A. The town wishes to encourage the maintenance of well-kept properties. The town recognizes that property values and the general welfare of the community are founded in large part on the appearance, maintenance and safety of properties.

B. The existence of property in a condition constituting a nuisance as defined in this code is injurious to the public health, safety and welfare of the residents of this town. Such conditions contribute substantially and increasingly to the necessity for excessive expenditures for protection against hazards, diminution of property values, and the preservation of the public health and safety.

C. Public nuisances are those affecting the entire community, neighborhood or a considerable number of people. Under California law, local governments have standing to intercede and to abate a public nuisance. However, local governments do not have standing to abate a private nuisance. Remedies in the law are available to those affected by private nuisances. However, it is the town policy to assist and to facilitate resolution of private nuisance issues where possible and appropriate.

D. The existence of public nuisances of the type designated and the abatement of them, is reasonably related to the proper exercise of the police power in protecting the health, safety and welfare of the public, and the exercise of that power by this town is authorized by the constitution of the state and applicable laws.

E. Unless uniform and expedient corrective measures are available to be undertaken to alleviate such conditions, the public health, safety and general welfare and the property values and social and economic standards of this community will be substantially depreciated. The abatement of such conditions will enhance the appearance and value of such properties and will improve the tax base of the town.

F. It is in the public interest to establish a cost recovery procedure so that the abatement of a public nuisance is at the expense of the person(s) creating, causing, committing or maintaining the nuisance. (Ord. 490 § 18 (part), 1996)