Code Citation Powers for Staff Still on the Burner

The City Council will continue to consider an ordinance to give some city staff members the authority to issue citations for code violations.

At a recent meeting, the council delayed a final vote on the proposal, intended to put less of a burden on the Police Department and grant more enforcement powers to the city’s Development Service Department.

Officials say building codes would be easier to enforce with the ordinance. During public hearings, one resident opposed the measure, saying it could violate civil rights.

On July 10 the council’s preliminary vote on the proposal was 4-1.

Mayor Patty Campbell said the city has been criticized for its code enforcement. She favors the ordinance but agreed to extend discussion on the proposal.

“Finally, we are doing something about code enforcement,� Campbell said.

Councilman John Larson, who opposes the ordinance, made the motion to extend the discussion at the meeting.

“I don’t see anything wrong with sending police officers� to residences and businesses to issue citations, Larson said. He does not believe there is a problem with the current method of enforcing code violations and says the council is rushing to approve the ordinance.

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Alex Murashko can be reached at (714) 966-5974.