recorder of Orange
County, California, a certificate substantially in the following form:
NOTICE OF LIEN
Under the authority of Government Code Sections 38773.5 and 53069.4,
as well as Chapter 17.10 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code, the
City of Huntington Beach did on , 19_, abate a nuisance upon
the real property hereafter described and also on , 19_, did
impose the cost of the abatement and administrative costs and penalties
upon the real property. The City of Huntington Beach claims a lien for
costs/charges on the real property for the expense of doing the work in
the amount of $ and for the amount of $ for administrative
costs and $ for administrative penalties, for a total amount of
$ . This amount is a lien against the real property until it is paid,
with interest at the legal rate per year from , 19_ (insert date of
confirmation of statement), and discharged and recorded. The real
property referred to above, and upon which the lien is claimed is that
certain parcel of land situated within the City of Huntington Beach,
County of Orange, State of California, commonly known as
more particularly described
as follows:
Dated: ' 19—.
City of Huntington Beach
By:
17.10.180 Alternative Method of Collection. Administrative penalties, administrative
costs and the cost of abatement incurred by the City are a personal debt and obligation owed to
the City and, in addition to any other means of enforcement,the City Attorney is authorized to
bring an action on behalf of the City against the responsible party or parties for collection of
administrative penalties, administrative costs or for the collection of the expense of abatement in
any court of competent jurisdiction.
17.10.190 Right of Judicial Review. A person contesting a final administrative order or
decision of the Administrative Abatement Officer regarding the imposition, enforcement or
collection of the administrative fines or penalties provided for in this chapter may, within twenty
days after service of the final administrative order or decision, seek review by filing an appeal to
gAordinanc\nuisancl.doc2/4/98 11
p be-heard by the municipal court in accordance with the provisions and procedures established by
California Government Code Section 53069.4.
17.10.200 Violations.
A. The owner or other person having charge or control of any such buildings or
premises who maintains any public nuisance defined in this chapter, or who violates any notice
of abatement served as provided in section 17.10.100, is guilty of a MISDEMEANOR.
B. Any occupant or lessee in possession of any such building or structure who fails
to vacate said building or structure in accordance with a notice given as provided in this chapter
is guilty of a MISDEMEANOR.
C. Any person who obstructs, impedes or interferes with any representative of the
City Council or with any representative of a City department or with any person who owns or
holds any estate or interest in a building which has been ordered to be vacated, repaired,
rehabilitated, or demolished or with any person to whom any such building has been lawfully
sold pursuant to the provisions of this chapter when any of the aforementioned individuals are
lawfully engaged in proceedings involving the abatement of a nuisance is guilty of a
MISDEMEANOR.
17.10.210 Alternatives. Nothing in the foregoing sections shall prevent the City Attorney
from commencing a civil or criminal proceeding to abate a public nuisance under applicable
provisions of the California Civil Code or Penal Code as an alternative to the proceedings set
forth herein.
SECTION 3. This ordinance shall take effect 30 days after its adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach at a
regular meeting held thereof on the 17th day of February , 1998.
ATTEST:
•
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Clerk
REVIEWED AND APPROVED *, -
�ity Attorney
-`� P�"(4 8
INITIATED AND APPROVED:
City Ad inistrator .
`� - ;9��
Director of ComnKinity Development
gAordinanc\nuisanc1.doc2/4/98 12
Ord.No. 3386
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss:
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH )
I, CONNIE BROCKWAY, the duly elected, qualified City Clerk of the
City of Huntington Beach, and ex-officio Clerk of the City Council of said City, do
hereby certify that the whole number of members of the City Council of the City of
Huntington Beach is seven; that the foregoing ordinance was read to said City Council
at a regular meeting thereof held on the 2nd of February, 1998, and was again read to
said City Council at a regular meeting thereof held on the 17th of February, 1998,
and was passed and adopted by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of all the
members of said City Council.
AYES: Julien, Harman, Green, Dettloff, Bauer, Sullivan, Garofalo
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
I,Connie Brockway CITY CLERK of the City of
Huntington Beach and ex-officio Clerk of the City
Council,do hereby certify that a synopsis of this
ordinance has been published in the Independent on •
,19
In accordance with the City Charter of said City City Clerk and ex-offlcio Clerk
Connie Brockway City Clerk of the City Council of the City
Deputy City Clerk of Huntington Beach, California
G/ordinanc/ordbkpg
2/19/98
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Ordinance No. 13 9.4
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
rT,aete.. i 7 i n
PROPERTY
TV T T A TT�TT�RT A AT( T7
ee c
�s
PA0 .04) designate-,
° i i n n i 4 A„re i s + the ram;+„ r,,une i
i inni9 vo«afd
i i n n3n gfrn,.,.efnea4
i i 0.090 T eeisio f the r;+<, r,,,,neil
i 7.i n inn n f..,+ori,o„+by the ity
17.0..14 0 RepoFt-zuxear-ing and pr-eeeedings-
1 .1n�v-z150 Assessment of evs s-aga-i- -mcix
17 i n i tin Violations
m i n i 7n A f+o,.,,.,+;,,es
fill,residential, eommefeial of industrial pfopei:ty in the eity to maintain sueh premises in
eauses erosion, subsidenee,
or- stfffaee
(b) Buildings w-hi.f, ., r.,,.*;.,11„ ,lestr- yeor- ,.,,,;trod + state f,,.,,.t;
openingseanstfuetion, for-mofe than twelve (12) meaths ffaffi-i-m-4-i-al issuffineVe, building
(e) The failure to seeur-e and maintain ffem publie aeeess all door-ways, windows and
s;
1
j mp/k/legisdrff/me 1710/1/26/98
weeds and other vegetation on developed
> >
- (1) Genes a-H URSightly appear-afi6e;
—(2) Creates danger-topuviie safety and welfare; or
broken,(f) Abandoned,
hazafd to the general publie;
(g) Unpr-oteeted-6r-hazardous-emea-�tions, swimming pools, and n
' '
v'i.,av f;Bible .,,m the street„.1,ie ea-uses damage ageor- adetr-imef t to „ g4b
PFOPeFtie-s-,
boxes, >
dift and other-tr-ash or-debris outside eeffffnefeial and
industrial btiildings whieh is visible ffofn publie streets and eauses detriment to
oprapeFtie&,
dirt,Aoeumulation of > adjoining sidewalks,
and1.,,,.1s...,p a ., o &,-
(L\ Peter;�,«.,to.l paag is ,,1, .,1, have petoes and«;.l..es;
lRI fki 1 , ; holes, � eks �
(1) T7enees ; a state of'.1;s«e-pa « o in ., dilapidated . ,,.-1;t;o,, i2o7n 42io_.
17 1 n n1 G graffiti .,d.,l';m « ,l ion7n anion 4742 11�o 31
Upon
(a) o personal observation .,«the« pt of a. „1.,;,�t of offensive
nse graffiti
`u
vandalism, t o
eause to be .l01;, er-e 1 letter-to the nto n«t, nil, i owfler-tha
..v cv vv uvaa vva o
five ( ) " F ,ear-ffofn the same pfivate pr-opei4y upon the following eonElitiefis-
(321� 2 1�/O-3)
(1) The« ..1 f gr- flit; vandalism by the ,.;t„ or-1,y a private , ,.t«.,,.tee, . der-the
d;«evtio of the ..;t„ shall be, nd-e-A.,Lo„ .,,,ly f+o« � the , .«;tte . „t o
u a
the owner- ,.and role of the .,;t f l„from l;nl;t,,; (3212 11 ins)
(2) i., « g the ,�«.,fit; vandalism,lis the «t;„ f
<<� aaa-av"' � o afeamore
extensive th—an 404:1,0-vie, t-hie, graffiti vandalism is lor.-Atted SIR-All not be author-ize4,-
.-.loss the awner-agrees to pay for-the .,.,sts of repainting o
(h) if the p .,to p ,.o«t„ owner's . t f be the 9o„ . o e obta
ined, e v
owner- ovandalismempense,
nn.rrnant to the following Yiv:".S:::S: (32�17 1rt94)
(1) The Dir-e.ter- f P b,l;.. Alo«LS ..«1,;s/l,o«designee shall eause ,;tto„ notice t 1,
sefyed ,pen the oAffief.file .,ff ete pr-efnisestl-,.,t the g«.,#;t;
2
jmp/k/legisdrft/me 1710/1/26/98
(14) ,33.E 11/93)
(2) The, «;t e notiee shall be eeftified and sefviee shall be , „lete .,t the time of
cl.effS;t i the U.S.C' D.,Stnl Se (3212 1 U m3)
1'7 1 n n l A,.,,o,l ,f the +: ,,, L..,the lh«o t.« „b.,f Dl; �7C7 «l. ion 1� a ino)
(a) if an ow-ner- served with Nwitten notice by the Dir-eeter-of Publie Works or-hi4her�-
imposition; s do of s,,e obligation a the basis that t s being gf;,lly applied
a.iav Y� ; ; :eofnplia+iee would Fesult in an undue hardship, of the belief he4he should not be
