Housing: building standards: violations.
The impact of AB 257 on state laws revolves around reinforcing the authority of local enforcement agencies to take action against buildings deemed unsafe or in violation of established standards. Local agencies are required to notify property owners of violations, allowing a reasonable period for remediation. Should the violations persist, these agencies may initiate legal processes to abate public nuisances or enforce compliance with the law. Additionally, the bill offers specific timelines for actions following identified hazards, thus improving the responsiveness of local agencies in ensuring safe housing conditions.
Assembly Bill 257, introduced by Assembly Member Steinorth on January 31, 2017, amends Section 17980 of the Health and Safety Code. The bill focuses on housing by mandating that local enforcement agencies, either housing or health departments, manage compliance with state housing laws. This includes the enforcement of building standards and regulations designed to maintain housing quality and safety. The amendments are largely nonsubstantive, primarily aiming to update language for clarity and modernize procedural requirements.
While the bill is designed to clarify existing processes, there may be contention regarding its impact on individual property rights and the responsibilities of local agencies. Some stakeholders might argue that even nonsubstantive changes can lead to stricter enforcement or create challenges for property owners dealing with code compliance. Moreover, the stipulation for expedited procedures for properties recently foreclosed could raise concerns about the balance between swift enforcement and the rights of new property owners during the transition.