FAQ

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Can the Listing Agent/Property Manager get water turned on at a vacant property?

Yes, the agent or property manager can get the water turned on in their name. Please contact the City of Lathrop Finance Department at (209) 941-7320 for more information.

Category: Code Compliance FAQ
Code Compliance says they do not have an “active case at this time” at a property address. What does that mean?

Although there is not an active current case at this time, this does not mean that there were no previous cases and does not preclude future code cases.

Category: Code Compliance FAQ
Does the City of Lathrop require that vacant/abandoned/foreclosed properties be registered with the City?

At this time, the city does not require these properties to be registered with the city. We do require that these properties follow the requirements per the Vacant and Abandoned Residential Property Ordinance described in Chapter 8.26 of the Lathrop Municipal Code.

Category: Code Compliance FAQ
How long does it normally take to clear the title of a code lien(s)?

A code lien cannot be cleared until all cited violations and current and outstanding code monies are paid. If corrected, the process can be done within 10 business days of confirmed payment.

Category: Code Compliance FAQ
I received a Notice of Violation from Code Compliance. What if I need more time to correct the violations?

Contact the Code Compliance officer who issued the citation and request for an extension. The name and phone number of the officer is located on the citation. You may also contact the Code Compliance Division at (209) 647-6400 to make arrangements. Code Compliance encourages voluntary compliance and therefore most reasonable requests for extra time are granted. The length of time will be determined in a case-by-case basis.

Category: Code Compliance FAQ
I turned in a complaint on a property and nothing has been done. Why does it take so long?

The amount of time it takes for a property to comply can vary. To guarantee fairness, each time a property owner is cited, Code Compliance is required to notify the property owner of the violations and to give a minimum amount of ten days for the violations to be abated. It may take several weeks before the violation is actually corrected. During this time we are actively pursuing the correction of the violation, and we appreciate your patience.

Category: Code Compliance FAQ
There are code violations on a property that I am interested in purchasing. How can I get information on what those violations are?

Non-owners or person(s) not directly related to the property must submit a Request for Public Information form to the City Attorney’s office. The form can be obtained either at city hall or online at the City of Lathrop Website under Service Forms. Please contact the City Attorney’s Office ay (209) 941-7235 for more information.

Category: Code Compliance FAQ
There is a For Sale sign with the name and contact number of the real estate agency. Does this suffice as an official posting of a name and contact number?

Per code section 8.26.070C the property must be posted with the name and twenty-four (24)hour contact phone number of the local property management company and at least contain the words “THIS PROPERTY MANAGED BY ___________TO REPORT PROPLEMS OR CONCERNS CALL_______.

Category: Code Compliance FAQ
There is an unmaintained swimming pool in a back yard and I am concerned with mosquitoes. What should I do?

Contact the Code Compliance Division at (209) 647-6400. A code officer can inspect to make sure the pool meets both Building and L.M.C. security and maintenance requirements. If there is a concern for mosquitoes, you can either contact the Mosquito Vector Control at (209) 982-4675 or Code Compliance can contact them for you. Please be prepared to give an exact address.

Category: Code Compliance FAQ
What is an illegal encroachment?

An encroachment is any obstruction on a city street or sidewalk (Public Right of Way). The most common encroachments include, but are not limited to: Basketball hoops, garbage cans (for an extended period of time), rubbish, junk and debris.

Category: Code Compliance FAQ
What is considered a code violation?

There are numerous items that can be a violation of the City Municipal Code. The most common are: tall dry grass/weeds, rubbish/junk/debris, inoperable vehicles, illegal residential vehicle parking, graffiti on private property, illegal encroachments, and unpermitted structures just to name a few. If you feel that a property has a possible violation, you can contact the Code Compliance Division and we will investigate the complaint.

Category: Code Compliance FAQ
What should the listing agent/property manager do to ensure that escrow is not delayed due to code violations?

Contact the Code Compliance Division at (209) 647-6400 to determine if there are violations and have them corrected prior to the close of escrow. Also, inspect the property frequently; some properties are more susceptible to ongoing vandalism or problems than others.

Category: Code Compliance FAQ
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