Housing Standards
Code Enforcement Raises the Bar
In 2002, FMC Section 9-901, the Management of Real Property Ordinance was modified, giving Code Enforcement additional tools to assist in gaining compliance on properties with chronic repeat violations. Code’s Housing Standards Team was formulated and continues to improve the health and safety of multi-family residences where property owners continually defer maintenance on their apartment complexes; resulting in unsafe housing. The Team can respond to numerous code, public nuisance, and zoning violations on the same property with better enforcement results.
How does the Team get cases to investigate?
Cases come to the Team in a variety of ways. Most often, another Code Inspector will refer a specific problem property with a history of housing code violations. Cases can also come through complaints filed by tenants, tenant advocate groups, or from the Fresno PD. While it is never a forgone conclusion that 6 properties turned in will become active cases; it is often an indicator that the properties are at least worth a look at by the Team.
How are typical problems handled by the Housing Code?
Some typical problems dealt with include loose, unsafe landings and guardrails, as well as electrical problems. Also typical, are missing smoke detectors, unsanitary kitchens, missing main support components, or those that have been removed from bearing walls and roof loads.
The Team has been successful with the majority of property owners in bringing their properties into the minimum standard of compliance. There have also been a few amazing ground-to-roof total restorations.