Pubdate: Sun, 12 Jun 2011 Source: Valley Chronicle, The (Hemet, CA) Copyright: 2011 The Valley Chronicle Contact: 2091 W. Florida, Suite 140, Hemet, CA 92545 Website: http://www.thevalleychronicle.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5259 Author: Charles Hand, The Valley Chronicle CITY TARGETS LANDLORDS WITH PROPERTY USED FOR ILLEGAL PURPOSES It took little discussion and very little more time for the San Jacinto City Council on Tuesday to paint a bull's-eye on the backs of landlords who allow their property to be used for illegal purposes. City Manager Tim Hults used as an example of the kind of property owner who could find himself in the crosshairs as the one who leases property to the owner of a medical marijuana collective, of which there are several in the city. City Attorney Jeff Ballinger said the city already has an ordinance that makes property owners liable for the activities of those they rent to, but that the new law put a finer point on it. The city has already notified operators of illegal businesses, primarily marijuana outlets, that they must cease operations. The council's action adds an element to the law that makes it possible to take action against property owners even if they claim ignorance of the illegality of the activities conducted on the land. It also makes the law retroactive, meaning it can be applied to past activities. "This makes the law more explicit," Ballinger said. In a joint staff report, Ballinger and Hults said the added section will make it easier for the city to enforce the municipal code where property owners do not take steps to end illegal activity on the premises. Councilman Alonso Ledezma said the city should send letters to those allowing illegal activity on their property that the city could place a lien on their property if they do not control the illegal activity. The provision passed unanimously. In a separate vote, the council gave final approval to a new city law that bans issuing business licenses to any illegal business. That is also aimed primarily at the marijuana collectives. In his staff report to the council, Ballinger said that, while the city banned marijuana collectives in 2006, the law does not provide clear guidance to city staff members on whether business licenses or permits can be issued under the zoning code. The law also revokes whatever business license may have been issued in the past before the rules were clarified. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.