HomeMy WebLinkAbout(2011, 09/27) - K-9 - AmendedCODE ENFORCEMENT
Purpose
K-9
The City of Newport Beach devotes substantial resources to the enforcement of its
Ordinances. The City's Ordinances are intended to protect and preserve public health
and safety, the charm of our residential neighborhoods, and the overall quality of life
enjoyed by Newport Beach residents. The City Council understands the importance of
enforcing our Ordinances and is committed to doing so. However, enforcement of
these Ordinances affects the rights of citizens who are the subject of complaints or
enforcement actions. Accordingly, the City Council directs that all code enforcement
activity shall be conducted in accordance with the following:
A. The City may initiate a formal code enforcement action based on any of the
following:
An enforcement officer's observation;
A written complaint;
A complaint from an individual that an enforcement officer deems
reliable.
B. Requests for inspections of private property not open to the general public or not
visible from adjoining public or private property shall not be made unless there
is sufficient evidence to support the issuance of an inspection warrant for the
property that is the subject of the request;
C. Written code enforcement complaints shall identify the complainant, specific
facts, acts, or events and occurrences which establish the violation and describe
any documentation which would establish a violation or is otherwise required by
law;
D. The City considers code enforcement complaints to be confidential. The City will
use its best efforts to preserve the confidentiality of any complaint with the
understanding that the City will be required to disclose the identity of the
complainant to the extent required by law;
E. All code enforcement activities, including investigative property inspections,
requests for consent to inspect, and related activities shall be conducted such that
the civil rights of the individual or individuals who are the subject of the
investigation are fully protected;
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K-9
F. The City Council believes that nuisance -type violations (such as noise, trash
violations, fire hazards, unlawful encroachments, unruly conduct, and more) and
Building Code violations like illegal construction and illegal dwelling units
significantly and adversely impact a neighborhood's ability to quietly enjoy their
community. As such, Code Enforcement Officers are encouraged to pursue
violations aggressively with limited grace periods for compliance, limited use of
authorization of additional time after a grace period closes, and full and prompt
use of the Newport Beach Municipal Code's monetary fine and civil and criminal
penalty authorizations; and
G. The provisions of this Policy do not apply to inspections of property requested
by the owner or to inspections conducted by the Building Division - personnel
pursuant to construction being conducted, which is authorized, pursuant to an
active permit issued by the Building Division -.
History
Adopted K-9 - 6-26-1995
Amended K-9 -10-10-2006
Amended K-9 - 7-10-2007
Amended K-9 - 9-27-2011
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