Note: Prior ordinance history: Ordinances. 1889, passed November 11, 1966, 1908, passed July 28, 1967, 2038 passed October 2, 1970, 2102, passed April 21, 1972, 2193, passed July 23, 1974, 2348, passed July 31, 1979, 2397, passed May 5, 1981, 90-28, passed September 11, 1990, 99-1, passed January 26, 1999 and 08-05, passed April 22, 2008.
(1) 
The provisions of this Article shall apply generally to all property throughout the City whereon any of the conditions described in this Article are found to exist.
(2) 
This Article is intended to supplement all of the provisions of this Code, State statutory regulations, and any principles in common law or in equity. Nothing in this Article shall be read, interpreted or construed in any manner so as to limit any existing rights, powers or authority of the City to abate any and all nuisances.
(3) 
In enacting this Section the City Council made the following findings:
(a) 
That the City has a history and reputation for well-kept properties and that the property values and the general welfare of this community are founded, in part, upon the appearance and maintenance of properties;
(b) 
That there now appears a need for further emphasis on the maintenance of a number of premises in that certain conditions, as described in this Article, have been found from place to place throughout the City;
(c) 
That the existence of such hereinafter described conditions is injurious and inimical to the public health, safety and welfare of the residents of this City, are a public nuisance, creates attractive nuisance to children, and contributes substantially and increasingly to the problems of the necessity for expenditures for protection against hazards and diminution of property values, prevention of crime and the preservation of the public health, safety and welfare and the maintenance of police, fire and accident protection and that such problems are becoming increasingly direct and substantial in significance and effect and that the uses and abuses of property as described in this Article reasonably relate to the proper exercise of the police power in the protection of health, safety and welfare of the public.
(d) 
That unless corrective measures are undertaken to alleviate such existing conditions and particularly to avoid future problems in this regard, the public health, safety and general welfare and specifically the property values and social and economic standards of this community will be depreciated; that the prosecution and abatement of such conditions will enhance the appearance and value of such properties rather than be a burden on the owners thereof and that the prosecution and abatement of such conditions will also appreciate the values and appearance of neighboring properties and benefit the use and enjoyment of properties in the general area and will improve the general welfare and image of the City.
(Ord. 08-24 11-18-08)
For the purpose of this Article, certain words and phrases are defined and certain provisions shall be construed as herein set forth unless it is apparent from the context that a different meaning is intended.
"Building"
is defined as any structure having a roof supported by columns or walls, designed or used for the housing or enclosure of persons, animals automobiles or personal property of any kind. A structure can be residential or nonresidential, such as commercial, industrial, office or warehouse.
"City Administrator or designee"
is defined as the City Administrator or other city employee designated by the City Administrator to assume specific property maintenance related duties set forth in this Chapter. Said designee(s) shall hold a Division Head or higher position and may include, but are not limited to, such positions as the Building Official, Planning and Building Director, Director of Community Development and Housing, Director of Public Works; Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director, Code Enforcement Manager/Superintendent, Director of Finance, Revenue Supervisor, and Permits and Licensing Supervisor. The "Building Official" shall be specifically designated as the person with primary supervisory and enforcement authority for those violations subject to enforcement under the provisions of the California Building Code, Uniform Code of Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, and similar Uniform State Codes.
"City Council"
is defined as the City Council for the City of Inglewood.
"Code"
is defined as the Inglewood Municipal Code. "Construction and demolition debris" is defined as the excess of discarded materials which are to be removed from a site during or after the construction or demolition of any structure, fence, wall or paving.
"Construction Appeals Board"
is defined as the Construction and Appeals Board of the City of Inglewood.
"Debris, dirt, weeds and waste"
is defined as unsightly or harmful materials including, but not limited to, discarded, dilapidated or broken vehicles, windows, furniture, stoves, refrigerators, freezers, cans or containers on property; trees, grass, weeds, vines and shrub cuttings; rubbish, debris, or waste materials; and earth or dirt.
