Chapter 15.24 — UNIFORM HOUSING CODE

Note— Prior history: Contra Costa County Code §§ 712-2.002—712-4.012.

The City Council finds that from time to time dwellings in the city become undesirable for habitation because they are substandard in one or more important features of structure, equipment, maintenance and occupancy; that without enactment and enforcement of a housing code, these substandard conditions would worsen; and that the deficiencies would impair the public health, safety and welfare, contribute to overcrowding and other unsafe and harmful living conditions, discourage the best use of land, and hinder civic improvement. (Ord. 00-03 § 3 (part); Ord. No. 20-03, § 10(App. A), 2-18-20)

The Uniform Housing Code (UHC), 1997 edition, as amended by the California Building Standards Commission, published by the International Conference of Building Officials, is adopted by reference with

the changes, additions and deletions and amendments, set forth in this chapter. Three copies of the UHC are now on file in the office of the City Clerk for use and examination by the public. (Ord. 00-03 § 3 (part); Ord. No. 20-03, § 10(App. A), 2-18-20)

The UHC adopted by reference in Section 15.24.020, shall be effective in the city with the modifications set forth in this chapter. (Ord. 00-03 § 3 (part); Ord. No. 20-03, § 10(App. A), 2-18-20)

Section 202 is amended to read as follows:  Section 202. All buildings or portions which are determined to be substandard as defined in this code are declared to be public nuisances and may be abated by repair, rehabilitation, demolition or removal in accordance with the procedure specified in Article 6 (Actions and Proceedings) of Subchapter 1 (State Housing Law Regulations) of Chapter 1 of Part 1 of Title 25 (Housing and Community Development) of the California Administrative Code (25 C.A.C. §§ 48 ff.); or pursuant to the Uniform Nuisance Abatement Procedure in Chapter 1.12 of this Code; however, interest accruing on any unpaid abatement expense pursuant to 25 C.A.C. § 70(b) shall be at the rate of seven percent (7%) per annum, provided notice of such interest is given in the notice of lien filed with the county recorder. (Ord. 00-03 § 3 (part); Ord. No. 20-03, § 10(App. A), 2-18-20)

Section 203 (Housing Advisory and Appeals Board) shall be deleted and amended to refer the appellant to Title 1 on matters of appeal of interpretation and enforcement of the provisions of this code. (Ord. 00-03 § 3 (part); Ord. No. 20-03, § 10(App. A), 2-18-20)

Section 401 is amended to include the following additional and modified definitions: (1) Occupant means the person having the right to occupy or occupying a place of habitation. (2) Owner means any person who severally or jointly with others, holds legal or equitable title to any residential building or property. (3) "State Housing Act" shall mean Division 13, Part 1.5, titled "State Housing Law and Building Regulations," of the Health and Safety Code of the State of California.

(Ord. 00-03 § 3 (part); Ord. No. 20-03, § 10(App. A), 2-18-20)

Chapter 11, except for Sections 1101.1, 1103, 1104, and 1104.2, is deleted. Chapters 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 are deleted. Matters of appeal and enforcement are as set forth in Title 1 of this code. (Ord. 00-03 § 3 (part); Ord. No. 20-03, § 10(App. A), 2-18-20)

For the purpose of enforcing those portions of the State Housing Law (Health and Safety Code §§ 17910 et seq.) adopted by this code, the Building Inspection Department is also the Housing Department for Contra Costa County. Any violation of such adopted portions of the State Housing Law is a public nuisance, and may be abated pursuant to Chapter 1.12 of this code or pursuant to any other remedy available under this code or applicable law or regulation. (Ord. 00-03 § 3 (part); Ord. No. 20-03, § 10(App. A), 2-18-20)