Sleeping, living in the garage banned by city

The city of Camarillo has prohibited the residential use of garages and other non-habitable spaces or structures.

Municipal Code Chapter 9.50 was a response to City Council concerns that nonhabitable spaces were being occupied illegally.

Although other provisions prohibit using such places as living quarters, the council felt that consolidating the provisions into one ordinance would be a better way to inform the public that such conditions pose a threat to the health and safety of the residents of non-habitable spaces and those living nearby, due to increased chance of fires and other hazards.

The chapter allows the city to hold a property owner, tenant or property manager to be held liable for violations.

The new regulations provide for follow-up inspections of properties that have been cited and for penalties to deter such conduct and to recover costs associated with the enforcement of the code.