The City of Chino would like to address flyers making allegations about Mayor Ulloa, members of the City Council, as well as the City Prosecutor’s Office relating to a Code Enforcement issue involving a private party. Transparency and multi-lingual open communication remain pillars within the City of Chino. The City offers residents programs and services in multiple languages to ensure clear, concise, and equitable access to government services.
As it relates specifically to Code Enforcement, the department protocol is to work in direct partnership with residents to preserve and enhance the safety, quality of life, and economic stability of the local community. This is a symbiotic partnership and requires active participation from both sides. Eliminating hazardous, blighted, and deteriorating conditions that contribute to unsafe and undesirable residential and commercial areas remains a critical tool in mitigating negative impacts on property values.
In 2018, the City issued a Notice and Order to Repair or Abate to a private property owner. The Notice listed 41 different violations on the specific subject property and was declared “substantially dangerous.” Then, this property was sold, and the new owner was clearly made to understand the previous code enforcement issues (including a pathway to compliance).
The new owner and City of Chino entered into a Compliance Agreement in 2019. The new owner agreed to meet deadlines and was to address all issues by January 2020. Every subsequent mutually agreed upon deadline was then missed by the new private property owner. After nearly 18 months trying to proactively navigate this issue, the City of Chino had no choice but to file a Civil Nuisance Abatement lawsuit to secure compliance with the laws and Compliance Agreement. Even with pending litigation, City leadership continued to work with the property owner by reviewing their plans, discussing options, and offering extensions in exchange for commitments of future compliance.
In August of 2021, a court-appointed receiver began the process to bring the property into compliance. Compliance was achieved by October 2021, at which time the City of Chino requested lawsuit reimbursements from the property owner.
The goal of the City is to make policy decisions that protect the health and safety of our community. In no way does the City wish to burden property owners, but it is considered a duty of public funds to address blighted properties. In this instance, the property owner failed to comply with his obligations and is now spreading false information.
With the goals of continued transparency and accessibility top of mind, a Special Meeting of the City Council has been scheduled to discuss the City’s Code Enforcement processes, protocols, and procedures. Members of the public are encouraged to attend, please find details below:
Date: Tuesday, January 17, 2023
Time: 4:30 P.M.
Location: Chino City Council Chambers
13220 Central Avenue
Chino, CA 91710
For more information, please contact the City Manager’s office.
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CONTACT:
Email Linda Reich, City Manager or call (909) 334-3305.