"Demolition"
is defined as the razing, tearing down or wrecking of any structure, wall, fence or paving, whether in whole or in part, whether interior of exterior.
"Owner"
is defined as the person or persons, company, firm, or other legal entity identified and listed as having title to the property by the latest property tax assessment rolls maintained by the Los Angeles County Tax Assessor.
"Permit"
is defined as any permit required by the City.
"Plan"
is defined as any proposal for new or changed use, or for new construction, alteration or enlargement of any structure that requires a building construction or demolition permit application.
"Property"
is defined as any real property interest or estate which may be granted or devised by deed. The word "property" includes: tracts, lots, easements or parcels of land and any and all improvements thereon.
"Public nuisance"
is defined as:
(a) 
Maintenance of all or any part of the property found in violation of IMC Section 11-70.2; or
(b) 
Maintenance of the property in such condition as to be detrimental to the public health, safety or general welfare or in a manner as defined by Civil Code Section 3480 as a public nuisance; or
(c) 
Maintenance of a vacant or abandoned building in such a manner as to results in becoming an attraction for children, a harborage for rodents, an invitation for persons to use it as a temporary abode, or an increased fire hazard; or that fails to maintain and secure the surrounding grounds; or that encourage the dumping of garbage, trash, and other debris thereon; or that creates a blight in the City, depresses market values of surrounding properties, thereby reducing tax revenues and creating a need for additional governmental services; or that significantly interferes with the use and enjoyment of neighboring properties; or that creates an unhealthy and unsafe condition which affects the public, thereby constituting an unreasonable use of property.
"Sidewalk"
is defined as the strip of property lying in front of and between the curb line and property line of the adjoining or abutting lot, piece o parcel of land within the City and bounded on the side or sides by the prolongation in a straight line of the side line or lines of said lot, piece or parcel of land, in front of which strip exists.
"Tax Collector"
is defined as the person collecting real estate taxes levied upon real estate for the City of Inglewood.
"Vacant, abandoned or unoccupied buildings"
are defined as any building or other structure which are either empty, unoccupied, abandoned or used and occupied by anyone without the property owner's express permission to conduct lawful activity on the property on which such buildings or structures are located.
"Waste management plan"
is defined as an application approved by the City Administrator or designee for the purpose of reviewing project compliance with the special weed and waste management requirements of Section 11.91 of Article 11.3 of this Code.
"Waste Management Compliance Officer"
is defined as the City Administrator or designee responsible for ensuring compliance by the applicant with the waste management plan submitted to the City.
(Ord. 08-24 11-18-08)
It is unlawful and a public nuisance for any person owning, leasing occupying or having charge or possession of any premises in this City to maintain such premises in such manner that any of the following conditions are found to exist thereon:
(1) 
Buildings which are abandoned, boarded up, partially destroyed, or left unreasonably in a state of partial construction;
(2) 
Unpainted buildings causing dry rot, warping and termite infestation;
(3) 
Broken windows constituting hazardous conditions and inviting trespassers and malicious mischief;
(4) 
Overgrown vegetation causing detriment to neighboring properties or property values;
(5) 
Dead trees, weeds, earth, dirt (including, but not limited to, construction dirt) and debris:
(a) 
Constituting unsightly appearance, or
(b) 
Dangerous to public safety and welfare, or
(c) 
Detrimental to nearby property or property values, or
(d) 
Remaining before, during or after construction or demolition activities for an unreasonable period of time as determined by the designated property maintenance official but in no event for a period to exceed thirty days;
(6) 
Trailers, campers, boats and other mobile equipment stored for unreasonable periods in front yard areas and causing depreciation of nearby property values;
(7) 
Inoperable or abandoned motor vehicles stored for unreasonable periods on the premises and causing depreciation of nearby property values;
(8) 
Attractive nuisances dangerous to children in the form of:
(a) 
Abandoned and broken equipment,
(b) 
Hazardous pools, ponds and excavations,
(c) 
Neglected machinery,
(d) 
