Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Code Enforcement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves first reading of code enforcement ordinance updates to clarify procedures and remove deposit requirement
Summary
Council approved first reading amendments to Chapter 1.13 to add definitions, standardize use of working days, remove a deposit requirement for hearing requests and allow flexible correction timelines for non‑life‑safety violations; council voted 4–0.
The Visalia City Council approved the first reading of updates to the city’s code enforcement ordinance (Chapter 1.13) that staff said streamline procedures and make processes more resident‑friendly.
Tracy Robert Shaw of Neighborhood Preservation told the council the revisions add missing definitions (administrative citation, responsible party, violation), replace inconsistent references to 'calendar days' with 'working days' to reflect current practice, remove a deposit requirement for requesting a hearing, and eliminate a blanket 10‑day correction rule in favor of variable timelines tied to the severity of the violation. Shaw said life‑safety issues (for example, a broken sewer line) would still require immediate remediation, while more complex matters that require permits would be given additional time.
The council generally praised the changes as clearer and fairer to residents. A motion to approve the staff‑recommended ordinance amendments passed 4–0 with Councilmember Nelson absent. Staff said the amendments also correct typographical errors in state code citations and add reference language to the relevant California Government Code section to clarify appeal timelines.
The item was approved on first reading; staff noted that if the council proceeds the second reading and adoption will follow the standard ordinance process.
