The goal of the City of Indio through its Code Enforcement Program is to improve the overall condition of properties, to protect neighborhoods from declining property values, and to preserve the health, safety and welfare of our community. The Accomplish the goal, the city is committed to working with, and educating all citizens, lenders, bank and people with vested interest in our community.

As you are aware, the slumping economy and housing market has created a significant rise in bank foreclosures in California and nationwide. The substantial increase in residential properties in default and foreclosure has also created a dramatic impact to the Indio housing market.

Our city has taken a proactive lead, by adopting a Registration and Maintenance of Abandoned Properties Ordnance to address crime and blight issues associated with abandoned and foreclosed homes. This ordinance assists in our efforts to eliminate crime, blight and public nuisances caused by these homes. By doing this, we encourage banks, lenders and property owners to work together to become “good neighbors by maintaining their properties free from trash, dead lawns, green pools, and unsecured homes that attract criminal activity.

Starting April 4, 2008 all banks, lenders and trustees are required to inspect homes prior to recording a “Notice of Default”. During this inspection, or at anytime you discover that a property is vacant or abandoned, you will be required to register that property with our office. In addition, for each of these abandoned properties, you are required to pay an initial $150 registration fee, and if the property stays abandoned for more than one year, a $100 renewal fee. Along with registering each abandoned property, you are required to hire a local property management company to oversee and fully maintain the property. You are also required to post the property with a sign identifying a 24-hour contact phone number for a responsibly person in case of an emergency. Along with these requirements, you are also required to record any change of ownership or transfer of title with the Riverside County Recorder’s Office, and our office.

We are requesting the assistance and cooperation of all banks and lenders to actively adhere to the requirements of this ordinance. If you have any questions of need clarification please contact our office at (760) 391-4123 or email codeenforcement@indiopd.org.