AB 2314 (Carter) – Support
As Amended on April 26, 2012
AB 2314, by Wilmer Amina Carter, would provide local governments
additional tools to fight neighborhood blight.
Specifically, the measure would eliminate the sunset date on
existing statutory authority that allows counties to impose civil
penalties of up to $1,000 for failure to maintain vacant
residential property. The measure also provides new owners of
blighted property a sixty-day grace period in which enforcement
actions are prohibited as long as repairs are being made to the
property. The measure further requires banks to notify local
agencies when they release liens on foreclosed properties so that
demolition of blighted properties can proceed. Finally, the
measure provides that a property owner is liable for all
unrecovered costs associated with a receivership in addition to
other remedies provided for in the law.
One of the most significant consequences of the economic downturn
and collapse of the housing market – an unprecedented number of
foreclosed homes – continues to affect California’s local
communities and neighborhoods. Many foreclosed homes have fallen
into a state of disrepair creating neighborhood blight, public
health and safety issues, as well as further deterioration to
surrounding home values. California’s counties need to have a
variety of tools at their disposal to prevent and fight
neighborhood blight caused by the foreclosure crisis. AB 2314
provides local agencies with such additional tools.
AB 2314 is set for hearing before the Senate Transportation and
Housing Committee on June 12.
