Substandard Housing | City of Garden Grove

2/17/2023 - 02:21 PM

Submit your new application for commercial, residential, engineering and other permits.

One of the primary objectives of the City of Garden Grove’s Code Enforcement Division is to bring substandard housing into compliance with State and City codes, to reduce unsafe housing conditions, and to preserve the high quality of life in Garden Grove’s neighborhoods. Obtaining building permits and receiving inspections help to ensure that minimum safety standards are adhered. When modifications are made without proper permits and inspections or structures are not maintained, serious health and safety issues may result. Inspections of violations are performed utilizing a variety of enforcement tools to achieve voluntary compliance. These tools consist of verbal and written warnings, letter notifications, office conferences, administrative citations, and civil abatement.

Neighborhood Issues

Even one noticeably blighted property can affect attitudes and property values in a neighborhood. Substandard housing is not just a problem for the tenants or homeowners who live in it. It is a community problem that, if not addressed, could start a downward spiral. It is a quality of life issue where high-density housing (overcrowding) can increase the rate of deterioration and affect an entire neighborhood with reduced parking, noise, and crime.

Enforcement

Within the Building and Safety Division of the Community Development Department is a dedicated team of Code Enforcement officers specializing in the abatement of substandard buildings. Code Enforcement Officers address issues dealing primarily with structures on the property. Code Enforcement Officers address issues in the enforcement of housing standards as adopted by the City of Garden Grove uses the 2021 International Property Maintenance Code as well as the 2022 California codes.

When a complaint is filed with Code Enforcement, the case is assigned to code enforcement officer who investigates the complaint, prepares a “Notice of Violations” and directs repairs or demolition to be made in a timely manner. The time this may take varies depending on the complexity of the case. (See Code Enforcement Process flow chart for example)

If a structure represents a life/safety condition and is in imminent danger of causing bodily harm, then a “Notice and Order” may be issued and immediate remedies are sought. Remedies may include but are not limited to, posting the structure, “Vacate, Unsafe to Occupy” and/or cloud the property title with a “Notice of substandard building” (Lien).

Dealing with building complaints is a difficult and sometimes slow process. In some cases the City Attorney may file criminal charges and take the owner/tenant to court. This is a cumbersome and expensive process and is not resorted to unless all other options have failed.

How You Can Help Maintain Your Neighborhood
To report information regarding an investigation and abatement of construction without permits, garage conversions, and substandard housing conditions, please use our Garden Grove Public Records Request, call (714) 741-5350 to leave a voicemail, contact us via email at codeenforcement@ggcity.org, or report an issue online.

Below is a summary of resources that may assist you in correcting substandard housing conditions in your neighborhood. Included is information on qualifying for funds to assist homeowners in need of repairs.

Neighborhood Improvement Division:

Through City-facilitated grant and loan programs, owners can obtain money to repair or remodel their homes. Income qualifications apply. For information call (714) 741-5140 or go to the Neighborhood Improvement page.

Fair Housing Foundation:

Provide assistance to renters not receiving timely repairs on rental properties.
(800) 446-3247
http://www.fairhousingfoundation.com

Community Action Partnership:

This non-profit agency receives funding from a variety of sources to provide FREE repairs for income-qualified homeowners in certain jurisdictions. For information call (714) 897-6670.
http://www.communityactionpartnership.com

Reverse Mortgages for Seniors:

A FHA (Federal Housing Administration) loan that is available to homeowners 62 years and older. The homeowner can borrow funds based on their equity in the property, but no repayment is made as long as the borrower continues to live in the house. This allows seniors who own their home, but who have little income, the ability to obtain money to make repairs. For information call the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development at 1-800-569-4287.
https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/sfh/hecm/hecmhome

Council on Aging:

This non-profit corporation is dedicated to promoting adult empowerment, abuse prevention and advocacy for the rights and dignity of those experiencing health and aging challenges. For information call (714) 497-0107.
https://www.coasc.org