Council orders expedited review of citywide code-enforcement processes after months of delay

The Los Angeles City Council on Sept. 17 directed staff to return quickly with a consolidated analysis of the city’s code enforcement authorities and processes after members described the current system as confusing and duplicative. The motion was presented by Councilmember McCosker and recorded as approved with a 13-0 roll call.

McCosker told the council the originally requested analysis had been pending for 18 months and called the delay “a disservice to the public” and “a misuse of our resources.” He urged staff to return “in 7 days” with the file and recommendations so the council could craft a citywide solution rather than handle nuisance properties on a case-by-case basis.

Councilmember Raman spoke in support, saying code-enforcement failures can create significant public-safety risks for neighbors and are often solvable with consistent procedures. Raman said a streamlined approach would save staff time and avoid the repeated “one-off” motions that currently arise.

The motion asks staff to analyze code-enforcement language in multiple places in the municipal and administrative codes and in departmental policies, and to recommend a harmonized approach for nuisance properties and related enforcement. McCosker referenced different processes found “in CNAAP or in ACE or in the public works provisions of the code” and said councils and departments should not be “reinventing the wheel every single time.”

The council approved the motion by roll call, 13 ayes, directing staff to return with the requested analysis and implementation recommendations.