Vacant or abandoned buildings not properly secured pursuant to IMC Section 11-93, and
(e) 
Dangerous buildings as defined by the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, 1997 Edition or its successors;
(9) 
Broken or discarded furniture and household equipment in yard areas for unreasonable periods;
(10) 
Clotheslines in front yard areas;
(11) 
Garbage cans stored in front or side yards and visible from public streets;
(12) 
Packing boxes and other debris stored in yards and visible from public streets for unreasonable periods;
(13) 
Neglect of premises:
(a) 
To spite neighbors, or
(b) 
To influence zone changes, or
(c) 
To cause detrimental effect upon nearby property or property values;
(14) 
Maintenance of premises in such condition as to be detrimental to the public health, safety or general welfare or in such manner as to constitute a public nuisance as defined by Civil Code Section 3480;
(15) 
Building exteriors which are maintained in such condition as to become so defective, unsightly, or in such condition of deterioration or disrepair that the same cause depreciable diminution of the property values of surrounding property or is materially detrimental to proximal properties and improvements. This includes but is not limited to:
(a) 
Unsightly and unnecessary markings, drawings, decoration and graffiti on exterior walls, or
(b) 
Keeping or scattering abandoned, discarded, dilapidated or unused objects or equipment such as vehicles, furniture, stoves, refrigerators, freezers, cans or containers on the property, or
(c) 
Keeping or scattering lumber, junk, trash or debris on the property, or
(d) 
Excavations or stagnant water, or
(e) 
Any device, design, fence, structure, clothesline, or vegetation which is unsightly by reason of its condition or its inappropriate location;
(16) 
Maintenance of premises so out of harmony or conformity with the maintenance standards of adjacent properties as to cause substantial diminution of the enjoyment, use, or property values of such adjacent properties;
(17) 
Property maintained (in violation to others) so as to establish a prevalence of depreciated values, impaired investments, and social and economic maladjustments to such an extent that the capacity to pay taxes is reduced and tax receipts from such particular area are inadequate for the cost of public services rendered therein;
(18) 
Any building or structure which has any of the following conditions or defects to a significant degree:
(a) 
Whenever any door, aisle, passageway, stairway, or other means of exit is not of sufficient width or size, or is not so arranged as to provide safe and adequate means of exit, in case of fire or panic, for all persons housed or assembled therein who would be required to, or might use such door, aisle, passageway, stairway or other means of exit,
(b) 
Whenever any portion thereof has been damaged by earthquake, wind, flood, or by any other cause, in such a manner that the structural strength or stability thereof is appreciably less than the minimum requirements of this Code for a new building or similar structure, purpose or location,
(c) 
Whenever any portion or member or appurtenance thereof is likely to fail, or to become detached or dislodged, or to collapse and thereby injure persons or damage property,
(d) 
Whenever any building, portion of a building, or any member, appurtenance or ornamentation on the exterior thereof is not of sufficient strength or stability or is not so anchored, attached, or fastened in place so as to be capable of resisting wind pressure and earthquake forces as specified in the Uniform Building Code without exceeding the working stresses permitted in the Uniform Building Code,
(e) 
Whenever any portion thereof has settled to such an extent that walls or other structural portions have materially less resistance to winds or earthquakes than is required in the case of new construction,
(f) 
Whenever the building or structure, or any portion thereof, because of dilapidation, deterioration, decay, faulty construction, or because of the removal or movement of some portion of the ground necessary for the purpose of supporting such building or portion thereof, or some other cause is likely to partially or completely collapse, or some portion of the foundation or underpinning is likely to fall or give way,
(g) 
Whenever, for any reason whatsoever, the building or structure, or any portion thereof, is manifestly unsafe for the purpose for which it is used,
(h) 
Any building whose structural members are not capable of resisting live load, dead load, wind load and earthquake load as specified in the Uniform Building Code,
(i) 