;«orl to . „for- with Seetio 17 1 n n1 G(b) ,l„e to , i a —st.,, ees
be ; «sting to the Tl;«eetor- .,.-,.l shall sot fet4h the basis of the appeal and be
Development, designee,
i'v;tb„„ thift y (Z m) �Szfcr r@E�prt6f�the�il��-upPc�—�Otm; ze cdror of s„6ir
a
r eeis;o,-, shall be mailed by« aster-e l o eet4ified mail to the owner, i3212 .1 a 93
17 1n n17 Ai3i3e,ls to the City A.l,V,:,,:st«.,too p212 11/93)
may appeal stieh deeisien to the Gity Adminis4ator, Sueh an appeal must be
within fifteen (1 G) days fto«Feee pt f the Nw tte „otiee of the , eeisio by the
iiFeetor-of Community Pevelopment. The G t.. A.a.nim str-acor-, or-hisnicr designee
> if any,
whie
were „+ foFtl, by the ., plieafA to the Pile.t.,«of(-offi,,-.,,niyy Peyel..v,. ei#
(32C�UW
(b) Within fifteen (15) days af4er-r-eeeipt of the Notiee of Appeal, the City Adfniaistr-ate.f
or-hi4her-designee shall r-eader-a w-rit4en deae-A-Sia-i-q-—and mail a eopy of sueh r-egis
v«t;floil mn;l to fhe 13212 4 a 93)
17.10.018 A i3i3e is to the G t., Go,,mfill-t-Rld lNith the City .,
(a) Any ev.,Rew- dissatisfied by the ditee-4-sion of the, —Pi-r-tee-m-&-r of-Publie IA.lor-ks and the
1
of the deeision by the City A.l,V. n+«.,tor (3242 1.1 93)
(b) Within fifteen (15) days of r-eeeipt of request for-a >the Cityhi4hef designee shall give not less tha*ten(10) days - en noti ee ff
registered }of thedatetim2,ta*d place of sticrh a heafing to the appliean4. TCity iv
> an appeal,
Dire,to f of Pub lie ALA-FALs .,,,rl the G tom. A.l,v inist«.,t.,« (3212 1 1 93)
of law, it deems neeessar-5, in rendering a deeision. The deeision of the City Couffeil shall
be final, ,,.1 ., ot;f:e t;.,,-, of stie . shall be mailed to the e (3242 .1 t Inc) '
17.1 n-zv 019 Rewaf Yfive hundred dollar--($500)reward shall be granted to-an vile
provides infoFmation leading to the identifieation, appr-ehension, and eoftvietion of any
jmp/k/legisdrft/mc 1710/l/26/98
for any r—ew paid. (3212 1 1 93)
7
1 L. liable for-the amount. (3212 11 93)
1� 1n rnn Peelafation Af f3ijisanee. it is hereby deelar-ed a ptiblie nuisanee for any
landowner-or-per-son leasing, oeeupying, dir-eetly 7
ehapto, (2870_12186)
7
11193Pep meat, that 7
on any premises loeated in the 7
and dir-eet him to abate the nuisanee. The pr-opei4y owner- shall be notified of the
establish a-r-easonable abatement period fiet to e-xeeed ninety (90) days. (287-0 12186)
of -Tri'ev'vrricrvitciiw „j building,
7
abate
+1 nuisanee at a*ytime within the nl.n+om r.+_Per-t u by rehabilitation, repair-,
the abatement and shall inspeet th asur-e that the nuisanee has- in faet been
697
Couneil may hold a p4lie hearing to deter-mine if the deelar-ed nuisanee should be abated
1'7� 'Notice ofpublie hear- A '++ .,+;e a ptihl' heafing, „hstn.,+;nll< in
fifteen
r, (1 G) days - + +L, .1 + + +ho gity Geuneil
publie hearing.
shown on the latest made by personal serviee upon the ev,%er-or-by eeftified or Fegister-ed fflail to the address the
7
notiee shall be sent to the eA%ef, in-eafe of the iffopefty address. 11 11
7
her-ein as us
7
addition, any legal
hearing shall be 1--lighed in a newspaper-of general eifeulation in the eity at least ten
jmp/k/legisdrft/mc 1710/1/26/98
"NOTIGE OF PUBLIC IC HEARING TO DETERMINE EXISTENCE OF ni B IG NI IISANGE AND T(1 AQATC
IN WHOLE E OR IN PART
"Ninfi6e s heFeby given that the City GeURGOI of the Gity of HUntiRgtGR BeaGh will heid a publiG hea4ng
demolition of buildings OF 6tFUGtUFe6 situated theFeen. if said prerni6e6, On whole or part, aFe f4oUnd to
"Said-velcatons sen606t of the fellewing:
"Said FTnetheds of abatement available are:
"All PeF6GR6 haviRg aRy c)bjeGt*OR tG 9F interest iR said rnatteF6 aFe heFeby Ratified te atteRd the he i
before the r,tToea^^;I to be held en the—day 9f , 199_at the hear of rxlfhen
their tt-;F.;tiR;c)ny and ev*d-p-.ng-p- be heard and given due GgRsideFatiGn-
"PAT-E9:
,bests an shall r e testimony o f f a ;+.,e a e;+< 1 .a
i protests,v.�w� uaiu on "� ` "�
mpasures. Eaeh pafty-she-aeeer- r-eeedural due pr-esess. The
1 1 n� Peeision ofthe-City Gouneil. Following he publiehearing, the-Gitt,-Eei
shall ..s. e r iuvaivv wau dea4iffmine-wncaxer-the piccn' ", " c-vrcrn.
}�reai�3es�onstittAe- li$-Huisanee as alleged. if the City- otHiEiiz finds-that-c"rpt+vriv
�ElHes-iZst-And that there eient eause-te-abate-tl3e nuisanee, the City
cowl-shall make Nwitten ofder-setting €efthr the-findings-and or-denng the o .ner-o
other- having eh ge ntr-,1 of thepremises to -a ...+ the. 1.
> >
v dernelition in the manner-and by the means speeifieall),set fefth
in the eouneill Ao-r-le-r.. The order- shall set fefth the time within w-hieh the wofk shall be
17.10�—per-viee-ethe abatement ofde>=-A•ithinten s following the City
.,u e;l ,1eeisi,., the pe,ty o ,,dlr-the p >, having ,.barge of tr-al of+b.e
.... iivai � e o e
pfemises shall be se .e.1 with ., of the. «;++e., E)f e..oft the lamity !'�.,,,.,..;1 (2870 .Inior�
r........�.i.r .�.i..... vv .�vi rvu rri�ii u vvYJ' vi �uv vvzaz
1 7 1 fi 1 1 0 Abatement b y oefi-y eym4f. The„ pe.4y a e e ., L,e..ing ehar-.e
0 0
or cePA-fol ,£+or e proper-ty may at his oyia-expense, abate the auisa-nee as prescribed by the
.,..... of the City Couneil Yiivi to the vn e
or-def. if the fmis----e has been-- peete,] by a r-epr-esefttative of the D «+ + f
Comm,unity Deyel,,,,,„,e„+ and has been abated .,r•.1aflee withthe . f:de pr-0eeedings
shall be ter-min ted—. Q470-1-2�
jmp/k/legisdrf/mc1710/l/26/98
Development,17.10.120 Abatement by Gib,. if a deelar-ed nuisanee is not eompletely abated by the
wA%er-or-per-son hwi4ng ehafge or-ean-Affal- oft-he pr-opefty within the time pf-eser-ibed in the
>
(2Q7n_4246)
�T'�T�7
1:7 1 n 13n voeor-a f roost f bate,,,
designated, shall keep an aeeou-PA of eosts (ineluding ineidental expenses) of abati*g
sueh fmisanee an eaeh separate !at or-par-eel of!and where the work is done and sha4l
ati
and the r-ehabilitation, demalislimeat or-repair-of said pfemises, buildings a
staietufes, ineluding any salvage value r-elating thefete; pr-avided that before said
pr-opefty owner-teget-h-ke-r-Aivith-A notiee of the tifne when said r-epeft shall be heard by
the City Couneil for- eonfir-mation.
(b) The City Couneil shall set the fnat4er-for-hearing to detefmine the eaffeetness or-
reasonableness, or-both, of sueh easts
(e) Proof of said ser-viee shall be made by deelar-a4ion under-penalty of pe�uff filed wi
the City rlefk
revision,(EI) The te-p-in "ineidtentW expenses" shall include, btA not be limited to,the aewal
ex-penses and eests of the eity in the preparation of natiees, speeifieations an
eefAfaets, and in inspeeting the war-k, and the easts of printing and mailing r-equir-
and eonsider-ing said r-epoi4, the Gity Gouneil shall hear-a-ad pass upon the r-epoA of suel-
eost of abatemefA, together-with any objeetions or-protests. Thereupon, the Gity GA-1-4-n-ruil
mat,make sueh >
a > by motion, > > >
shall
ity
be,-irra inn 11 be -f4-a 1 andeo i2o7-n 42iW
17.10.150 Assessment of eests aeainst i3r-oneftv Lien. The tota4 eest for-abating stieh
> as ed tile >
lien, as so made and >
lien an said pr-opefty for-the amoufA of sueh assessment.
e6lleetor-for-the ei#", w-her-eupo,, it shall be the a„+y of said twc eolleet «+ ad afnetints of the
r-espeetive assessments or-fntmpu-Fpesesnext0
bill levied against said r-espeetive lots and par-eels of land, and ther-eafter- said amounts
shall be ,llo +a l ,+tb,o 4 a timta, ;;44,1 ;„ the saffleffianner- .,,..1;,,,,.,.,. „,1
twEes; OF
taxes are ealleeted, and shall be subjeet to the same penaltitess mand the same pr-E)eedufes
j mp/k/legisdrft/mc 1710/1/26/98
(b) After- sueh r-eeer-dation, sueh lien may be for-eelosed by judieial or- other-sale in the
(-) be in zv`""
substaatially as follows* (28-70-
QiN)
"NJQTIGF !lC I ICAI
n
did- n-.p ex abowt the day of
9::A nr dpmnlishLQd in order to abate a publi said real property; and the Gity
co.-Anul of the Gity Of H6iRt*RgtGR did- on the day o 199
rehablatatien, repair, 9F demolitiOR 61POR the real pFgpeq hereinafter derGFibed; and- the
same ha6 not beeR paid RGP aRy part thereof; and said Gity Of HwntingtGR BeaGh dee6 hereby
"The re-al property heire-lin-beforea FAel;tiGRed, and 61POR WhiGh ;-; lien is; r--I-;;imed, *6 that GertaiR
(BeSGFiptiGR)
Th*r, Tef I9 f
the City Of HURtoRgton BeaGh
(AGK QVVI EDGMl=nlT)'
1 1 n 1 6n y;,.larians
(a) The owner-_ ,.rite,.per-son having h .g , .r, ,l of a..,> s ,.1. buildings
m „r ins any ubl;,t ., a ,lof;,,o,l i rl„s .tl,apte.- who violates .1
ef
„f'abatement s o.l as pr-ov;,10,1 ; o.tr;.,t, 1:7 10.100, tilt„ of'.,
vaeate said building ostfueture ^,ear-ldanre with an order-giyen as provided in this
e1,apte,.;s guilty of., NGSDEMEM40R.
