ARTICLE
In 2016 the Oxnard City Council adopted business plans covering four main areas of focus. One of those areas is the Quality of Life Strategy, with a specific goal of establishing a rental inspection program. Dubbed the "Safe Homes, Safe Families" program, the first draft at this inspection program was presented to the City Council on May 2. Safe Homes, Safe Families is a proactive rental inspection program proposed to be a preemptive plan, rather than a reactive penalty program. Inspections are proposed to take place at designated intervals, not in response to a complaint, to ensure safe and healthy housing and to maintain neighborhood property values. The program will also identify substandard and overcrowded residential rental units and ensure rehabilitation of those units to meet the minimum building and housing code standards. The Safe Homes, Safe Families Program will include registration, periodic inspections and enforcement. Elements of the proposed program that will need to be developed include: the types of housing units to include; registration and/or licensing of rental properties; frequency of inspections; scope of inspections; fees/funding; and implementation of the program. According to the State Department of Finance, Oxnard has approximately 24,600 rental units. Of those, approximately 9,000 are estimated to be single-family residences. That leaves about 15,600 units deemed to be multi-family properties. City staff is recommending the Safe Homes, Safe Families Program initially consider properties containing 3 or more rental units. With consideration of Business Tax Certificates on file, that would narrow the scope down to 773 properties with an undetermined number of units at this time. An annual fee per rental unit would need to be established. Fees would be set to recover costs of the program. Frequency of inspections would also need to be determined. Proposed triggers would be upon registration, upon transfer of ownership, and until compliance is achieved. After passing inspection, it is proposed there be a re-inspection every 3 years. A self-certification program could be implemented after passing 2 consecutive property inspections. The proposed scope of inspections includes both the exterior and interior of rental units. Exterior items include: legible and visible address; storage of junk and rubbish/overgrown vegetation; dumpsters/trash cans; inoperable vehicles; foundation vent screens and crawl space covers; roof; stairways; electrical panels; exterior lighting; exterior walkways and exit passageways; water heaters; infestations; fire extinguishers; fire sprinkler systems; electric and gas meters; and fire lanes clearly marked. Interior inspection items would include: hot and cold running water; electrical power; heat; sewage system; entry doors; exits; infestations; smoke detectors; mechanical; electrical; plumbing; counter and sink space; windows; flooring; subflooring; walls; and ceilings. There are also proposed provisions on what happens after the inspections, depending on the outcomes. Who is going to pay for this program? The proposed fees include: initial registration fee for each property; an annual program fee; city inspection fee per property plus each unit; a re-inspection fee if a correction notice was issued; a rescheduled appointment fee; and an annual self-certification fee. Properties with continued failure to correct noticed violations would be dealt with through administrative civil penalties. The Oxnard Chamber of Commerce has not taken a position on the proposed Safe Homes, Safe Families Program. We will be seeking the feedback of our apartment community members as part of our due diligence on this issue.