(1)AR 051909 Distressed Properties

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ITEM #1 CITY OF COLTON AGENDA REPORT FOR COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 19, 2009 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: Chief Bob Miller, Colton Police Department SUBJECT: Amendment of Title 8 of the Colton Municipal Code to Require Registration, Maintenance and Security of Abandoned and Distressed Properties. DATE: BACKGROUND: May 19, 2009 Over the past several years, the City has witnessed the growing presence of vacant and abandoned properties in its neighborhoods. The presence of these properties can discourage potential buyers from purchasing a property adjacent to or in neighborhoods with vacant, abandoned buildings, leading to the devaluation and decline of entire neighborhoods. In order to protect the character of neighborhoods surrounding these abandoned properties, the City has been forced to incur significant costs in the form of City staff time for code enforcement actions seeking to maintain or enhance the condition of abandoned properties. Through its code enforcement efforts, the City has discovered properties are the responsibility of out of area or out of state adequately maintain and secure the properties due, in some from the property. DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS: that many vacant or abandoned lenders and trustees who fail to part, to their geographic distance To combat these issues, staff and the City Attorney's office have prepared a proposed ordinance which seeks to amend the City of Colton Municipal Code to establish uniform and reasonable regulations to prevent the detrimental effects associated with abandoned properties. In order to accomplish this goal, the proposed ordinance establishes an abandoned and distressed property registration program that requires adequate maintenance and security of abandoned residential properties. This program has several key features. First, any Beneficiary or Trustee on a Deed of Trust on abandoned property, as defined by the ordinance, must register their ownership with the Colton Police Department. They then must pay a registration fee to the City of Colton each calendar year. These fee amounts will be contained in a proposed resolution and are subject to increase by the City Council. The fees are intended to cover the City's costs in operating this abandoned property program. Furthermore, the Beneficiary and Trustee of such property must also hire a local property management company to inspect and maintain the property. Finally, along with ON TARIO\RHERMANO W ICZ\303 755.5