Inyo County Municipal Code Ch. 22.04 Purpose and Administration

This title shall be known as the Inyo County Code Enforcement Ordinance.

(Ord. 1270 § 3, 2021)

This title applies generally to all real and personal property within Inyo County ("the county") and to all Inyo County Code provisions regulating the use thereof.

A. This title is established pursuant to Government Code Section 25845 to abate nuisances within the county, as well as other violations of the Inyo County Code delineated herein.

B. It is the intent of the board of supervisors to delegate to the county administrator the powers and duties it has under Government Code Section 25845, as allowed by Section 25845(h) and (i) for the abatement of nuisances.

C. This title supplements other enforcement provisions of this code whether delineated specifically or not, but this title does not limit any code provision empowering a department head charged with enforcing this code to use in his or her discretion any relevant provision identified in the code which favors more stringent measures of enforcement including, without limitation, procedures allowing for summary abatement, imposition and level of penalties, and otherwise.

D. Every owner or occupant of real and personal property within the county is required to maintain such property in accordance with the provisions of the code and any applicable state or federal laws or regulations, and such owner shall be liable for violations of the code regardless of any contract or agreement that the owner might have with a third party regarding the property.

(Ord. 1270 § 3, 2021)

Whenever reference is made to any portion of this title, the reference applies to this title as adopted and any subsequent amendments or additions.

(Ord. 1270 § 3, 2021)

The remedies provided in this title are cumulative, and shall be in addition to any other remedies provided by law. Nothing in this title shall be deemed to prevent the county from commencing any other available civil or criminal proceeding to abate a nuisance under applicable provisions of state or other law.

(Ord. 1270 § 3, 2021)

The board finds that the enforcement of the code and applicable state codes within the county is an important public service, critical to the protection of the public health, the improvement of the quality of life in the community, enhancement of public safety and the general welfare of the citizens. The board further finds that a comprehensive code enforcement system that uses a combination of administrative and judicial remedies will substantially facilitate compliance with the code. Thus, the board adopts this title to:

A. Provide a comprehensive method for the identification and abatement of certain nuisances within the county as delineated in the Inyo County Code, and state statutes and regulations and to impose any costs of abatement against the owners of the offending properties as a personal obligation and/or as a lien against real property.

B. Provide for the protection and the general welfare of the general public and of residents within the vicinity of properties or conditions constituting public nuisances of a continuing nature or with enduring or long-lasting effects to the public health, public safety, public peace, public comfort or public convenience, or property within the community whether proscribed by statute, ordinance or not.

C. Provide the citizens of the county with attractive communities consistent with the residents' values and, thereby, protect property values.

D. Allow the citizens of the county to actively participate in the community enhancement process.

(Ord. 1270 § 3, 2021)