TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution directing the Los Angeles County Auditor-Controller to include, on the 2008-09 Secured Tax Roll, certain levies made pursuant to the provisions of the Long Beach Municipal Code for weed, debris removal and/or building abatement in the amount of $8,763. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Chapter 8.56 of the Long Beach Municipal Code sets forth procedures for notifying property owners to clean their vacant lots of weeds and/or debris. If the owner fails to remove the weeds or debris within the time stated following notification, or if ordered by the Board of Examiners, Appeals and Condemnation (BEAC), after appeal, the City is authorized to clean the lot and assess a levy.
Chapters 18.04 and 18.20 of the Long Beach Municipal Code authorize the City to demolish, following the appropriate hearings, any substandard building or structure, which constitutes a public nuisance. All expenses incurred by the City in connection with the removal, securing of buildings or demolition are charged to, and become an indebtedness of the property owner.
The attached Resolution authorizes the City to collect delinquent weed removal charges and/or delinquent building abatement charges, incidental enforcement costs, interest, and a lien transfer charge from the owners through their property tax bills for properties cleaned during July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008. Interest accrues at the rate of 12 percent from the delinquency date through June 30, 2009.
For weed and debris removal, the City Code Enforcement Division's Building Official computes and records the costs of removing weeds or debris on each parcel. Affected property owners are notified to pay these expenses. The owner may appeal the charges within 15 days of the bill. If the amount, as determined by the BEAC, is not paid within 30 days, the bill becomes delinquent and interest begins to accrue.
For building abatement, the City Code Enforcement Division's Building Official computes and records the costs of securing, demolishing and/or clearing of buildings on each parcel.
Affected property owners are notified to pay these expenses. If payment is not received within 60 days, the bill becomes delinquent and interest begins to accrue. Owners may appeal the charges within 30 days of notification. If the amount, as determined by the BEAC, is not paid within 30 days, the bill once again becomes delinquent and interest begins to accrue.
Upon approval by the City Council, the Director of Financial Management will forward the authorizing Resolution and the prescribed reporting forms to the Los Angeles County Auditor-Controller, Tax Division, for incorporation into the 2008-09 County Secured Tax Roll.
This matter was reviewed by Assistant City Attorney Michael J. Mais on July 3, 2008 and Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on July 7, 2008.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this item is requested on August 5, 2008, as the Los Angeles County Auditor-Controller requires receipt of the authorized lien assessment on July 31, 2008 or shortly thereafter.
FISCAL IMPACT
Cleaning charges and interest in the amount of $8,763 were levied against the four listed properties (see Exhibit A of Resolution). No delinquent building charges and interest are to be collected on this tax roll.
The County will be requested to collect these costs with the annual property taxes for deposit into the General Fund (GP). These revenues are used for code enforcement related activities undertaken by the Code Enforcement Division in the Department of Community Development (CD).
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH DIRECTING THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY AUDITOR-CONTROLLER TO INCLUDE ON THE 2008-2009 REAL AND SECURED TAX ROLL CERTAIN ASSESSMENTS MADE PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE LONG BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE FOR REMOVING WEEDS AND DEBRIS (LOT CLEANING CHARGES)
Respectfully Submitted,
LORI ANN FARRELL |
APPROVED: |
DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT/CFO |
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PATRICK H. WEST |
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CITY MANAGER |