Modifying Code Enforcement to Strengthen Enforcement Tools, Improve Compliance, and Enhance Public Safety

Release Date: 2026-01-20

Item 27:  Modifying Code Enforcement to Strengthen Enforcement Tools, Improve Compliance, and Enhance Public Safety

On January 20 Councilmember Zendejas voted to approve Item 24, an item brought back by Community Development Staff in direct response to a 2024 item she authored.

The 2024 item called for an enhanced code enforcement ordinance to close loopholes that allowed for repeat nuisance properties, vacant lots, and storefronts that posed serious public safety hazards. You can find that item linked here. The 2024 item intended to create a strategy that balanced the encouragement of property development, with the preservation of neighborhood quality, by combining both incentives and enforcement. The item passed unanimously and had various letters of support from neighborhood and business groups.  

Item 27 passed unanimously on January 20 and included several new mechanisms to compel property owners to take care of their vacant or abandoned storefronts and lots enhancing public safety.

The measures included:

• Adding a re-inspection fee related to non-compliance
• Mandating more security-focused fencing 
• Required enrollment in No Trespassing Program for vacant lots
• Removing and Streamlining parts of the appeals process
• Stricter penalties that must be addressed before a property can be sold
• Allowing building and health officials to make emergency abatement orders

You can view the full item here.