(r) Any
ne. ..... .•.,h:e . . .. o. any,l.r.ri.o order-Yvsro, as iviu ue ; this , .r , for-
the p oof , rv,Fo ; . ; ll,o o„f r-eet,o,.r of the pr-ovisions ofthis1, r
,tilt., of., MTC'Tllti'T\4&4A10
7
jmp/k/legisdrf/mc 1710/1/26/98
r
(EI) Any pefsen who obstfuets, impedes or-interferes with any representative of the Qt-y
n, ,itl, n o 0 e tnti„o of n eity de n«t-v e t o 'tl, 1,
.............. .... ...-....:.j' i..y�......-- .. �> ..vYaa. . I vI with uII' rva
or-holds any estate of interest in a building w-hieh has been efder-ed to be vaeated-,
«r .l ,ili reha tnte «demolished it , „efse to ,,,1, . —any sue1, 1, '1.1',. «„ l, ., -,
n� ng
been In .full, sold pursuant t theprov of this chapter- t,„ v f'the
kJ Vlili
afie-r-e-mentioned individuals o lawfully engaged i„ a i„gs involving the
� zl
abatement of n nuisanee is guilty of n MISDEMEANOR,
(2870_124n6)
17.10.170 ematNLer-.—N6th1�-li�eznvrcgvirg=aevtrons-shall prcvnt the zintT
A:ReIV, 11VII VVII-"
v
to the pfeseedings-set fei4h kefeiii. (2970 12/86 2an7 7iQ:7)
8
jmp/k/legisdrft/mc 1710/1/26/98
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
Inter Office Communication
Community Development Department
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Melanie Fallon, Community Development Director
VIA: Ray Silver, Acting City Administrator
DATE: February 2, 1998
SUBJECT: MINOR ADDITIONS TO THE
HUNTINGTON BEACH NUISANCE CODE
Attached for your review and action are a number of additions to the proposed Nuisance
Ordinance revisions. These minor additions are printed in bold and do not change the
abatement process as outlined in the proposed Nuisance Ordinance.
Attachment: Revised page four of the Nuisance Ordinance
—n• x
m. c
w z
r
r
cc: Jennifer McGrath, Deputy City Attorney
(297ms1)
A
LGc�`�•e- � �-,rN� � �. '/vim
A. Any condition or activity which is a "nuisance" or a "public nuisance" as
defined in Sections 3479 and 3480 of the Civil Code of the State of California or which is
specifically declared to constitute a nuisance or public nuisance by any statute of the
State of California or by any ordinance of the City of Huntington Beach.
B. The violation of any provisions of the following Uniform Codes which have
been adopted, as amended, by the City of Huntington Beach:
1. Uniform Building Code;
2. UnWbFm—National Electrical Code;
3. Uniform Fire Code;
4. Uniform Housing Code;
5. Uniform Plumbing Code;
6. Uniform Mechanical Code.
7. Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Building
8. Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code
9 Uniform Administrative Code
C. The violation of any provision of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code, or
the Huntington Beach Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance Code—or any code adopted
by reference.
D. The operation or maintenance of any business, trade or profession in
violation of Title 5 of this Code—or not having a proper certificate of occupancy.
E. The frequent gathering, or coming and going, of people who have an
intent to purchase or use controlled substances on or at any premises in this City.
F. Participation in a criminal street gang as proscribed by California Penal
Code Section 186.22.
G. The making or continuing, or causing to be made or continued, of any
loud, unnecessary or unusual noise which disturbs the peace and quiet of the
neighborhood or which causes discomfort or annoyance to any reasonable person of
normal sensitiveness residing in the area.
H. The occurrence of criminal activity at any premises which threatens the
life, health, safety or welfare of the residents of the premises, neighbors or the public.
I. Buildings which are abandoned, boarded up, partially destroyed or left
unreasonably in a state of partial construction.
J. Land, the topography or configuration of which, whether in a man-made
state or as a result of grading operations, excavation or fill, causes erosion, subsidence,
or surface water drainage problems of such magnitude as to be injurious to the public
health, safety and welfare or to adjacent properties;
K. The failure to secure and maintain from public access all doorways,
windows and other openings into vacant structures;
PROPOSED NUISANCE CODE
♦ Ordinance No. 3386
Background
At the request of the City Council, staff
has prepared an Ordinance which is
designated as the Huntington Beach
Nuisance Code. The Ordinance will
increase the City's effectiveness in
enforcing a variety of public nuisances
such as drug houses, abandoned buildings
and residences that cause a detriment to
surrounding properties. rn
_z_ N
r)C.=r m
W a: ..<C,
(-3 rn
C) nA J r-Z
z. -n 11 rn
2/3/98 -�
Background (con't.)
The Huntington Beach Nuisance
Code has been reviewed by:
❖Police Department
❖Fire Department
❖Code Enforcement
❖City Attorney's Office
-3-
Major Points of the New Ordinance
♦ Defines the term "nuisance".
♦ Creates a public nuisance abatement
process.
♦Lists designated public nuisances.
♦Permits penalties and administrative
costs to be assessed for non-compliance.
-¢
2/3/98
Major Points of the New Ordinance
♦ Permits the City to abate the nuisance at
the expense of the responsible parry.
♦ Permits the City to place a lien against a
property for non-compliance.
♦Permits the City to commence a civil or
criminal proceeding to abate a public
nuisance.
-5-
Major Points of the New Ordinance
♦ Violators of this Ordinance shall be
guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to
administrative penalties and
administrative costs.
♦ The Huntington Beach Nuisance Code
can be enforced by the Police Dept.,
Fire Dept. and Code Enforcement.
-6-
2/3/98
Staff Recommendation
♦ Approve Zoning Text Amendment
No. 98-1 and Ordinance No. 3386 for
the following reasons:
4-Creates City enforced abatement
process.
❖Permits the City to impose
Administrative penalties and costs for
non-compliance.
Staff Recommendation (cont.)
-.*-Permits enforcement of the Ordinance
by Code Enforcement, Police and Fire
Departments.
-*.-Permits the City to abate the nuisance at
the expense of the responsible party.
-g-
2/3/98
i O 2�a/9g
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH REPEALING AND
REPLACING CHAPTER 17.10 OF THE HUNTINGTON BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE
PERTAINING TO PROPERTY MAINTENANCE AND ADDING CHAPTER 17.10 TO BE
DESIGNATED AS THE HUNTINGTON BEACH NUISANCE CODE
The City Council of the City of Huntington Beach does hereby ordain as follows:
Section 1. That Chapter 17.10 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code is hereby
repealed in its entirety.
Section 2. That Chapter 17.10 is hereby added to the Huntington Beach Municipal
Code, said Chapter to read as follows:
Chapter 17.10
HUNTINGTON BEACH NUISANCE CODE
Sections:
17.10.010 Nuisance Defined
17.10.020 Additional Enforcement Remedies
17.10.030 City Administrator/Administrative Abatement Officer
17.10.040 Person/Responsible Person/Party
17.10.050 Abate/Abatement
17.10.060 Premises
17.10.070 Service of Notice
17.10.080 Abatement of Nuisance Related Activities or Condition
17.10.090 Nuisance Designated
17.10.100 Notification of Nuisance and Abatement Thereof
17.10.110 Notice of Administrative Penalty
17.10.120 Administrative Penalties
17.10.130 Administrative Costs
17.10.140 Abatement by Administrative Abatement Officer
17.10.150 Record of Administrative Penalties and Costs; Costs of Abatement
Hearing
17.10.160 Expenses and Administrative Penalties and Costs Shall be a Lien Against
the Property
17.10.170 Notice of Lien
17.10.180 Alternative Method of Collection
17.10.190 Right of Judicial Review
17.10.200 Violations
17.10.210 Alternatives
gAordinanc\nuisancl.doc1/26/98 1
17.10.010 Nuisance defined. As used in this chapter, a nuisance shall mean activities or
conditions which affect the social and economic stability of neighborhoods, impair property
values and which are injurious or detrimental to the health, safety and general welfare of the
citizens of Huntington Beach.
17.10.020 Additional Enforcement Remedies. The procedures provided for in this chapter
shall be cumulative and in addition to any other procedure or legal remedy provided for in this
Code or by state law for the abatement of nuisance related activities or conditions. Nothing in
this chapter shall be deemed to prevent the City from commencing a civil or criminal proceeding
to abate a nuisance under applicable civil, penal or municipal code provisions as an alternative or
alternatives to the proceedings set forth in this chapter.
