Saratoga News

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Changing blight ordinance could be costly to violators

By Chris Vongsarath

Keep it green, and keep your green.

Saratoga residents may have to start considering that concept as changes to the city's blight ordinance may lead to stiffer penalties for residents neglecting routine maintenance on their properties.

The planning commission met for an Oct. 24 study session to revise the blight ordinance before presenting it at a public hearing and then sending it to the city council for approval. The blight ordinance sets the standards for the minimum level of maintenance on private property, as it affects neighboring properties.

Among the concerns in the ordinance is the lack of leverage to cite residents who neglect property maintenance. While many residents cooperate upon receiving the first or second notices, there are a select number who disregard blight notices completely.

The commission discussed using citations that carried a higher fine, which would be a possible administrative tool to better enforce the ordinance. Because such a citation is considered an infraction, the city could fine only up to $250. A higher fine would result in bumping the infraction up to a misdemeanor.

Defining what constitutes blight was a circling topic at the session. Commissioners brought up issues such as quantifying potential blight, construction materials on a site and standards for city residents and those in the hills.

The commission also discussed the many complaints about blight decreasing the values of neighboring properties but refrained from including it in the ordinance.

"Property values ask a lot, and having the city as the regulator of that is asking too much," said Commissioner Linda Rodgers.

Commissioner Susie Nagpal brought up the issue of being able to prove what is actually bringing a property's value down, making the issue a gray area. The ordinance covers health and safety standards, which are easier to prove.

Resident Ed Vincent proposed his version of the revisions to the blight ordinance, which he said the commission considered.

"We've been wrestling with it. The city council asked the planning commission to change it, and we got a lot done today," he said. "Saratoga is a beautiful property, and there's not a lot of blight, but there is some."

Revisions will be made to the blight ordinance and sent to a public hearing on Dec. 12.

'Go Green' meeting

The second community meeting of the West Valley Green Leaf Committee is scheduled for Nov. 1 in the city council chambers at Monte Sereno City Hall, 18041 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road. The meeting is open to anyone who lives or works in Monte Sereno, Los Gatos or Saratoga. It's an attempt by city and town leaders to encourage people to "Go Green" by working on environmental issues such as global warming. Green building, living and working practices are also encouraged, and ways to promote them will be discussed. For more information visit www.losgatos.gov.