Vallejo resident says code-enforcement liens stalled home loan, asks board to accept appeal

Vincent Chang told the Vallejo Code Enforcement Appeals Board during public comment that liens tied to alleged code violations on a lot at 225 Mississippi Street are blocking a $400,000 construction loan for a home he plans to build.

"I got these, liens on the property. The loan is being held up because of the liens," Chang said, adding that he had cleaned the property using a private contractor and that he believed he had complied with the cleanup order.

Chang said he learned about the liens only after receiving a title report and that he had tried to file for an appeals hearing but was told he had missed the 30-day appeal window. He said he had paid some fees and had received partial refunds in one instance but that several late notices, lien release fees and outstanding balances remained.

Staff responded that they would accept Chang's contact information and paperwork, and offered to set up a meeting to review the situation. A staff member said, "If you leave me your phone number and email, whatever is convenient with you, we could set up a meeting to talk to me about whatever the situation is." The code enforcement acting manager was also referenced as able to assist in follow-up.

The board did not take formal action on the comment; staff indicated they would take Chang's paperwork and follow up outside the meeting to pursue a potential appeals review or administrative resolution.