Enforcement Process

Community Improvement Inspectors receive complaints from the public and respond to investigate the validity of the violation. Complaints are received by email, phone, in-person, and may be anonymous. Cases may also be started proactively by the Inspector.

A Community Improvement Inspector is assigned to the concern. The Inspector will conduct research related to the violation such as property history, approved permits, business license, etc. Then the Inspector will visit the location to determine if a violation exists. Inspectors can only use photographs and evidence found from the public right of way or with consent to enter the property. If a violation is found, a case is started. However, if a violation is not found, the complaint is closed as unfounded.

Depending on the type of violation, the officer may attempt to make contact with a responsible party and explain what brought the officer to their door. Occasionally, the concerns can be addressed at that time and resolve the problem before the officer leaves the property. Other scenarios may include issuing a written Notice of Violation (NOV) that will identify the areas of concern, which may be handed directly to a responsible party or posted on the property. Either way, it is the desire of the Division to seek voluntary compliance through education. When an NOV is issued, the NOV is assigned a case number and dated for a follow-up inspection. The follow-up inspections may be scheduled for the next day or up to 30 days, depending on the nature of the concern.

The re-inspection of the case is normally conducted between 16 and 30 days later as identified on the NOV; however, depending on the caseload, the re-inspections may take place at a later date. If during the re-inspection, the issues have been addressed as requested, the inspector may then order the case to be closed. If during the re-inspection issues still remain, the inspector will use his/her judgment on whether to grant an extension, issue a final warning notice, or issue an administrative citation.

Administrative citations are a last resort compliance method if there has been non-compliance, unless there is an immediate danger. Section 1-25 of the Azusa Municipal Code authorizes the issuance of administrative citations for violations of adopted codes. Each day that a prohibited condition, use or activity under the code is committed, continued or permitted, shall be a separate violation for which a citation may be issued. A citation may charge several violations of the code. A violation does not have to be committed in the officer’s presence, but has been determined through investigation. Abatement of a violation shall not excuse the obligation of a citee to pay a civil fine, or any late charge or interest. Payment of a fine shall not excuse a failure to correct a violation, nor shall it bar concurrent or further enforcement actions by the City. Citee’s shall have 15 calendar days to request an appeal and financial hardship if needed.

When violations have not been abated despite issuing notice of violations and administrative citations, an Inspector may schedule a public nuisance hearing. The responsible party is invited to this hearing, where the Hearing Officer will determine if a public nuisance exists and determine the course of action.

In the rare case that violations still exist after all previous options have been exhausted, the City may file the case in civil or criminal court. Community Improvement consults the City Prosecutor after a thorough review of the case to determine the best legal options to resolve the violations. This may also include obtaining an inspection or abatement warrant.