CLEARLAKE >> Clearlake approved 12 nuisance abatement cases totaling $55,000 in administrative penalties. The city council approved each case by a unanimous vote.
Several property owners and tenants were present at last week’s meeting to protest their cases, citing personal and financial burdens. However, every nuisance abatement notification was originally posted on their properties in November of 2013. The council denied the each request, determining that property owners had multiple chances to appeal or protest the abatements and fees since originally notified.
The code enforcement program was discontinued six years ago because of a lack of funding. It was reinstated in September of last year.
In March, the city held its first nuisance abatement hearings, after six years of little to no code enforcement activity because of budget constraints. During that round of hearings, seven cases assessments totaling $32,5000 were approved by the council.
There are two distinct procedures taken by the city to enforce code. The first procedure includes notifying and citing property owners. It is during this stage that an appeal can first be submitted. The second stage involves penalty and fines.
If no appeal has been received, the city can enforce the abatement and place a lien on the property.
Vehicles can be considered public nuisance if they are abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperable and are located on either public or private property.
Public outreach and education is key to the abatement of vehicles, Clearlake City Manager Joan Phillipe said.
Volunteers and code enforcement staff will distribute informational pamphlets regarding the issue, with the hope that voluntary compliance will be the result, Phillipe continued.
Contact J. W. Burch, IV at 900-2022.