17.10.030 City Administrator/Administrative Abatement Officer. As used in this
chapter, "Administrative Abatement Officer" shall mean the City Administrator and any other
person or persons designated by the City Administrator as being an Administrative Abatement
Officer.
17.10.040 Person/Responsible Person/Party
A. As used in this chapter, "Person'7"Responsible Person''/"Party" shall mean any
individual, business or entity who is responsible for causing, maintaining or permitting a
nuisance activity or condition. The terms "person," "responsible person" or"responsible party"
.include, but are not limited to, a property owner, tenant, person with a legal interest in real
property or person in possession or occupying real property, the president or other officer of a
corporation, a business owner or manager of a business.
B. Any act of negligent or willful conduct of a minor which results in the creation or
maintenance of a condition or activity which constitutes a nuisance within the meaning of this
chapter shall be imputed to the parent or guardian having custody and control of the minor for all
purposes, including the duty to abate the nuisance(s) and the imposition of administrative
penalties and costs as provided for herein. The parent or guardian having custody and control of
the minor shall be jointly and severally liable with the minor for any and all penalties or costs
imposed pursuant to this chapter.
17.10.050 Abate/Abatement. As used in this chapter, the terms "abate" and "abatement"
shall mean action to terminate, remove, stop, cease, repair, replace or otherwise remedy a
nuisance related activity or condition by such means and in such manner as in necessary to the
interest of the health, safety or general welfare-of the public.
17.10.060 Premises. As used in this chapter, the term "premises" shall mean any location,
building, structure, residence, garage, room, shed, shop, store, dwelling, lot, parcel, land or
portion thereof whether improved or unimproved.
gAordinanc\nuisancl.doc1/26/98 2
17.10.070 Service of Notice
A. Whenever any notice, amended notice, supplemental notice, order, statement or
other document is required to be served upon any person, by the provisions of this chapter, such
service shall be either by personal service or by delivery into the United States snail, postage
prepaid, certified or registered mail, to the person's last known address. If service is by mail, the
service is complete at the time of the deposit, but any period of notice and any right or duty to do
any act or make any response within any period or on a date certain shall be extended five days if
the place of address is within the State of California or ten days if the place of address is outside
the State of California.
B. In lieu of personally serving the person or service by certified or registered mail,
service of any notice, amended notice, supplemental notice, order, statement or other document
may be made as follows:
1. In the event that the responsible person refuses to accept certified or registered
snail or cannot be personally served, service may be made by substituted service.
In lieu of personal delivery of a copy of the document, notice may be served by
leaving a copy during usual office hours at the person's usual place of business
with the individual who is apparently in charge, and by thereafter mailing by first-
class mail a copy of the notice to the person at the address where the copy of the
notice was left. Or, a document may be served by leaving a copy at the person's
dwelling or usual place of abode in the presence of a competent member of the
household, at least 18 years of age, and thereafter mailing by first-class mail a
copy of the notice to the person at the address where the copy was left.
2. In the event a person refuses to accept certified or registered mail or cannot be
personally served or served by substituted service and has a property manager or
rental agency overseeing the premises, substituted service may be made as set
forth above, upon the property manager or rental agency.
3. If a person lives out of state and will not accept certified or registered mail, then
service may be made by first-class mail.
17.10.080 Abatement of Nuisance Related Activities or Condition. Any activity,
condition or premise(s) maintained as described herein is declared to be a public nuisance and
shall be abated by cessation of the activity, rehabilitation, demolition, removal, repair or other
appropriate remedy pursuant to the procedures-kt forth in this chapter.
17.10.090 Nuisance Designated It is hereby declared a public nuisance, or an act in the
nature of a public nuisance, for any person or party to cause, permit, abet or otherwise allow any
premises in this City to be used in such a manner that any one or more of the activities or
conditions described in the following subsections are found to occur thereon.
gAordinanc\nuisanc I.doc 1/26/98 3
A. Any condition or activity which is a"nuisance" or a"public nuisance" as defined
in Sections 3479 and 3480 of the Civil Code of the State of California or which is specifically
declared to constitute a nuisance or public nuisance by any statute of the State of California or by
any ordinance of the City of Huntington Beach.
B. The violation of any provisions of the following Uniform Codes which have been
adopted, as amended, by the City of Huntington Beach:
1. Uniform Building Code;
2. Uniform Electrical Code;
3. Uniform Fire Code;
4. Uniform Housing Code;
5. Uniform Plumbing Code;
6. Uniform Mechanical Code.
C. The violation of any provision of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code, or the
Huntington Beach Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance Code.
D. The operation or maintenance of any business, trade or profession in violation of
Title 5 of this Code.
E. The frequent gathering, or coming and going, of people who have an intent to
purchase or use controlled substances on or at any premises in this City.
F. Participation.in a criminal street gang as proscribed by California Penal Code
Section 186.22.
G. The making or continuing, or causing to be made or continued, of any loud,
unnecessary or unusual noise which disturbs the peace and quiet of the neighborhood or which
causes discomfort or annoyance to any reasonable person of normal sensitiveness residing in the
area.
H. The occurrence of criminal activity at any premises which threatens the life,
health, safety or welfare of the residents of the premises, neighbors or the public.
I. Buildings which are abandoned, boarded up, partially destroyed or left
unreasonably in a state of partial construction.
J. Land, the topography or configuration of which, whether in a man-made state or
as a result of grading operations, excavation or fill, causes erosion, subsidence, or surface water
drainage problems of such magnitude as to be injurious to the public health, safety and welfare or
to adjacent properties;
K. The failure to secure and maintain from public access all doorways, windows and
other openings into vacant structures;
gAordinanc\nuisancl.doc1/26/98 4
L. Overgrown vegetation on developed property which:
(1) Harbors rats, vermin, and other disease carriers; or
(2) Causes detriment to neighboring properties or property values; or
(3) Causes a hazardous condition to pedestrian and/or vehicular traffic; or
M. Dead, decayed, diseased or hazardous trees, weeds and other vegetation on
developed property which:
(1) Constitutes an unsightly appearance; or
(2) Creates danger to public safety and welfare; or
(3) Is detrimental to nearby property or property values;
N. Abandoned, broken, neglected machinery or equipment which poses a potential
hazard to the general public;
O. Unprotected or hazardous excavations, swimming pools, and ponds;
P. Broken or discarded furniture, household equipment and appliances on the
premises, visible from the street, which causes damage or is a detriment to neighboring
properties;
Q. Packing boxes, lumber, dirt and other trash or debris outside commercial and
industrial buildings which is visible from public streets and causes detriment to neighboring
properties;
R. Accumulation of dirt, litter or debris in doorways, adjoining sidewalks, parking
lots and landscaped areas;
S. Deteriorated parking lots which have pot holes, cracks and ridges;
T. Fences in a state of disrepair or in a dilapidated condition.
U. Premises including, but not limited to, building exteriors which are maintained in
such condition as to become so defective, unsightly or in such condition of deterioration or
disrepair that the same causes diminution of the property values of surrounding property or is
materially detrimental to proximal properties and improvements. This includes, but is not
limited to, the keeping and disposing of or the scattering over the property or premises of any of
the following: (1) lumber,junk, trash or debris; (ii) abandoned or discarded or unused objects or
equipment such as automobiles, furniture, stoves, refrigerators, freezers, cans or containers; (iii)
gAord in an c\nu i sanc Ldoc 1/26/9 8 5
stagnant water or excavation(s); (iv) any device, decoration, design, fence, structure, clothesline
or vegetation which is unsightly by reason of its condition or inappropriate location; or (v)
permitting or allowing any graffiti to remain on any building, wall fence or structure.
V. The use of any premises for the purpose of illegal gambling, lewdness,
assignation, or prostitution as proscribed by state law or this Code.
W. The maintenance, use, rental or lease of any premises, or sub-unit thereof,
including single-family dwellings, where persons are allowed to congregate, gather or loiter in
such a manner as to disturb the peace of other persons lawfully on the property itself or lawfully
in the vicinity of the property.
X. The use of any premises for the purpose of unlawfully selling, serving, storing,
keeping, manufacturing or giving away any controlled substance, precursor, or analog as those
terms are defined by state law.
Y. Noise disturbances in violation of Chapter 8.40 of this Code.
Z. Maintenance of properties or premises in such a manner as to cause substantial
diminution of the enjoyment, use, or property values of adjacent properties.
17.10.100 Notification of Nuisance and Abatement Thereof
A. Whenever the Administrative Abatement Officer declares or finds that any
nuisance activity or condition is being maintained or carried on at any premises in the City
contrary to the provisions of this Chapter,the Administrative Abatement Officer shall give
written "Notice of Abatement" to any and all responsible persons or parties, whose names and
identities have been determined by the Adminstrative Abatement Officer after making reasonable
investigation and inquiry, setting forth a brief description of the activity or condition constituting
the nuisance and the sections of this chapter that are being violated.
B. The Notice of Abatement shall include the following:
1. Set forth a reasonable time limit not to exceed thirty days for correcting or abating
the nuisance;
2. Suggested methods of correction or abatement and the fact that the City will take
steps to abate the nuisance if the-person fails to do so;
3. That administrative penalties and/or administrative costs will be assessed against
the responsible person in the event the nuisance activity or condition is not
corrected or abated within the time frame established by the notice for correcting
or abating the nuisance;
gAordinanc\nuisanc Ldoc 1/26/98 6
4. That the person or party served has the right to request a hearing as provided by
this Chapter;
5. That failure to make timely application for a hearing as provided for in this
section shall be deemed a conclusive admission that: 1) the nuisance activity or
condition described in the notification of nuisance does or did exist, 2)that the
person(s) to whom the notice was directed is in fact the person(s) responsible for
creating or maintaining the nuisance condition or activity, and 3) that the time
specified in the notice for the correction or abatement of the nuisance is, in fact,
reasonable under the circumstances.
