§ 1-34. Applicability

(a) This chapter makes any violation of the provisions of this Code subject to civil fines.

(b) This chapter establishes the administrative procedures for the imposition, enforcement, collection, and administrative review of civil fines pursuant to Government Code section 53069.4 and the city's general police power.

(c) The issuance of a civil citation under this chapter is solely at the city's discretion and is one option the city has to address violations of this Code. By adopting this chapter, the city does not intend to limit its discretion to utilize any other remedy, civil or criminal, for such violations that the city may select in a particular case.

(d) The purpose of issuing civil citations pursuant to this chapter is to encourage voluntary and complete compliance with the provisions of this Code and to eliminate nuisances for the protection and benefit of the entire community.

(e) Notwithstanding any lease, license or any other instrument or agreement, the owner of any real property has the right to enter upon his or her own property to the extent reasonably necessary to abate any nuisance or correct any violation of this Code existing thereon. The provisions of this subsection shall be an implied term of any instrument affecting the right to possession of real property located in the City of Costa Mesa.

(f) Because of the serious blighting conditions that can result affecting the residents' health and safety, this chapter is intended to impose strict civil liability upon the owners of real property for all building, housing, fire, health, land use, and abandoned vehicle code and zoning violations that occur upon the subject premises.

(Ord. No. 00-12, § 1, 7-16-00)