The Code Compliance Unit is staffed by one Manager, one Senior Officer, nine Code Compliance Officers, and one Administrative Staff. One Code Compliance Officer position is vacant and unstaffed at this time. There is approximately one officer per 23,000 people. The unit operates 7 days a week, with weekend staff emphasis on patrolling the city parks.
The Code Compliance Unit is responsible for the enforcement of most of the City Codes. In 2012, there were approximately 29,567 single family residences, 6,225 multi-family residential buildings (i.e duplexes, apartments, etc), and 3,593 commercial/manufacturing structures. This equates to approximately 39,385 structures that Code Compliance is responsible for in regards to compliance with applicable codes. Additionally, Code Compliance is also responsible for approximately 4 miles of inland waterways of the Channel Islands Harbor.
There were 4,190 code cases reported in 2013, resulting in 13,141 inspections being conducted. There were 4,431 code cases reported in 2012, resulting in 12,962 inspections being conducted. Approximately 19% of the cases handled each year are for substandard housing, with the remainder being for unpermitted construction, property maintenance, weed abatement, zoning violations, unpermitted vendors, and other business related issues. Approximately 30% of the cases investigated each year were discovered through pro-active efforts of code staff.
The Animal Safety Unit responds to approximately 8,000 calls for service annually. There are three (3) officers assigned to the field at this time. This equates to approximately one officer for every 68,000 residents. The unit provides service to the residents of the City seven (7) days per week, 24 hours per day. Click here to learn more about the Animal Safety Unit.