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Extracted from Consolidated Report

This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.

San Bernardino County Grand Jury • 2010-2011

Code Enforcement

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Findings 9 findings

F1 Page 6
The county receives approximately 400 code enforcement complaints per month. That number covers a variety of complaints, including Joshua Trees.
F2 Page 6
There are three code enforcement inspectors who respond to Joshua Tree code violations.
F3 Page 6
When a Joshua Tree code violator is caught, three courses of action may be taken: • criminal citation • administrative citation • civil remediation The first two citations can result in fines up to $500. Civil remediation requires a court appearance where more serious penalties may be imposed. There have been no civil court actions filed by the County in seven years.
F4 Page 6
When a Joshua Tree code violation involves only a few trees it is referred to the Environmental Planning Division of the Land Use Department. When clearing land for a major development, the Building and Safety Division responds. An inspector can issue a “stop-work” order on the project until the situation is resolved.
F5 Page 6
The County Code Enforcement Division does not keep a database of Joshua Tree code violations. 2010-2011 San Bernardino County Grand Jury Final Report 56
F6 Page 7
The City of Victorville has a Joshua Tree inspection application process in its code enforcement operation for the protection and preservation of the plant. There were no reported violations during the years 2007 through 2010.
F7 Page 7
The Town of Apple Valley enforces Joshua Tree protection under its Development Code (Section 9.76.040) which provides the criteria for a permit process to remove or relocate trees. A certified arborist must provide a written report on the condition, and any recommendation for removal of Joshua Trees. This report accompanies the permit application. Apple Valley furnished copies of code violations which resulted in citations and fines, but no totals for the years 2006 through 2010.
F8 Page 7
The City of Hesperia has a Protective Plant Ordinance (Municipal Code Chapter 16.24) which addresses the removal and relocation of Joshua Trees. Developers are required to prepare a Protection Plan for Plants which covers Joshua Trees and other species, after which a permit is issued for grading purposes. The Community Development Department (Building & Safety and Planning Division) inspects for compliance. Only one case of non-compliance was reported for the period of 2006 through 2010. A citation was issued and a fine paid for the violation.
F9 Page 7
The City of Twenty-nine Palms did not respond to the Grand Jury’s request.

Recommendations 3