Chapter 26 — RENTAL DWELLING UNITS-LICENSE APPLICATION FEE WAIVER

Section

• 41.2601 Findings and Declarations.
• 41.2602 Definitions and Scope.
• 41.2603 Rental Dwelling Unit License Application Fee Waiver.
• 41.2604 Severability.

(a) The Board of Supervisors finds and declares as follows: (1) That participation by owners of rental dwelling units and participation by their on-site or off-site managers in the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program, as sponsored by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, substantially reduces the risk of substandard and unsanitary conditions that render residential buildings and dwelling units unfit or unsafe for human occupancy and habitation, and jeopardize the health, safety and welfare of their occupants and of the public. (2) That the training provided to owners and managers through the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program covers the eviction process, the Crime Free Lease Addendum (whereby criminal activity committed by renters; other members of their household; and their guests on the rented premises constitute a material breach of the rental agreement and, therefore, an independent basis for eviction), fair tenant screening procedures, the legal rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords, improving working relationship with law enforcement, and reducing the property's suitability for criminal conduct by identifying the physical or environmental features that invite criminal activity (e.g., inadequate lighting, lack of fencing, fencing that reduces or impairs visibility; overabundance of vegetation that creates hiding spaces or concealed routes of access to or escape from the property).

(3) That participation by owners of rental dwelling units and participation by their on-site or off-site managers in a Crime Free Multi-Housing Program substantially reduces the likelihood of such properties becoming blighted or promoting an environment conducive to criminal and nuisance activity, and actually reduces the occurrence of crime and calls for service. As a result, there is an improvement in the quality of life for the tenants of such properties, their neighborhoods, and the community as a whole. (b) For these reasons it is hereby declared to be the policy of the County of San Bernardino: (1) That it is in the public interest of the people of the County of San Bernardino to encourage owners of rental dwelling units, as well as their managers, to participate and continue to participate in the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program, as sponsored by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department; and (2) That it is appropriate to encourage participation in the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program by waiving the application fee for the rental dwelling license required of owners of rental dwelling units under Chapter 25 of this Division, in that the waiver of the fee serves the public purposes described herein. (Ord. 4044, passed - -2008)

(a) Definitions. For purposes of this Chapter, the definitions set forth in Chapter 25 of this Division shall apply. Further, the following terms, phrases, words and their derivations shall have the meanings set forth herein. Words used in the present tense include the future tense, plural words include the singular and singular words include the plural. Words not specifically defined shall be given their common and ordinary meaning. The word "shall" is mandatory and not merely directory. RENTAL DWELLING UNIT LICENSE APPLICATION FEE. The application fee set forth in the San Bernardino County Code Schedule of Fees for rental dwelling unit licenses required under Chapter 25 of this Division, including single-family residences. (b) Scope. The provisions of this Chapter shall only apply to rental dwelling units, as provided in Chapter 25 of this Division. (Ord. 4044, passed - -2008)

(a) The rental dwelling unit license application fee required by Chapter 25 of this Division, including that required for single-family residences, shall be waived for those applicants who include with their application: (1) A valid certificate issued by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department's Public Affairs Division (or other law enforcement agency participating in the International Crime Free Multi- Housing Program) to the applicant or the manager of the rental dwelling unit(s) showing completion of the eight-hour training course; and (2) A valid, final certification (which must be updated yearly by the applicant) issued by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department's Public Affairs Division showing that all of applicant's real property/properties where the rental dwelling units are located has/have completed all phases of the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program. (b) The application fee waiver available under this section shall apply to both initial and renewal applications. (c) The application fee waiver available under this section shall only apply to the rental dwelling unit license application fee and does not apply to any special inspection or health permit fees. (d) The failure of the applicant to maintain a current, valid, final certificate for the property/properties where the rental dwelling unit(s) is/are located shall render the waiver of the rental dwelling unit application fee null and void; and such fee shall become immediately due and payable. (Ord. 4044, passed - -2008)

The provisions of this Chapter are severable, and, if any sentence, section, or other part of this Chapter should be found to be invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions, and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. (Ord. 4044, passed - -2008)