Whenever the building or structure has been so damaged by fire, wind, earthquake, or flood, or has become so dilapidated or deteriorated as to become an attractive nuisance to children who might play therein to their danger, or as to afford a harbor for vagrants, criminals or immoral persons, or as to enable persons to resort thereto for the purpose of committing a nuisance or unlawful or immoral acts,
(j) 
Any building or structure which has been constructed or which now exists or is maintained in violation of any specific requirement or prohibition, applicable to such building or structure, of the building regulations of this City, as set forth in the Uniform Building Code or Uniform Housing Code, or of any law or ordinance of this State or City relating to the condition, location or structure of buildings,
(k) 
Whenever a building or structure, used or intended to be used for dwelling purposes, because of dilapidation, decay, damage, or faulty construction or arrangement, or otherwise, is unsanitary or unfit for human habitation or is in a condition that is likely to cause sickness or disease when so determined by the Health Officer, or is likely to work injury to the health, safety or general welfare of those living within,
(l) 
Whenever the building or structure, used or intended to be used for dwelling purposes, has light, air, and sanitation facilities inadequate to protect the health, safety or general welfare of persons living within,
(m) 
Whenever any building or structure, by reason of obsolescence, dilapidated condition, deterioration, damage, electric wiring, gas connections, heating apparatus, or other cause, is in such condition as to be a fire hazard and is so situated as to endanger life or other buildings or property in the vicinity or provide a ready fuel supply to augment the spread and intensity of fire arising from any cause,
(n) 
Any building which meets the definitions of a substandard building in Chapter 10, Uniform Building Code, 2001 Edition, Volume III, Housing,
(o) 
Any building that does not have the exterior wall fire-resistive requirements of the Uniform Building Code,
(p) 
Buildings or structures maintained in violation of Section 203(a) of the Uniform Building Code,
(q) 
Any billboard sign, including an off-site tri-vision or digital billboard sign that is not sufficient in strength, durability or is likely to fail, or become detached or that may contain graffiti, excessive corrosion, or other conditions which are unsightly in relation to its location along a major arterial.
(Ord. 08-24 11-18-08; Ord. 10-06 3-30-10)
It is unlawful for any person owning, leasing, occupying or having charge or possession of any property in this City to maintain such property premises in such manner that any of the conditions set forth in IMC Section 11.70.2 are found to exist thereon. Further, the existence of any such conditions are hereby declared a public nuisance and may be abated by rehabilitation, demolition, or repair pursuant to the procedures set forth in this Code.
(Ord. 08-24 11-18-08)
Any person owning, leasing, occupying or having charge or possession of any property within the City is required to maintain such property in a manner so as not to violate the provisions of this Article. Every owner remains liable for the conditions of the property and any violations on the property, notwithstanding any contractual relations with other persons or other third parties regarding the property.
(Ord. 08-24 11-18-08)
To the extent authorized by law, whenever necessary to enforce any provisions in this Article or whenever the City Administrator or designee has reasonable cause to believe that there exists on any property any condition(s) which is in violation of this Article, the City Administrator or designee may enter or authorize the entry of such property between the hours of nine a.m. and seven p.m. to inspect and/or abate said violation(s).
(Ord. 08-24 11-18-08)
(1) 
In addition to the remedies and penalties available through this Article, other sections of the code, or laws, statutes or provisions, any person, firm or corporation who violates the provisions of this Chapter and any owner, as defined by this Chapter, who knowingly allows third persons to violate this Chapter, shall be guilty of an infraction for each day such violation continues and shall be subject to the penalties set forth in California Government Code Chapter 36900. Exception: at the discretion of the City Prosecutor, a violation may be charged as a misdemeanor, punishable by fines up to one thousand dollars and imprisonment of up to six months, or both.
(2) 
In addition to all other remedies and penalties available through this Article, other sections of this code, or other laws, statutes or provisions, any violation of this Chapter may be enforced by an injunction issued from the Superior Court. In any such action, civil penalties may be brought and attorneys' fees sought.
(Ord. 08-24 11-18-08)