C. Except in the case of an emergency situation wherein the nuisance condition or
activity poses an immediate threat to the health, safety, or general welfare of the public,the time
permitted for correction or abatement shall be at least fifteen calendar days.
D. The Administrative Abatement Officer may grant an extension of time to abate a
nuisance if, in his/her opinion, good cause for an extension exists.
E. The person or party who has been served with notice pursuant to this section may,
within seven calendar days, make a written application to the Administrative Abatement Officer
for a hearing on the question of whether a nuisance activity or condition in fact exists; whether
the person to whom the notice was directed is responsible for the creation or maintenance of such
nuisance; and whether the Administrative Abatement Officer has provided sufficient time to
correct or abate the nuisance condition or activity.
F. Upon receipt of a timely written application for hearing, the Administrative
Abatement Officer shall establish the date and time of the hearing and shall so notify the
applicant in writing. Failure to make timely application for a hearing as provided for in this
section shall be deemed a conclusive admission that: 1) the nuisance activity or condition
described in the notification of nuisance does or did exist, 2) that the person(s) to whom the
notice was directed is in fact the person(s) responsible for creating or maintaining the nuisance
condition or activity, and 3)that the time specified in the notice for the correction or abatement
of the nuisance is, in fact, reasonable under the circumstances.
G. The hearing provided for in this section shall be conducted by the Administrative
Abatement Officer. At the time stated in the notice of hearing, the Administrative Abatement
Officer shall hear and consider all relevant evidence, including, but not limited to, testimony
from the applicant, owners, City personnel, neighbors, witnesses or other interested parties, and
may consider staff reports or other written materials relative to the matter. The hearing may be
continued from time to time as appropriate and the strict rules of evidence shall not apply. Proof
of the existence of a nuisance condition or activity must be by a preponderance of the evidence
and the burden of proof on this issue is upon the City.
H. At the conclusion of the hearing, or in the case where no hearing has been
requested by a person or party served with this Notice of Abatement and the time for correcting
gAordinanc\nuisancl.doc1/26/98 7
or abating the nuisance as set forth in the Nature of Abatement has expired, the Administrative
Abatement Officer shall issue a compliance order confirming, amending or dismissing the Notice
of Abatement or he/she may extend the time for compliance. The decision of the Administrative
Abatement Officer shall be final and conclusive. Written notice of the Administrative
Abatement Officer's decision and findings shall be given to the person or party and said notice
shall state clearly and concisely the basis for the Administrative Abatement Officer's findings
with respect to the existence of the nuisance activity or condition. The notice shall further state
that unless the person or party shall cause the abatement of the nuisance activity or condition,
pursuant to the notice, the nuisance shall be abated, if appropriate, by the City at the expense of
the person or party, and that administrative penalties and/or costs will be assessed against the
person for non-compliance with the notice.
17.10.110 Notice of Administrative Penalty
A. After the time for abatement or correction has expired,the Administrative
Abatement Officer shall determine whether the person or party has taken the necessary
abatement or corrective action and whether the nuisance activity or condition has in fact been
abated.
B. If the Administrative Abatement Officer determines that the person has complied
with the "Notice of Abatement" or order and that the nuisance has been abated, the person shall
be notified in writing of such determination and the administrative action provided for herein
shall be suspended. If the Administrative Abatement Officer suspends the administrative action,
he/she may continue to monitor the premises or activity associated with it for a period not to
exceed eighteen months.
C. If the Administrative Abatement Officer determines that the person has failed to
comply with the initial abatement order or any expansion thereof or that the nuisance activity or
condition has recurred within eighteen months of the suspension of the case, the Administrative
Abatement Officer may impose, after a hearing conducted in the manner set forth in section
17.10.100(G), an administrative penalty and/or administrative costs as provided in this Chapter.
In the event administrative penalties or costs are imposed by the Administrative Abatement
Officer, the responsible person shall be notified in writing of the amount of the administrative
penalty imposed in accordance with the provisions set forth in this Chapter. The decision of the
Administrative Abatement Officer shall be final and conclusive.
D. In addition to imposing administrative penalties or costs, the Administrative
Abatement Officer may, after conducting the hearing described in section 17.10.110(C), issue
another order to correct or abate the nuisance condition or activity for the existence of any
nuisance which has not been abated, or which has recurred within the eighteen month period the
action was held in suspension.
gAordinanc\nuisancl.doc1/26/98 8
17.10.120 Administrative Penalties
A. Administrative penalties imposed by the Administrative Abatement Officer are
not to exceed a maximum of two hundred fifty dollars per day for each on-going violation,
except that the total administrative penalty shall not exceed fifteen thousand dollars, exclusive of
any administrative costs, for any violation or related series of violations.
B. In determining the amount of administrative penalty, the Administrative
Abatement Officer shall take any or all of the following factors into consideration:
l. The duration of the violation;
2. The frequency,recurrence and number of violations,related or unrelated,by the
same violator;
3. The seriousness of the violation;
4. The good faith efforts of the violator to abate the nuisance or otherwise come into
compliance;
5. The economic impact of the penalty on the violator;
6. The impact of the violation on the community; and
7. Such other factors as justice may require.
C. Administrative penalties imposed shall accrue from the date specified in the
compliance order and shall cease to accrue on the date the violation is corrected as determined by
the Administrative Abatement Officer.
D. The Administrative Abatement Officer, in his/her discretion, may suspend the
imposition of applicable administrative penalties for any period or time during which;
1. The violator has filed for necessary permits; and
2. Such permits are required to achieve compliance; and
3. Such permit applications are actively pending before the City, state or other
appropriate governmental agency.
17.10.130 Administrative Costs
A. In addition to the imposition of administrative penalties, the Administrative
Abatement Officer may assess administrative costs against the person when it is determined that
a violation has occurred and that compliance has not been achieved within the time specified in
gAordinanc\nuisanc Ldoc 1/26/98 9
the initial compliance order or that a violation has recurred within eighteen months of the
suspension of the case.
B. The administrative costs may include any and all actual costs incurred by the City
in connection with the matter before the Administrative Abatement Officer including, but not
limited.to, costs of investigation, staffing costs or staffing overhead incurred in preparation for
the hearing and for the hearing itself, and costs incurred for all inspections or reinspections
necessary to enforce the compliance order.
17.10.140 Abatement by Administrative Abatement Officer. If the nuisance related
condition or activity is not completely abated in the manner and within the time set forth in the
"Notice of Abatement" or order of the Administrative Abatement Officer, then the
Administrative Abatement Officer, in addition to the imposition of administrative costs or
penalties, may cause the nuisance to be abated by City employees or a private contractor. The
costs of the abatement shall be assessed to the responsible party and shall reflect the actual cost
incurred by the City in effecting the abatement.
17.10.150 Record of Administrative Penalties and Costs; Cost of Abatement}
Hearing
A. The Administrative Abatement Officer shall keep an itemized account of any
administrative penalty or administrative cost assessed as well as the cost incurred by the City in
abating a nuisance. The Administrative Abatement Officer shall also give written notice to the
responsible party or parties of any such penalty or costs assessed, together with a notice of time
and place when a hearing will be held by a hearing officer appointed by the City Administrator to
determine the appropriateness of the penalties and/or costs assessed.
B. At the time fixed for the hearing concerning the appropriateness of the penalties
and/or costs assessed, the hearing officer shall hear and consider all relevant evidence, including,
but not limited to, testimony from the person assessed, City personnel or other interested parties,
and may consider staff reports or other written materials relative to the matter. Proof of the
appropriateness of the costs or penalties assessed must be by a preponderance of the evidence
and the City shall have the burden of proof on this issue. At the conclusion of the hearing,the
hearing officer shall confirm, revise, correct or modify the amount of the penalties or costs
assessed. The decision of the hearing officer shall be final and conclusive, and the responsible
party or parties shall be notified in writing of the hearing officer's determination.
17.10.160 Expenses and Administrativel�enalties and Costs Shall be a Lien Against the
Proper1y. If the responsible party does not pay the administrative penalties, administrative costs
or the expense of abating the nuisance within ten days after the hearing officer confirms the
administrative penalty, administrative costs or costs of abatement, the costs and penalties shall
become a lien against the real property upon which the nuisance was abated. The lien shall
continue until it is paid, together with interest at the legal rate per year computed from the date of
confirmation of the costs or penalties until payment. The lien may be collected at the same time
and in the same manner as ordinary municipal taxes are collected, and shall be subject to the
gAordinanc\nuisancl.doc1/26/98 10
same penalties and the same procedures and sale in case of delinquency as provided for ordinary
municipal taxes. All acts applicable to levy, collection and enforcement of municipal taxes apply
to this lien.
17.10.170 Notice of Lien. The City shall file in the office of the county recorder of Orange
County, California, a certificate substantially in the following form:
NOTICE OF LIEN
Under the authority of Government Code Sections 38773.5 and 53069.4,
as well as Chapter 17.10 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code, the
City of Huntington Beach did on , 19_, abate a nuisance upon
the real property hereafter described and also on , 19_, did
impose the cost of the abatement and administrative costs and penalties
upon the real property. The City of Huntington Beach claims a lien for
costs/charges on the real property for the expense of doing the work in
the amount of $ and for the amount of $ for administrative
costs and $ for administrative penalties, for a total amount of
$ . This amount is a lien against the real property until it is paid,
with interest at the legal rate per year from , 19_ (insert date of
confirmation of statement), and discharged and recorded. The real
property referred to above, and upon which the lien is claimed is that
certain parcel of land situated within the City of Huntington Beach,
County of Orange, State of California, commonly known as
more particularly described
as follows:
Dated: , 19_.
