The goal of the Code Enforcement Program in Indian Wells 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. To accomplish this, the city is committed to working with, and educating all citizens, lenders, banks, and individuals with vested interest in our community.

The city has proactively adopted a Registration and Maintenance of Abandoned Properties Ordinance to address blight issues associated with abandoned and foreclosed homes. This approved ordinance will assist in our effort to eliminate blight and public nuisances caused by these homes. By doing this, we encourage banks, lenders, and property owners to work together as “good neighbors” by maintaining their properties and keeping them free from trash, dead lawns, green pools, and unsecured homes that attract criminal activity.

Starting February 5, 2011 all banks and lenders are required to inspect prior to recording a “Notice of Default." During this inspection, or at any time you discover that a property is 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 $139.00 registration fee. There will be an additional $139.00 renewal fee if the property stays abandoned for more than one year. Along with registering each abandoned property, you are required to hire a local property management company to oversee and maintaining property and post a sign identifying a 24-hour phone number for a responsible person who can be contacted in an emergency. Along with these requirements, you are required to record any change of ownership or transfer of title with the Riverside County Recorder’s Office, and with 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 or need clarification, please contact our office at (760) 346-2489. To obtain a copy of the Registration and Maintenance of Abandoned Properties Ordinance or registration form, please see below:

• Ordinance 646 Maintenance of Vacant Abandoned Property
• Registration Form for Abandoned Property

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