Supervisors OK New Nuisance Ordinance

Over claims that the county is creating a “self-feeding monster,” Ventura County supervisors agreed Tuesday to revise the county’s nuisance ordinance.

The ordinance passed on a 3-1 vote, with Supervisor Judy Mikels dissenting and Supervisor John K. Flynn absent.

The new law will help code enforcement officials avoid costly and time-consuming court action to force zoning law violators to comply with county health and safety regulations.

Under the new ordinance, an administrative hearing officer, rather than county supervisors, will review nuisance cases in the future. The new law will also allow the county to levy property liens against violators who refuse to clean up their property.

Officials estimate the measure will generate $100,000 annually for the county’s coffers through fines and reimbursement money collected for enforcement.

Opponents, mostly from the Box Canyon area near Simi Valley, described the ordinance as overzealous government intrusion and a violation of their private property rights.

“It is against God, country and the biblical law this country was founded on,” said Rosanne Nowlin of Box Canyon.

“They want to dispense guilt and collect fines,” said R.H. Mauldin of Box Canyon, who said the county was usurping the authority of the courts.

But those whose homes sit next to nuisance properties applauded the ordinance, saying they have property rights also.

Agency Director Tom Berg said the intent of the law is to give the county a stronger enforcement tool, not meddle in private lives.

Supervisor Frank Schillo agreed, saying the county has “bent over backwards” to protect property rights, but that neighbors have rights as well.

“It would be ideal if property owners would reconcile it by themselves,” he said. “Then government wouldn’t be involved in this.”

The ordinance takes effect in 30 days. Supervisors plan to review the measure in three months and consider a cap on fines and a date when the ordinance will expire.