City of Huntington Beach
By:
17.10.180 Alternative Method of Collection. Administrative penalties, administrative
costs'and the cost of abatement incurred by the City are a personal debt and obligation owed to
the City and, in addition to any other means of enforcement, the City Attorney is authorized to
bring an action on behalf of the City against the responsible party or parties for collection of
administrative penalties, administrative costs or for the collection of the expense of abatement in
any court of competent jurisdiction.
17.10.190 Right of Judicial Review. A person contesting a final administrative order or
decision of the Administrative Abatement Officer regarding the imposition, enforcement or
collection of the administrative fines or penalties provided for in this chapter may, within twenty
days after service of the final administrative order or decision, seek review by filing an appeal to
g:\ordinanc\nuisancl.doc1/26/98 11
r
be heard by the municipal court in accordance with the provisions and procedures established by
California Government Code Section 53069.4.
17.10.200 Violations.
A. The owner or other person having charge or control of any such buildings or
premises who maintains any public nuisance defined in this chapter, or who violates any notice
of abatement served as provided in section 17.10.100, is guilty of a MISDEMEANOR.
B. Any occupant or lessee in possession of any such building or structure who fails
to vacate said building or structure in accordance with a notice given as provided in this chapter
is guilty of a MISDEMEANOR.
C. Any person who obstructs, impedes or interferes with any representative of the
City Council or with any representative of a City department or with any person who owns or
holds any estate or interest in a building which has been ordered to be vacated, repaired,
rehabilitated, or demolished or with any person to whom any such building has been lawfully
sold pursuant to the provisions of this chapter when any of the aforementioned individuals are
lawfully engaged in proceedings involving the abatement of a nuisance is guilty of a
MISDEMEANOR.
17.10.210 Alternatives. Nothing in the foregoing sections shall prevent the City Attorney
from commencing a civil or criminal proceeding to abate a public nuisance under applicable
provisions of the California Civil Code or Penal Code as an alternative to the proceedings set
forth herein.
SECTION 3. This ordinance shall take effect 30 days after its adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach at a
regular meeting held thereof on the day of , 1998.
ATTEST: Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Clerk 4a?�--L
REVIEWED AND APPROVED r I "f ity Attorney 1 g
INIT AND AP VED:
City AdivIrnistrator 7/j
re or of Com �nityffevelop
gAordinanc\nuisancl.doc1/26/98 12
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH REPEALING AND �s�9
REPLACING CHAPTER 17.10 OF THE HUNTINGTON BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE
PERTAINING TO PROPERTY MAINTENANCE AND ADDING CHAPTER 17.10 TO BE
DESIGNATED AS THE HUNTINGTON BEACH NUISANCE CODE
The City Council of the City of Huntington Beach does hereby ordain as follows:
Section 1. That Chapter 17.10 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code is hereb
repealed in its entirety.
Section 2. That Chapter 17.10 is hereby added to the Huntington Beach Mu icipal
Code, said Chapter to read as follows:
Chapter 17.10
HUNTINGTON BEACH NUISANCE CODE
Sections:
17.10.010 Nuisance Defined
17.10.020 Additional Enforcement Remedies
17.10.030 City Administrator/Administrative Ab ement Officer
17.10.040 Person/Responsible Person/Party
17.10.050 Abate/Abatement
17.10.060 Premises
17.10.070 Service of Notice
17.10.080 Abatement of Nuisa e Related Activities or Condition
17.10.090 Nuisance Design ed
17.10.100 Notification o uisance and Abatement Thereof
17.10.110 Notice of ministrative Penalty
17.10.120 Administ tive Penalties
3 17.10.130 Admin- trative Costs
17.10.140 Abat ent by Administrative Abatement Officer
17.10.150 Rec rd of Administrative Penalties and Costs; Costs of Abatement
H ing
17.10.160 xpenses and Administrative Penalties and Costs Shall be a Lien Against
the Property
17.10.170 Notice of Lien
17.10.180 Alternative Method of Collection
17.10.19 Right of Judicial Review
17.10.2 0 Violations
17.10. 10 Alternatives
gAordinanclnuisanc1.doc1/26/98 1
17.10.010 Nuisance defined. As used in this chapter, a nuisance shall mean activiti¢'s or
conditions which affect the social and economic stability of neighborhoods, impair proper
values and which are injurious or detrimental to the health, safety and general welfare of/the
citizens of Huntington Beach.
17.10.020 Additional Enforcement Remedies. The procedures provided for/in this chapter
shall be cumulative and in addition to any other procedure or legal remedy provided for in this
Code or by state law for the abatement of nuisance related activities or conditions. Nothing in
this chapter shall be deemed to prevent the City from commencing a civil or/iminal proceeding
to abate a nuisance under applicable civil, penal or municipal code provisio,s as an alternative or
alternatives to the proceedings set forth in this chapter.
17.10.030 City Administrator/Administrative Abatement Officer. As used in this
chapter, "Administrative Abatement Officer" shall mean the City Administrator and any other
person or persons designated by the City Administrator as being an/Administrative Abatement
Officer.
17.10.040 Person/Responsible Person/Party
A. As used in this chapter, "Person"/"Responsible Person"/"Party" shall mean any
individual, business or entity who is responsible for causing, maintaining or permitting a
nuisance activity or condition. The terms "person,"/responsible person" or "responsible party"
include, but are not limited to, a property owner, tenant, person with a legal interest in real
property or person in possession or occupying real property, the president or other officer of a
corporation, a business owner or manager of a besiness.
B. Any act of negligent or will- 1 conduct of a minor which results in the creation or
maintenance of a condition or activity which constitutes a nuisance within the meaning of this
chapter shall be imputed to the parent or/guardian having custody and control of the minor for all
purposes, including the duty to abat�the nuisance(s) and the imposition of administrative
penalties and costs as provided for�herein. The parent or guardian having custody and control of
the minor shall be jointly and sev rally liable with the minor for any and all penalties or costs
imposed pursuant to this chaptef.
17.10.050 Abate/Abatement. As used in this chapter, the terms "abate" and "abatement"
shall mean action to terminate, remove, stop, cease, repair,replace or otherwise remedy a
nuisance related activitypr condition by such means and in such manner as in necessary to the
interest of the health, safety or general welfare-of the public.
17.10.060 Premises. As used in this chapter, the term "premises" shall mean an location
p � P Y
building, structure, residence, garage, room, shed, shop, store, dwelling, lot, parcel, land or
portion thereof whether improved or unimproved.
gAordinanc\nuisancl.doc1/26/98 2
17.10.070 Service of Notice
A. Whenever any notice, amended notice, supplemental notice, order, statement or
other document is required to be served upon any person, by the provisions of this chapter, such
service shall be either by personal service or by delivery into the United States mail, postage
prepaid, certified or registered mail, to the person's last known address. If service is by mail, the
service is complete at the time of the deposit, but any period of notice and anyright or duty to do
any act or make any response within any period or on a date certain shall b�extended five days if
the place of address is within the State of California or ten days if the place of address is outside
the State of California.
B. In lieu of personally serving the person or service by certified or registered mail,
service of any notice, amended notice, supplemental notice, order, statement or other document
may be made as follows:
1. In the event that the responsible person refuses to accept certified or registered
mail or cannot be personally served, service may be made by substituted service.
In lieu of personal delivery of a copy of/the document, notice may be served by
leaving a copy during usual office hours at the person's usual place of business
with the individual who is apparently in charge, and by thereafter mailing by first-
class mail a copy of the notice t�Vihe person at the address where the copy of the
notice was left. Or, a document may be served by leaving a copy at the person's
dwelling or usual place of abode in the presence of a competent member of the
household, at least 18 years of age, and thereafter mailing by first-class mail a
copy of the notice to the person at the address where the copy was left.
2. In the event a personerefuses to accept certified or registered mail or cannot be
personally served or served by substituted service and has a property manager or
rental agency overseeing the premises, substituted service may be made as set
forth above, upon the property manager or rental agency.
3. If a persowlives out of state and will not accept certified or registered mail, then
service may be made by first-class mail.
17.10.080 Abat ment of Nuisance Related Activities or Condition. An activity,
v tY,
condition or prem,se(s) maintained as described herein is declared to be a public nuisance and
shall be abated b cessation of the activity, rehabilitation, demolition, removal,repair or other
appropriate re ,edy pursuant to the procedures set forth in this chapter.
17.10.090 Nuisance Designated. It is hereby declared a public nuisance, or an act in the
nature of yublic nuisance, for any person or party to cause, permit, abet or otherwise allow any
premises in this City to be used in such a manner that any one or more of the activities or
conditions described in the following subsections are found to occur thereon.
gAordinanc\nuisanc Ldoc 1/26/98 3
A. Any condition or activity which is a"nuisance' or a"public nuisance" as defined
in Sections 3479 and 3480 of the Civil Code of the State of California or which is specP`cally
declared to constitute a nuisance or public nuisance by any statute of the State of California or by
any ordinance of the City of Huntington Beach.
B. The violation of any provisions of the following Uniform Codes which have been
adopted, as amended, by the City of Huntington Beach:
1. Uniform Building Code;
2. Uniform Electrical Code;
3. Uniform Fire Code;
4. Uniform Housing Code;
5. Uniform Plumbing Code;
6. Uniform Alechanical Code.
C. The violation of any provision of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code, or the
Huntington Beach Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance Code.
D. Theo operation or maintenance off business trade or profession in violation of
p � Y � p
Title 5 of this Code.
E. The frequent gathering, 9coming and going, of people who have an intent to
purchase or use controlled substances on or at any premises in this City.
