GUY CARROZZO -- Mayor’s Column
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The city of Fountain Valley has the reputation for being a “nice place
to live.” I have asked our planning and code enforcement staff to help us
understand what is involved in maintaining the aesthetic quality of our
community. In response to my request, City Planner Robert Franklin has
prepared the following:
Elected policymakers, city employees, concerned business ownersand
residents form the winning combination that makes Fountain Valley a “nice
place to live.”
Fountain Valley residents take great pride in calling this city their
home, and the efforts of the code enforcement staff play an important
role in community preservation.
The duties of a code enforcement officer are unique, with
responsibilities that lie squarely between the realm of policymaking, and
the realms of law enforcement and litigation.
Fountain Valley has adopted regulations that attempt to maintain the
quality of life that meets the expectations of residents and business
owners. Adopting regulations, however, is only the first part of a larger
cycle that includes both enactment and enforcement of laws that protect
property rights and promote neighborhoods.
Code enforcement officers investigate nuisances such as inoperable
vehicles on private property, trash cans in view throughout the week,
overgrown vegetation along the major arterials and in frontyards, and
abatement of temporary signs on utility poles and on the sidewalks.
In addition, they investigate various housing and property maintenance
problems, such as peeling paint and trash and debris. They also monitor
signs, outdoor sales, outdoor storage and promotional events in the
commercial and industrial areas. The code enforcement staff seeks
voluntary compliance of code violations by explaining the reason for the
law and how the law protects the rights of surrounding neighbors or
business owners.
Maintaining Fountain Valley as a city where differences are evident is
not an accident. It happens because many residents are attentive to
preserving the aesthetics of their own property, as well as their own
neighborhood.
Many of the complaints received from residents stem from trash cans
left at the curb or in the frontyard area after trash pick up. Trash cans
need to be returned to an area out of view on the same day as the trash
pick up.
Call Rainbow Disposal Co. Inc. for the pickup of large appliances,
such as washing machines or refrigerators that are no longer in working
order. If you plan to dispose of chemicals, paints, batteries, pesticides
or other types of materials, please remember that it is against the law
to use the trash cans or to pour them into the gutter. These items should
be taken to the nearest regional collection center or to Rainbow
Disposal, 17121 Nichols St., Huntington Beach.
The code enforcement staff works closely with the Planning and Housing
Division, the Building and Fire departments, and the Public Works
Department as a team to keep Fountain Valley safe and well-maintained.
Whether the case is an abandoned dwelling or removing graffiti, the code
enforcement staff is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to receive calls
regarding property maintenance, overgrown vegetation, inoperable
vehicles, trash cans in view and other land-use problems.
A 24-hour code enforcement hotline has been established to allow
residents to report code violations after business hours. Code
enforcement staff can be reached at (714) 593-4444 or at City Hall, 10500
Slater Ave., Fountain Valley.
* GUY CARROZZO is mayor of Fountain Valley. ROBERT FRANKLIN is the
city planner for Fountain Valley.
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