Code enforcement officers already have a challenging job, thanks in large part to the safety issues that professional code enforcers face. Things like threats, assault, and battery, stalking, and bullying behavior are real risks for these important community members.
We work with these community servants frequently, as Griswold Law has been court-appointed to countless receiverships that require cooperation with code-related issues. In our experience, these are dedicated, hard-working individuals who do important work. However, the job comes with pretty serious risks, and state laws need to be updated to address the changing risks of the profession.
On top of the day-to-day risks we see our colleagues in code enforcement face, we also want to make sure that they are fully informed about any upcoming or newly implemented changes to state law that could impact how they do their jobs.
Let’s take a look at the two new laws that are most likely to affect the professional code enforcers who work in the state of California.
Enforcement workers are not the only people who are aware of the safety risks that they face. Legislators have also become concerned about enforcement workers who have been killed or injured while performing their job duties. This concern led to a new law that is designed to ensure that communities do everything they can to protect their code enforcers.
The Code Enforcement Officer Safety Standards Bill (SB 296) was signed into law and went into effect on January 1, 2022. It is one of the most important CA 2022 code enforcement changes to be aware of if you are connected to this work in any way.
SB296 requires cities and counties in California to establish safety protocols that are specific to the role of code enforcement workers. These protocols must address the specific risks that are posed in each jurisdiction because the issues that workers face in one city are often different from those faced in another city or town.
This is great news for code enforcers! It means that each jurisdiction must examine the specific risks that officers face within their community and develop protocols to protect those officers! We frequently work with code enforcement professionals who express concern about their safety. This new law will protect all of the state’s code enforcement workforce.
This one definitely affects Health & Safety receivers, who often work directly with code enforcement officers to reduce the risks to a community from unsafe, distressed properties.
SB60 went into effect immediately after it was voted into law in 2021. It raises the maximum fines associated with violating any ordinance related to a residential, short-term rental, in which the infraction poses a threat to the health or safety of tenants or the public.
CA code enforcement can use these fines to redirect problematic community behavior before properties become uninhabitable or unsalvageable. We all want to avoid the unfortunate end result of eviction or demolition, and these fines are going to be a big help.
Short-term rentals that are operated by predatory landlords need to be shut down. When a landlord becomes unable to fulfill their obligations, the state needs to take action. This is where SB60 comes into play, and we hope to see positive implementation of this new law.
We know how to support code enforcers, as well as how to address health and safety issues before code enforcement needs to get involved.
Griswold Law has been appointed by California’s courts countless times to address the unique challenges of distressed and nuisance properties in our state. We have taken over during business disputes, stepped in when predatory landlords have misbehaved, served in the interest of creditors when debts have gotten out of control and addressed health and safety issues that have threatened our communities.
To learn more, book a consultation today! We can help you understand the changing laws around code enforcement and receiverships, and we look forward to talking about your specific situation.