Restoring Trust in the Permit Process
Safe Compliance Initiative: Rebuilding Trust While Strengthening Our City
Over the years, many Orange homeowners have made improvements to their properties. Whether it’s upgrading electrical systems, converting a garage, or expanding living space. In many cases, these projects were completed without permits, often due to a process that felt complicated, unclear, or overly burdensome.
The reality is, these improvements already exist. The question isn’t whether we ignore them, it’s whether we create a practical path to bring them into compliance in a way that benefits both residents and the City.
That’s why I’m proposing the Safe Compliance Initiative.
This program creates a limited opportunity for homeowners to voluntarily bring unpermitted work up to code without facing penalties. But more importantly, it represents something bigger: a reset in how City Hall works with residents.
Transparency starts with trust.
Right now, too many homeowners avoid coming forward because they don’t know what will happen or they assume the worst. That lack of clarity erodes trust. The Safe Compliance Initiative changes that by clearly defining the process, timeline, and expectations. Residents will know exactly what steps to take, what it will cost, and how to move forward.
Efficiency means making it easier to do the right thing.
If we want compliance, the system has to work. This initiative prioritizes a streamlined, digital-first permitting process that allows homeowners to submit information, track progress, and complete inspections without unnecessary delays. When the process is simple and accessible, more people participate, and that benefits everyone.
Accountability goes both ways.
The City has a responsibility to enforce its codes, but also to provide a fair opportunity for residents to come into compliance. This program does both. During the initiative, we encourage voluntary participation without penalties. After it concludes, enforcement becomes consistent and predictable. The message is clear: we gave everyone a chance, now we uphold the rules.
This approach is also a net positive for the City financially, without raising taxes.
When unpermitted work is brought into compliance:
The City collects legitimate permit and inspection fees
Properties are properly documented, which can lead to accurate long-term property assessments
The City reduces costly enforcement actions and administrative overhead
At the same time, homeowners benefit by locking in the value of the improvements they’ve already made. Legal, permitted work protects property value, simplifies future sales, and provides peace of mind.
This is what smart local policy looks like, meeting residents where they are, improving safety, and strengthening the City’s financial foundation at the same time.
The Safe Compliance Initiative is about more than permits. It’s about restoring trust, modernizing how City Hall operates, and creating a system that works for everyone.
*DRAFT POLICY*
DRAFT POLICY – SAFE COMPLIANCE INITIATIVE
City of Orange – Policy Proposal
Title: Safe Compliance Initiative
Purpose: Establish a voluntary, time-limited program to bring unpermitted residential work into compliance with City building and safety standards through a streamlined, penalty-free process.
I. PURPOSE AND INTENT
The purpose of the Safe Compliance Initiative is to:
Improve public safety by ensuring residential structures meet applicable building and safety codes
Encourage voluntary compliance through a clear and accessible process
Rebuild trust between residents and the City of Orange through transparency and fairness
Increase City revenue through lawful permitting activity without raising taxes
Reduce long-term code enforcement costs and administrative burden
This policy recognizes that unpermitted work exists throughout the community and that a proactive, solutions-oriented approach is more effective than punitive enforcement alone.
II. PROGRAM STRUCTURE
A. Program Duration
The program shall be offered for a limited period of 6 to 12 months, as determined by City Council.
B. Eligibility
Applies to existing residential improvements completed without required permits prior to program adoption
Includes, but is not limited to:
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Garage conversions
Interior remodels
Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical upgrades
Additions and structural improvements
C. Voluntary Participation
Property owners may voluntarily disclose unpermitted work during the program window
Participation shall be non-punitive, provided the owner complies with program requirements
III. FEES AND PENALTIES
A. Penalty Relief
The City shall waive code enforcement penalties and fines for eligible participants during the program period
B. Standard Fees Apply
Participants shall be responsible for:
Standard permit fees
Plan check fees
Inspection fees
IV. PERMITTING AND REVIEW PROCESS
A. Streamlined Application
The City shall establish a simplified submission process, including:
Online application portal
Standardized documentation requirements
Clear guidance for applicants
B. Safety-Focused Inspections
Inspections shall prioritize health and safety compliance
Reasonable pathways to compliance shall be provided when deficiencies are identified
C. Flexible Compliance Options
Where feasible, the City may allow:
Alternative compliance methods
Phased corrections
Engineering verification in lieu of full reconstruction
V. TRANSPARENCY AND PUBLIC OUTREACH
A. Clear Communication
The City shall provide:
Public-facing guidelines explaining program requirements
Cost expectations and timelines
Step-by-step instructions for participation
B. Community Engagement
Outreach efforts shall include:
City website updates
Community meetings
Informational materials for homeowners
VI. ACCOUNTABILITY AND ENFORCEMENT
A. Post-Program Enforcement
Upon program expiration:
Standard code enforcement practices shall resume
Identified violations may be subject to penalties
B. Consistent Application
Enforcement shall be applied uniformly and fairly across all properties
VII. FISCAL IMPACT
The Safe Compliance Initiative is expected to result in:
Increased permit and inspection fee revenue
Improved property documentation and valuation accuracy
Potential long-term increases in property tax revenue due to legalized improvements
Reduced enforcement and legal costs associated with unresolved violations
VIII. ADMINISTRATION
The Community Development Department shall administer the program
Staff shall report to City Council on:
Participation rates
Revenue generated
Program outcomes and recommendations
IX. IMPLEMENTATION
The City Manager is directed to:
Develop program guidelines and administrative procedures
Launch the Safe Compliance Initiative within a reasonable timeframe
Provide periodic updates to the City Council