California Agencies May Now Have Their Code Enforcement Officers Certified

Lozano Smith Client News Brief
September 2016
Number 64

The Governor recently signed Assembly Bill 2228, establishing a program for California code enforcement officers to become certified. The purpose of the program, which is voluntary, is to provide a mechanism for code enforcement officers to become trained in the substantive law and legal processes affecting their duties while also reducing the risk of liability for the agency. The program will ensure uniform and consistent training throughout the state, increasing efficiency and productivity.

The bill authorizes the California Association of Code Enforcement Officers (CACEO) to develop and maintain standards for the designation of Certified Code Enforcement Officers (CCEO); establish minimum training qualifications and experience requirements for applicants to qualify as a CCEO; qualify cities, counties and accredited educational institutions as Certified Code Enforcement Officer Education Program Providers; set continuing education standards; and set annual fees and discipline procedures regarding CCEO eligibility. Under the bill, CACEO becomes an agency with state authority to regulate and maintain standards for CCEOs, similar to how the State Bar of California regulates licensed California attorneys.

Lozano Smith has been partnering with clients for over 25 years to provide training to code enforcement officers. Lozano Smith attorneys regularly work with agency code enforcement officers, whether they are in designated positons, law enforcement staff, planning staff or others, to ensure compliance with applicable local codes, state statutes and due process requirements. Lozano Smith will be closely monitoring CACEO's development of the training curriculum.

Once the curriculum is approved, Lozano Smith attorneys will be able to provide the necessary training for an agency to qualify as a program provider, or otherwise work on a regional level to ensure small agencies have the same opportunities to have their code enforcement officers certified. In addition, clients will be able to rely on Lozano Smith's expertise in the form of continued education courses that will provide the necessary credits in maintaining a code enforcement officer's certification.

If you have questions regarding AB 2228, or have current code enforcement training needs, please contact the authors of this Client News Brief or an attorney at one of our 10 offices located statewide. You can also visit our website, follow us on Facebook or Twitter or download our Client News Brief App.
 
Share this Post:

As the information contained herein is necessarily general, its application to a particular set of facts and circumstances may vary. For this reason, this News Brief does not constitute legal advice. We recommend that you consult with your counsel prior to acting on the information contained herein.