F. Participation in a criminal street an as proscribed b California Penal de
p gang p y Co
Section 186.22.
G. The making or continuing, or causing to be made or continued, of any loud,
unnecessary or unusual noise which disturbs the peace and quiet of the neighborhood or which
causes discomfort or annoyance to any reasonable person of normal sensitiveness residing in the
area.
H. The occurrence of criminal activity at any premises which threatens the life,
health, safety or welfare of the residents of the premises, neighbors or the public.
I. .uildin s which are abandoned boarded u partially destroyed or left
g � p� P Y Y
unreasonably ifn a state of partial construction.
J. Land, the topography or configuration of which, whether in a man-made state or
as a result/ofrading operations, excavation or fill, causes erosion, subsidence, or surface water
drainage,6problems of such magnitude as to be injurious to the public health, safety and welfare or
to adjacent properties;
K. The failure to secure and maintain from public access all doorways, windows and
other openings into vacant structures;
gAordinanc\nu isanc 1.doc 1/26/98 4
L. Overgrown vegetation on developed property which:
(1) Harbors rats, vermin, and other disease carriers; or
(2) Causes detriment to neighboring properties or property values; or
3 Causes a hazardous condition to pedestrian and/or vehicular traffic• or
( ) P � ,
M. Dead decayed, diseased or hazardous trees weeds and Zthe'r ve etation on
Yg
developed property which:
(1) Constitutes an unsightly appearance; or
(2) Creates danger to public safety and welfare; or
()) Is detrimental to nearby property or property values;
N Abandoned, broken, neglected machinery or equipment which poses a potential
hazard to the general public;
O. Unprotected or hazardous ex/vations, swimming pools, and ponds;
P. Broken or discarded furniture, household equipment and appliances on the
premises, visible from the street, which causes damage or is a detriment to neighboring
properties;
Q. Packing boxes, ,-umber, dirt and other trash or debris outside commercial and
industrial buildings which is visible from public streets and causes detriment to neighboring
properties;
R. Accumu"lation of dirt, litter or debris in doorways, adjoining sidewalks, parking
lots and landscaped areas;
S. Deeiorated parking lots which have of holes cracks and ridges;
P g P � ,
T. Fences in a state of disrepair or in a dilapidated condition.
U/ Premises including, but not limited to, building exteriors which are maintained in
such condition as to become so defective, unsightly or in such condition of deterioration�or
disrepair that the same causes diminution of the property values of surrounding property or is
materially detrimental to proximal properties and improvements. This includes, but is not
limited to, the keeping and disposing of or the scattering over the property or premises of any of
the following: (I) lumber,junk, trash or debris; (ii) abandoned or discarded or unused objects or
equipment such as automobiles, furniture, stoves, refrigerators, freezers, cans or containers; (iii)
gAordinanc\nuisancl.doc1/26/98 5
stagnant water or excavation(s); (iv) any device, decoration,design, fence, structure, clothesline
or vegetation which is unsightly by reason of its condition or inappropriate location or (v)
permitting or allowing any graffiti to remain on any building, wall fence or structure.
V. The use of any premises for the purpose of illegal gambling,/ wdness
assignation, or prostitution as proscribed by state law or this Code.
W. The maintenance, use, rental or lease of any premiseZor sub-unit thereof,
including single-family dwellings, where persons are allowed tofcongregate, gather or loiter in
such a manner as to disturb the peace of other persons laNvfully,on the property itself or lawfully
in the vicinity of the property.
X. The use of any premises for the purpose of unlawfully selling, serving, storing,
keeping, manufacturing or giving away any controlled/substance,precursor, or analog as those
terms are defined by state law.
Y. Noise disturbances in violation of Chapter 8.40 of this Code.
Z. Maintenance of or premises in such a manner as to cause substantial
properties
diminution of the enjoyment, use, or property values of adjacent properties.
17.10.1 0 Notification of Nuisance and Abatement Thereof
A. Whenever the Administrative Abatement Officer declares or finds that any
nuisance activity or conditioniebeing maintained or carried on at any premises in the City
contrary to the provisions o�this Chapter, the Administrative Abatement Officer shall give
written "Notice of Abatement"to any and all responsible persons or parties, whose names and
identities have been determined by the Adminstrative Abatement Officer after making reasonable
investigation and inquiry, setting forth a brief description of the activity or condition constituting
the nuisance and the sections of this chapter that are being violated.
B. The`Notice of Abatement shall include the following:
g
5 1. Set forth a reasonable time limit not to exceed thirty days for correcting or abating
the nuisance;
2. Suggested methods of correction or abatement and the fact that the City will take
steps to abate the nuisance if the'person fails to do so;
3. That administrative penalties and/or administrative costs will be assessed against
the responsible person in the event the nuisance activity or condition is not
corrected or abated within the time frame established by the notice for correcting
or abating the nuisance;
gAordinanc\nuisanc Ldoc 1/26/98 6
4. That the person or party served has the right to request a hearing as provided by
this Chapter;
5. That failure to make timely application for a hearing as provided for in this
section shall be deemed a conclusive admission that: 1) the nuisance activity or
condition described in the notification of nuisance does or did exist, 2) that the
person(s) to whom the notice was directed is in fact the person(s) responsible for
creating or maintaining the nuisance condition or activity and 3) that the time
specified in the notice for the correction or abatement of the nuisance is, in fact,
reasonable under the circumstances.
C. Except in the case of an emergency situation, herein the nuisance condition or
activity poses an immediate threat to the health, safety, or general welfare of the public, the time
permitted for correction or abatement shall be at least fifteen calendar days.
D. The Administrative Abatement Officer may grant an extension of time to abate a
nuisance if, in his/her opinion, good cause for an extension exists.
E. The person or party who has been served with notice pursuant to this section may,
within seven calendar days, make a written application to the Administrative Abatement Officer
for a hearing on the question of whether a nuisance activity or condition in fact exists; whether
the person to whom the notice wast/directed is responsible for the creation or maintenance of such
nuisance; and whether the Administrative Abatement Officer has provided sufficient time to
correct or abate the nuisance condition or activity.
F. Upon receiPotf a timely written application for hearing, the Administrative
Abatement Officer shall establish the date and time of the hearing and shall so notify the
applicant in writing. Failure to make timely application for a hearing as provided for in this
section shall be deemed a conclusive admission that: 1) the nuisance activity or condition
described in the notification of nuisance does or did exist, 2) that the person(s) to whom the
notice was directed is in fact the person(s) responsible for creating or maintaining the nuisance
condition or activity, and 3)that the time specified in the notice for the correction or abatement
of the nuisance is, in fact, reasonable under the circumstances.
G. The hearing provided for in this section shall be conducted by the Administrative
Abatement Officer. At the time stated in the notice of hearing, the Administrative Abatement
Officer shall hear and consider all relevant evidence, including, but not limited to, testimony
from th!e applicant, owners, City personnel, neighbors, witnesses or other interested parties, and
may consider staff reports or other written materials relative to the matter. The hearing may be
continued from time to time as appropriate and the strict rules of evidence shall not apply. Proof
of the existence of a nuisance condition or activity must be by a preponderance of the evidence
and the burden of proof on this issue is upon the City.
H. At the conclusion of the hearing, or in the case where no hearing has been
requested by a person or party served with this Notice of Abatement and the time for correcting
g:\ordinanc\nuisancl.doc1/26/98 7
or abating the nuisance as set forth in the Nature of Abatement has expired, the Administrative
Abatement Officer shall issue a compliance order confirming, amending or dismissing the Notice
of Abatement or he/she may extend the time for compliance. The decision of the Administrative
Abatement Officer shall be final and conclusive. Written notice of the Administrative
Abatement Officer's decision and findings shall be given to the person or party and said notice
shall state clearly and concisely the basis for the Administrative Abatement Officer's findings
with respect to the existence of the nuisance activity or condition. The"otice shall further state
that unless the person or party shall cause the abatement of the nuisance activity or condition,
pursuant to the notice, the nuisance shall be abated, if appropriateeby the City at the expense of
the person or party, and.that administrative penalties and/or costs will be assessed against the
person for non-compliance with the notice.
17.10.110 Notice of Administrative Penalty
A. After the time for abatement or corredtion has expired, the Administrative
Abatement Officer shall determine whether the person or party has taken the necessary
abatement or corrective action and whether the nuisance activity or condition has in fact been
abated.
B. If the Administrative Abatement Officer determines that the person has complied
with the "Notice of Abatement" or order and that the nuisance has been abated, the person shall
be notified in writing of such determination and the administrative action provided for herein
shall be suspended. If the Administrative Abatement Officer suspends the administrative action,
he/she may continue to monitor the premises or activity associated with it for a period not to
exceed eighteen months.
C. If the Administrative Abatement Officer determines that the person has failed to
comply with the initial abatement order or any expansion thereof or that the nuisance activity or
condition has recurred within eighteen months of the suspension of the case, the Administrative
Abatement Officer may impose, after a hearing conducted in the manner set forth in section
17.10.100(G), an administrative penalty and/or administrative costs as provided in this Chapter.
In the event administrative penalties or costs are imposed by the Administrative Abatement
Officer, the responsible person shall be notified in writing of the amount of the administrative
penalty imposed in accordance with the provisions set forth in this Chapter. The decision of the
Administratik Abatement Officer shall be final and conclusive.
