Q. I have been issued a Notice of Violation for a County Code violation. What do I do now?
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A. Contact the Code Compliance Investigator that issued the notice, their name and telephone number is written on the notice. To respond by e-mail, which is preferred, visit (INSERT LINK to contacts page)
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Q. How do I get a copy of the Ordinance section listed on the Notice of Violation to understand what the violation is?
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A. The County Code is available online and you may view and/or print the code section listed on the Notice of Violation.
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Q. What happens if the code violation remains uncorrected?
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A. If you do not resolve the violation within 90 days, enforcement sanctions may be initiated. These sanctions may include referral to an Administrative Hearing Officer for the imposition of civil penalties or referral to Superior Court.
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Q. Why is the Notice of Violation recorded on the property's title?
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A. The Notice of Violation is recorded on the title of the property to inform any prospective purchaser or anyone who may assume financial interest in the property that a violation has been confirmed on the property.
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Q. What is the process to correct a Code violation?
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A. Make an appointment to meet with the appropriate planning counter staff to discuss options and submittal requirements.
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Q. What happens when I comply by either removing the violation or legalizing the construction under permit?
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A. Contact the Code Compliance Investigator who issued the notice of violation.
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Q. How do I get the recorded violation removed or "expunged"?
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A. If a Notice of Violation has been recorded on the title, you must request that this notice be expunged, e.g. erased. Recording an Expungement, which indicates that the violation has been corrected, accomplishes this. Payment of all Code Compliance enforcement costs as well as an expungement fee is required before the expungement will be recorded. Contact the Code Compliance Investigator who recorded the Notice of Violation on your property and he/she will have the appropriate forms and documents prepared.
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Q. Is there a statute of limitations on land use violations?
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A. County of Santa Cruz Chapter 1.12.010 states "It shall be a separate offense for each and every day during any portion of which any violation of, or failure to comply with, any provision of this code is committed, continued or permitted." Therefore, there is no statute of limitations on land use violations.
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