Report Prepared by: Craig J. Cornwell, City Attorney
Title
SUBJECT: Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-53 Establishing Inspection Procedures for the Multi-Unit Substandard Buildings Policy
REPORT IN BRIEF
Assembly Bill 548 (2023), codified as California Health and Safety Code section 17970.7, requires local enforcement agencies to adopt policies and procedures governing inspections of multi-unit residential buildings when substandard conditions may affect additional dwelling units. The City Council previously adopted Resolution No. 2026-17 to comply with these statutory requirements.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Rescinding Resolution 2026-17; and
B. Approving Resolution 2026-53, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Establishing Inspection Procedures for Multi-Unit Substandard Buildings Policy.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by staff (identify specific findings and/or conditions to be addressed in the resolution); or,
3. Deny.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
2026/27 Goals and Priorities.
DISCUSSION
Assembly Bill 548 requires local enforcement agencies to establish policies and procedures for inspecting multi-unit residential buildings whenever a substandard condition or state housing law violation may reasonably affect additional dwelling units. The City's policy establishes procedures for identifying potentially affected units, conducting additional inspections where appropriate, providing notice to property owners and tenants, and documenting enforcement actions in compliance with Health and Safety Code section 17970.7.
On March 16, 2026, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2026-17 establishing the City's Inspection Procedures for Multi-Unit Substandard Buildings Policy. During its deliberations, the City Council requested additional review regarding the timing for issuing Notices of Violation following completion of inspections.
The matter was subsequently reviewed by the City Council's ad-hoc subcommittee. Following that review, staff prepared revisions to the policy for the City Council's consideration. The principal revisions clarify inspection procedures, refine discretionary and mandatory language where appropriate, and modify the timing for issuing Notices of Violation by requiring issuance within a reasonable time, not to exceed thirty (30) days following the conclusion of the inspection. Additional revisions clarify the policy's administration while maintaining compliance with state law.
Because the proposed revisions modify the policy previously adopted by Resolution No. 2026-17, the proposed resolution rescinds the prior resolution and adopts the revised Inspection Procedures for Multi-Unit Substandard Buildings Policy.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
There is no fiscal impact associated with adoption of this Resolution.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution 2026-17
2. Resolution 2026-53