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Council delays assessments, grants waivers and extensions for nuisance abatement liens
Summary
After a public hearing on unpaid code‑enforcement charges totalling $440,754.57 covering 112 properties, the council approved waivers, held cases open for others and granted extensions so property owners can comply before charges are placed on the county tax roll.
The City of Desert Hot Springs on July 7 reviewed a code‑enforcement collections report showing 112 property owners owed a combined $440,754.57 in administrative citations and abatement costs assessed between May 1, 2025, and April 30, 2026. Code Compliance Manager Emily Granadas (S23) told the council staff had sent required certified notices and would submit unpaid costs to the Riverside County treasurer-tax collector for placement on the 2025–26 property tax roll if balances were not resolved.
Numerous property owners and residents spoke during the public hearing. Resident Joshua Hendrick (S12) pressed the council to delay acceptance of notices of completion and final payment on public projects until testing and documentation are complete; he also asked for documentation of change-order approvals. Investor Ojo Wadia (S21) and property manager Ashley Valenzuela (S26) described difficulty receiving timely notice, the effect of liens on mortgages and efforts to bring properties into compliance. Several speakers asked for waivers or additional time to submit plans and corrections.
After staff described case-by-case status and recommended outcomes for individual properties, Mayor Mattis recommended targeted waivers and 180‑day extensions for properties where corrective work is in progress; for other cases staff said the cases would remain open but not be assessed to the tax roll before the August 10 deadline if owners complied. Council moved, seconded and unanimously approved the recommended waivers and extensions and directed staff and the deputy city manager to meet with affected property owners to explain next steps.
Key figures and process: staff reported 112 property owners had outstanding balances totaling $440,754.57; property owners will have the opportunity to pay outstanding balances without additional penalty through August 10, 2026; council action granted case-specific waivers and extensions rather than a blanket assessment.
What happens next: staff will meet with property owners listed for waivers or extensions; if property owners fail to comply by the deadline, staff will return with next steps for tax‑roll placement.
