I have a neighbor … in El Centro (whose yard) is infested with junk. This has been an ongoing problem with this neighbor. This neighbor collects and displays things such as a toilet, a refrigerator and broken furniture. It’s unbelievable the condition this couple lives in, not to mention children also occupy the home. In the past, I have called the Police Department, the Fire Department and the health department and to no avail. Not one of these agencies can provide assistance in requiring this family to correct this hazardous environment. Several years ago, I attempted to sell my home. Unfortunately for me, buyers not only look at the quality of the home they are interested in but they also take notice at the property surrounding the home. Hence, my home does not attract buyers. I kindly request some direction as to which agency governs this and does not give me the run around. — Unhappy neighbor, El Centro
While we allow that one man’s trash can be another’s treasure, it truly is a shame that one neighbor’s treasure/refuse-strewn lawn may have contributed to this Probe writer’s inability to sell their home. Likewise, the frustration at being given the runaround by various agencies is something Probe can relate to, too.
That said, the agency that should have been contacted first to rectify such a problem is the city’s Building and Safety department, which oversees code enforcement. The code enforcement division’s Web site also has a code enforcement service request available that a person can fill out anonymously in order to have code enforcement personnel investigate whether any city codes are being violated.
Once a complaint is received, investigators may visit the property in question that same day or the following day, said Bob Williams, building official for the city of El Centro. If enforcement officers determine city codes are being violated, they will initiate one of two processes in order to prompt the property owner into compliance, Williams said.
When violations do occur, property owners are given a timeline by which improvements must be made, although extensions are given when progress is observed by code enforcement officers, Williams said.
Property owners who fail to respond to code enforcement mandates to comply can either face a citation or be given a notice to appear in superior court, Williams said. An administrative citation is a misdemeanor and can carry jail time as well as a $1,000 fine per violation per day, Williams said.
Also, failure to respond to a second notice expedites the process by which disciplinary action can be taken, Williams said. Code enforcement officers will stay with the case until it is resolved.
While we allow that one man’s trash can be another’s treasure, it truly is a shame that one neighbor’s treasure/refuse-strewn lawn may have contributed to this Probe writer’s inability to sell their home. Likewise, the frustration at being given the runaround by various agencies is something Probe can relate to, too.
That said, the agency that should have been contacted first to rectify such a problem is the city’s Building and Safety department, which oversees code enforcement. The code enforcement division’s Web site also has a code enforcement service request available that a person can fill out anonymously in order to have code enforcement personnel investigate whether any city codes are being violated.
Once a complaint is received, investigators may visit the property in question that same day or the following day, said Bob Williams, building official for the city of El Centro. If enforcement officers determine city codes are being violated, they will initiate one of two processes in order to prompt the property owner into compliance, Williams said.
When violations do occur, property owners are given a timeline by which improvements must be made, although extensions are given when progress is observed by code enforcement officers, Williams said.
Property owners who fail to respond to code enforcement mandates to comply can either face a citation or be given a notice to appear in superior court, Williams said. An administrative citation is a misdemeanor and can carry jail time as well as a $1,000 fine per violation per day, Williams said.
Also, failure to respond to a second notice expedites the process by which disciplinary action can be taken, Williams said. Code enforcement officers will stay with the case until it is resolved.
