Agenda Item Wording:
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Ordinance Adoption - Second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 2025-12, approving the revision to Visalia Municipal Code Chapter 8.40.060 C.1 and 2 “Declaration of Public Nuisance; Issuance of Administrative Enforcement Order”.
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Deadline for Action: 10/20/2025
Submitting Department: Community Development
Contact Name and Phone Number:
Jesse Villegas, Code Enforcement Officer, (559) 713-4191, jesse.villegas@visalia.city <mailto:jesse.villegas@visalia.city> Tracy Robertshaw, Neighborhood Preservation Manager, (559) 713-4187 tracy.robertshaw@visalia.city <mailto:tracy.robertshaw@visalia.city>
Paul Bernal, Community Development Director, (559) 713-4025 paul.bernal@visalia.city <mailto:paul.bernal@visalia.city>
Department Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the Visalia City Council conduct the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2025-12 amending Visalia Municipal Code Section 8.40.060 C.1 and 2 “Declaration of Public Nuisance; Issuance of Administrative Enforcement Order” per the attached Ordinance No. 2025-12.
Summary:
On October 6, 2025, the City Council held a public hearing to consider amending Visalia Municipal Code Section 8.40.060 C.1 and 2 “Declaration of Public Nuisance; Issuance of Administrative Enforcement Order”.
During the public hearing, the City Council received a staff report, staff presentation, and public comment. Following the public hearing the City Council voted (4-0) to introduce the first reading of Ordinance No. 2025-12, amending Visalia Municipal Code Section 8.40.060 C 1 and 2, as provided in the attached ordinance.
The second reading of the Ordinance is the final action the City Council takes in order for amendment of Visalia Municipal Code Section 8.40.060 C 1 and 2, to take effect. Following the second reading and Council adoption, the ordinance will go into effect 30 days following adoption of the second reading.
Background Discussion:
During the October 6, 2025 City Council meeting, staff presented a work session item to City Council regarding amending Visalia Municipal Code 8.40.060 C 1 and 2 as it was not in compliance with Assembly Bill (AB) 1418. The Visalia Municipal Code (VMC) Section 8.40.060 C 1 and 2 reads as follows:
“ C. Management quality standards. The following items shall constitute reasonable basis for the enforcement officer to believe that a property is not being properly managed or maintained. The existence of any of these circumstances shall justify an inspection of the property by the enforcement officer. In addition, violation of these standards may be used as evidence that a public nuisance exists.
1. For an individual residential unit, whether the unit is a standalone residence or part of a multi- family complex, more than six police and/or fire calls over a one year period (other than a medical emergency);
2. For a complex or building containing multiple residential units, more than a monthly average of .20 police and/or fire calls per unit over a six month period (other than a medical emergency).”
The proposed ordinance update is to bring the City of Visalia into compliance with AB 1418, which prohibits a local agency from authorizing or returning the imposition of a penalty against a resident, owner, tenant, landlord, or another person as a consequence of contact with a law enforcement or emergency assistance being summoned by certain individuals, including a victim of abuse or crime. This ordinance update, if approved, will bring the City of Visalia into compliance with this State statute.
Fiscal Impact:
None.
Prior Council Action:
• On October 6, 2025, the City Council held a public hearing to introduce Ordinance No. 2025-12. The City Council voted 4-0 to introduce and adopted Ordinance No. 2025-12.
Other: N/A
Alternatives: None.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to approve the second reading of Ordinance No. 2025-12 amending Visalia Municipal Code Section 8.40.060 C 1 and 2 “Declaration of Public Nuisance; Issuance of Administrative Enforcement Order”.
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Environmental Assessment Status:
The requested action is considered exempt under Section 15061(b)(3) of the State Guidelines for the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). A Notice of Exemption has been prepared for the project because Section 15061(b)(3) which states that the project is exempted from CEQA if the activity is covered by the commonsense exemption that CEQA applies only to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA.
CEQA Review:
The requested action is considered exempt under Section 15061(b)(3) of the State Guidelines for the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). A Notice of Exemption has been prepared for the project.
Attachments:
1. Ordinance No. 2025-12 - Amending Section 8.40.060 C 1 and 2 Declaration of Public Nuisance; Issuance of Administrative Enforcement Order.