County to review code enforcement procedures to streamline compliance

Input sought to make process easier to mandate code compliance

The Inyo County Board of Supervisors at its regular meeting today is scheduled to hear a presentation on updates to county code enforcement procedures and priorities.

Title 22 of the Inyo County code deals with the procedures for abating nuisances that exist within the county, including properties with excessive trash/junk, zoning violations, or any other conditions that threaten the general health and welfare of Inyo County residents, according to the county.

County staff notes that under the current version of Title 22, after the code enforcement officer identifies a nuisance or other violation of the Inyo County code, he must provide the property owner with a series of four notices spaced over a period of approximately four to five months before the code enforcement officer can take any action to abate nuisances that a property owner refuses to correct.

“Thankfully, most Inyo County residents take pride in their property and will readily resolve any issues that the code enforcement officer brings to their attention,” according to county staff.

However, for the property owners who refuse to fix the issues raised by the code enforcement officer, the lengthy process that exists in the current version of Title 22 makes it difficult and labor-intensive for the code enforcement officer to mandate compliance. Therefore, the code enforcement officer would like input from supervisors on how to streamline the Title 22 process to make it easier to mandate compliance in situations where the property owner refuses to remedy the violations.

In conjunction with county counsel, the code enforcement officer has prepared some suggested updates to the Title 22 process Additionally, the code enforcement officer would like input from supervisors on enforcement priorities.

The code enforcement officer is a fairly new position within Inyo county, and county administration would appreciate guidance from supervisors on how the code enforcement officer should focus his time and energy.

The Inyo County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to meet in regular session at 10 a.m. today. To view and participate, go to www.inyocounty.us and click on “Board Meeting.” For a complete agenda for today’s meeting, click on “Agendas and Minutes.”

Recycling and waste management

County recycling and solid waste staff also are scheduled to present to supervisors a short overview of landfill operations, including an explanation of required program equipment.

Then staff will provide a detailed equipment replacement schedule,

along with a proposal for funding the plan without incurring unnecessary debt.

The Inyo County landfill operations are completely dependent on heavy equipment that is expensive to replace and must meet California Air Resource Board compliance requirements.

An equipment replacement plan that is carefully executed and annually updated, will give the county more opportunities to take advantage of the best prices and financing options, county staff notes. Additionally, staff will have the data at their fingertips to do targeted searches for grants and other funding sources, thereby saving the county money over time. Without a plan and the financial means to replace equipment when the useful life ends, the county will be forced to make emergency purchases, creating work stoppages and losing leverage to get the best financial deals.