D In addition to im osin administrative penalties or costs, the Administrative
P g
Abatement Officer may, after conducting the hearing described in section 17.10.110(C), issue
another order to correct or abate the nuisance condition or activity for the existence of any
nuisance which has not been abated, or which has recurred within the eighteen month period the
action was held in suspension.
gAordinanc\nuisancl.docl/26/98 8
17.10.120 Administrative Penalties
A. Administrative penalties imposed by the Administrative Abatement Officer are
not to exceed a maximum of two hundred fifty dollars per day for each on-going viola ion,
except that the total administrative penalty shall not exceed fifteen thousand dollars, xclusive of
any administrative costs, for any violation or related series of violations.
B. In determining the amount of administrative penalty, the Administrative
Abatement Officer shall take any or all of the following factors into consideration:
1. The duration of the violation;
2. The frequency, recurrence and number of violations, related or unrelated, by the
same violator;
3. The seriousness of the violation;
4. The good faith efforts of the violator to abate the nuisance or otherwise come into
compliance;
5. The economic impact of the penalty on the violator;
6. The impact of the violation on the community; and
7. Such other factors as justice may require.
C. Administrative penalties imposed shall accrue from the date specified in the
compliance order and shall cease to accrue on the date the violation is corrected as determined by
the Administrative Abatement Officer.
D. The Administrative Abatement Officer, in his/her discretion may end the
> Y suspend
imposition of applicable administrative penalties for any period or time during which;
3 1. The violator'has filed for necessary permits; and
2. Such peen its are required to achieve compliance; and
3. Suchr"ermit applications are activel pending before the City, state or other
�P PP Y P g Y
appropriate governmental agency.
17.10.130 Administrative Costs
If
A. (In addition to the imposition of administrative penalties, the Administrative
Abatement Officer may assess administrative costs against the person when it is determined that
a violation has occurred and that compliance has not been achieved within the time specified in
g:\ordinanc\nu isanc Ldoc 1/26/98 9
the initial compliance order or that a violation has recurred within eighteen months of t e
suspension of the case.
B. The administrative costs may include any and all actual costs incu ed by the City
in connection with the matter before the Administrative Abatement Officer incl ding, but not
limited to, costs of investigation, staffing costs or staffing overhead incurred ii preparation for
the hearing and for the hearing itself, and costs incurred for all inspections f reinspections
necessary to enforce the compliance order.
17.10.140 Abatement by Administrative Abatement Officer. the nuisance related
condition or activity is not completely abated in the manner and whin the time set forth in the
"Notice of Abatement" or order of the Administrative Abatement�Officer, then the
Administrative Abatement Officer, in addition to the imposition. of administrative costs or
penalties, may cause the nuisance to be abated by City emplo�ees or a private contractor. The
costs of the abatement shall be assessed to the responZnd
//arty and shall reflect the actual cost
incurred by the City in effecting the abatement.
17.10.150 Record of Administrative Penaltiesosts• Cost of Abatement•
Hearin
A. The Administrative Abatement Officer shall keep an itemized account of any
administrative penalty or administrative cost ssessed as well as the cost incurred by the City in
abating .nuisance. The Administrative A•atement Officer shall also give written notice to the
responsible party or parties of any such penalty or costs assessed, together with a notice of time
and place when a hearing will be held�y a hearing officer appointed by the City Administrator to
determine the appropriateness of the penalties and/or costs assessed.
B. At the time fixed or the hearing concerning the appropriateness of the penalties
and/or costs assessed, the heari g officer shall hear and consider all relevant evidence, including,
but not limited to, testimonyrfrom the person assessed, City personnel or other interested parties,
and may consider staff reprts.or other written materials relative to the matter. Proof of the
appropriateness of the costs or penalties assessed must be by a preponderance of the evidence
and the City shall have he burden of proof on this issue. At the conclusion of the hearing, the
hearing officer shallonfirm, revise, correct or modify the amount of the penalties or costs
assessed. The deciion of the hearing officer shall be final and conclusive, and the responsible
party or parties all be notified in writing of the hearing officer's determination.
17.10.160 /Expenses and Administrative-Penalties and Costs Shall be a Lien Against the
Pro er . If/he responsible party does not pay the administrative penalties, administrative costs
or the expe7se of abating the nuisance within ten days after the hearing officer confirms the
administrative penalty, administrative costs or costs of abatement, the costs and penalties shall
become a lien against the real property upon which the nuisance was abated. The lien shall
continue until it is paid, together with interest at the legal rate per year computed from the date of
confirmation of the costs or penalties until payment. The lien may be collected at the same time
and in the same manner as ordinary municipal taxes are collected, and shall be subject to the
gAordinanc\nuisancl.doc1/26/98 10
same penalties and the salve procedures and sale in case of delinquency as provided for ordinary
municipal taxes. All acts applicable to levy, collection and enforcement of municipal taxes apply
to this lien.
17.10.170 Notice of Lien. The City shall file in the office of the county recorder of Orange
County, California, a certificate substantially in the following form:
NOTICE OF LIEN
Under the authority of Government Code Sections 38773.5 and/53069.4,
as well as Chapter 17.10 of the Huntington Beach Municipals Code, the
City of Huntington Beach did on , 19_, abate a nuisance upon
the real property hereafter described and also on / , 19_, did
impose the cost of the abatement and administrative costs and penalties
upon the real property. The City of Huntington Beach claims a lien for
costs/charges on the real property for the expense of doing the work in
the amount of $ and for the amount of $ for administrative
costs and $ for administrative penalti-s, for a total amount of
$ This amount is a lien against the real property until it is paid,
with interest at the legal rate per year from , 19_ (insert date of
confirmation of statement), and discharged and recorded. The real
property referred to above, and upoy which the lien is claimed is that
certain parcel of land situated within the City of Huntington Beach,
County of Orange, State of California, commonly known as
more particularly described
as follows:
Dated: ,�19_.
City of Huntington Bleach
By:
f
17.10.180 Alternative Method of Collection. Administrative penalties, administrative
costs and the cost of abatement incurred by the City are a personal debt and obligation owed to
the City and, in, dition to any other means of enforcement, the City Attorney is authorized to
bring an action/on_behalf of the City against the responsible party or parties for collection of
administrati re penalties, administrative costs or for the collection of the expense of abatement in
any court of competent jurisdiction.
17.10.190 Right of Judicial Review. A person contesting a final administrative order or
decision of the Administrative Abatement Officer regarding the imposition, enforcement or
collection of the administrative fines or penalties provided for in this chapter may, within twenty
days after service of the final administrative order or decision, seek review by filing an appeal to
gAordinanc\nuisancl.doc1/26/98 11
be heard by the municipal court in accordance with the provisions and procedures e ablished by
California Government Code Section 53069.4.
17.10.200 Violations.
A. The owner or other person having charge or control of an such buildings or
premises who maintains any public nuisance defined in this chapter, or who violates any notice
of abatement served as provided in section 17.10.100, is guilty of a,MISDEMEANOR.
B. An occupant or lessee in possession of an such bidildin or structure who fails
Y p p Y , g
to vacate said building or structure in accordance with a notice given as provided in this chapter
is guilty of a MISDEMEANOR.
C. Any person who obstructs, impedes or interferes with any representative of the
City Council or with any representative of a City department or with any person who owns or
holds any estate or interest in a building which has b/n ordered to be vacated, repaired,
rehabilitated, or demolished or with any person to whom any such building has been lawfully
sold pursuant to the provisions of this chapter w�en any of the aforementioned individuals are
lawfully engaged in proceedings involvzhe
abatement of a nuisance is guilty of a
MISDEMEANOR.
17.10.210 Alternatives. Nothing iregoing sections shall prevent the City Attorney
from commencing a civil or criminal proceeding to abate a public nuisance under applicable
provisions of the California Civil Code or Penal Code as an alternative to the proceedings set
forth herein.
SECTION 3. This ordinance shall take effect 30 days after its adoption.
PASSED AND AD;O/P/TED by the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach at a
regular meeting held thereof on the day of , 1998.
ATTEST: Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Clerk
t
REVIEWED AND APPROVED ' �_9f ity Attorney g
INIT AND AP VIED:
City AddAnistrator
re or of Comm nity ffevelop
gAordinanc\nuisanc Ldoc 1/26/98 12
RCA ROUTING SHEET
INITIATING DEPARTMENT: Community Development Department
SUBJECT: ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 98-1/ORDINANCE NO.
A REQUEST TO REPLACE CHAPTER NO. 17.10 OF
THE HUNTINGTON BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE
PERTAINING TO PROPERTY MAINTENANCE AND
ADDING CHAPTER 17.10 TO BE DESIGNATED AS THE
HUNTINGTON BEACH NUISANCE CODE
COUNCIL MEETING DATE: February 2, 1998
RCA ATTACHMENTS STATUS
Ordinance (w/exhibits & legislative draft if applicable) Attached
Resolution (w/exhibits & legislative draft if applicable) Not Applicable
Tract Map, Location Map and/or other Exhibits Not Applicable
Contract/Agreement (w/exhibits if applicable)
(Signed in full by the City Attorney) Not Applicable
Subleases, Third Party Agreements, etc.
(Approved as to form by City Attorney) Not Applicable
Certificates of Insurance (Approved by the City Attorney) Not Applicable
Financial Impact Statement (Unbudget, over $5,000) Not Applicable
Bonds (If applicable) Not Applicable
Staff Report (If applicable) Not Applicable
Commission, Board or Committee Report (If applicable). Not Applicable
Findings/Conditions for Approval and/or Denial Not Applicable
EXPLANATION FOR MISS ING;;ATTACHMENTS.
REVIEWED RETURNED FORW DED
Administrative Staff ( ) ( )
Assistant City Administrator (Initial) ( ) ( )
City Administrator (Initial)
City Clerk ( )
;EXPLANATION FOR;RETURN OF ITEM.,,,.. .
<;
Only)(Below Space For City Clerk's Use