10/03/2021
Besides being just a cash grab, this ordinance also infringes on your constitutional rights. Imagine having to open your door for whoever knocks with no notice. I see what they are pushing for and it’s declared “intentions” but what’s the point of previous code enforcement ordinances in place already? Can’t these same things be accomplished with those? Or are those ordinances not making the city enough money to hire more officers and assistants.
How will this ordinance not be further abused. Saying things are on a case by case basis is discriminatory in itself, but what happens when an Officer can’t obtain a warrant to search your home, how do we know instead they’ll request an “inspection” instead and like the attorney In the article says: “Even if they don’t show up with law enforcement, if they see something they subjectively think might be indicia of criminal activity, or drug trafficking or whatever, what’s to stop them from picking up their phone and calling the police immediately?” ,adding that one chief inspector in a city he previously litigated against did exactly that.
There are slum lords everywhere no doubt, but what protections are there for landlords when they have slum tenants? Their only alternative is to file an eviction but those have been severely limited due to the moratorium and even if you have grounds to file, it can take an upward of 90-120 days to have your property turned back over to you and who’s to say what kind of additional damage can be done in that time. I invite all landlords and tenants to speak your opinion at this Monday’s council meeting, we have to all work together for a better solution, I’m just not too sure this is it.
Barstow’s City Council unanimously voted to mandate inspections for properties containing any "rental dwelling units," starting Jan. 1, 2022.
