Amnesty in Riverside (no, not that kind!)

Now, we know you care about our district and want to keep it looking pretty, so of course you're not the type to ignore the basic rules of property maintenance.  However, if you've fallen behind or gotten into trouble with the City's code enforcement folks, here's what you need to know about a new amnesty period the City is implementing to encourage property owners who have administrative fines/liens to bring their properties into compliance with local codes.  (Ord 2010-0284). 


Administrative Lien Amnesty Program 2010: Administrative fines are assessed on a property following a failure to comply with orders from a MCE Special Magistrate or Municipal Code Enforcement Board to correct property or zoning code violations.

Effective Period: The 90-day amnesty application period will be effective Aug. 1, 2010, through Oct. 29, 2010.  During that period, the Municipal Code Compliance Division will accept applications to cancel the administrative fines.  Any cancellation of fines will be based on full compliance with the orders of the Special Magistrate or the Municipal Code Enforcement Board to correct property safety, maintenance and zoning code violations that led to the fine. 


Community Meeting Aug. 18: Hosted by City Councilmember E. Denise Lee (District 8) and representatives from the Municipal Code Compliance Division, a community meeting at Stanton High School, 1149 W. 13th St., 5 - 7 p.m., Aug. 18, will provide a chance to have questions answered.  Please bring any information about existing liens or fines on your property.


How to Qualify: To qualify for the Administrative Fine/Lien Amnesty Program and to determine eligibility for the fine waiver, the following conditions or criteria will apply:

• The administrative fine/lien must have been issued prior to February 1, 2010, by an MCE Special Magistrate or a Municipal Code Enforcement Board. 
• Property owners (on recorded public record) are the only parties authorized to submit applications for amnesty.
• Applicants must submit a fully completed amnesty application.
• Applicants must not be personally indebted to the City of Jacksonville for any reason, including, but not limited to, ad valorem property taxes, special assessments, city utility charges, or other government-imposed fines against the property.
• Applicants will enter into a written Stipulation Agreement to correct all outstanding code violations by a date established by the City.  The City will execute all Stipulation Agreements during the amnesty period of Aug.1, 2010, through Oct. 28, 2010.  The agreement will stipulate that the fine/lien elimination is not effective until all violations are corrected.
• The agreement will be subject to review and approval by the Office of General Counsel.
• Applicants who previously received administrative lien amnesty are not eligible to participate in this amnesty program.

What's Not Covered: This amnesty program does not authorize rescission or cancellation of any lien for costs incurred by the City of Jacksonville for work performed by contractors.  Such work includes nuisance abatement (mowing, trash/debris removal, board-up, etc.) or demolition of structures on your property.  Please do not submit amnesty applications for nuisance and/or demolition liens or citations levied or issued by Municipal Code Compliance Division.


Applications
Click here for an Administrative Lien Amnesty Program application. Applications will not be accepted after close of business Friday, Oct. 29.  For additional information, please contact (904) 630-CITY or (904) 630-2489.