Perris Municipal Code Ch. 9.44 Zero Tolerance Zones; Vacant Homes; Arson or Vandalizing

There are created zero tolerance zones within the city whereby vandalizing and setting fires to vacant homes shall not be tolerated. Methodology to eradicate quality of life crimes shall include, but is not limited to, immediate board-up of vacant houses, increased police patrols and citizens on patrol, citations for property maintenance, prosecution for illegal receipt of utilities and city posting of all vacant properties and follow-up.

(Code 1972, § 9.44.010; Ord. No. 1067, § 1, 1999)

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Zero tolerance zone is defined as, but not limited to, small lot development, ten percent or more vacancy rate, reports of repeated acts of vandalism, fire and trespass, areas with a high degree of property maintenance violations, and areas, upon considering such factors, present the severest problem area in the city as determined by the team. The team shall utilize creditable statistics to determine a zero tolerance zone.

(Code 1972, § 9.44.020; Ord. No. 1067, § 6, 1999)

(a) The city shall post a "Notice of Vacancy" and "No Trespass" on all vacant properties. Such properties appear on a list generated by HUD.

(b) Law enforcement, code enforcement and fire officials shall have access to the list on a daily basis.

(Code 1972, § 9.44.030; Ord. No. 1067, §§ 3, 4, 1999)

(a) Any person who trespasses upon private property that they know, or have reason to know, is vacant, abandoned, or the subject of foreclosure is guilty of an infraction.

(b) Any person observed removing a city sign shall be guilty of an infraction.

(Code 1972, § 9.44.040; Ord. No. 1067, §§ 2, 5, 1999)