The City of Hollister should be commended for its efforts during
the past year to increase its code enforcement. Unfortunately, two
fires in recent weeks, caused by illegal construction and housing
code violations, are glaring examples of the serious dangers
involved with this issue.
The City of Hollister should be commended for its efforts during the past year to increase its code enforcement.
Unfortunately, two fires in recent weeks, caused by illegal construction and housing code violations, are glaring examples of the serious dangers involved with this issue.
One woman, a 34-year-old Hollister resident, died inside a wooden shelter – that was added to an illegal 16-foot trailer – after being trapped by the fire from the only exit.
The basement of another house, which was illegally occupied as a living space, burned March 31 because a portable heater caught a pile of clothes on fire. Luckily, none of the six residents suffered injuries.
In March 2002, the city hired its first full-time code enforcement officer, Tim Burns, who serves as a watchdog for an array of violations. His duties include the enforcement
of illegal constructions and safety hazards within homes.
Building officials have said Hollister has a serious problem with substandard housing – properties often plagued by health hazards and with numerous families in residence.
By all means, before Burns was hired, Hollister lagged far behind other cities’ efforts to enforce housing codes. Since that time, however, officials have entered “new territory,” as Burns calls it, and will continue to strive for even more enforcement in the future. At any one time, Burns has said he takes on 75 to 100 different problems throughout the city.
Even still, the recent fires caused by code violations should serve as a reminder on two fronts. Foremost, the city is catching up, but still remains behind. Other cities of a similar size, such as Monterey, have multiple code enforcement officers. Hollister should have at least two, or even three. For now, however, the city’s financial resources just don’t allow it.
With that, as city officials are doing everything possible, the second message from the two fires goes out to residents: Pay more attention to poor housing conditions. Building inspectors exist for a reason, and that’s the safety of the people.
Changes to a home – or even occupation of unpermitted rooms and garages – must go through the appropriate channels. Any other way is unlawful, and, as we all learned, unsafe.
