City of San Bernardino California

Director's Memo on Crime-Free Housing

CRIME FREE MULTI-HOUSING PROGRAM

PROGRAM BACKGROUND
The Crime Free Multi-Housing Program was developed in Mesa Arizona in 1992, with the goal of reducing crime, drug, and gang activity in rental properties. The program is sponsored by the International Crime Free Association that provides training or other assistance to local agencies in the administration of their programs. The program spread to more than 2,000 cities in the United States with successful programs causing an average reduction in crime between 75-90% according to the International Crime Free Association. The purpose of the program is to gain the commitment of property owners, managers, tenants, and the community to maintain properties free of illegal or destructive activity and to promote a higher quality of life within each neighborhood. Successful programs increase community participation, provide accountability for property owners, and lower maintenance costs. The proven crime prevention methods and program phases improve public safety for tenants, property owners, and the community.

PROGRAM OUTLINE

June 6, 2011 The City of San Bernardino City Council adopted ordinance no. MC-1351. The City of San Bernardino Crime Free Multi-Housing ordinance is mandatory for all multi-family (4 or more units) rental property owners and managers.

The program consists of three phases: an 8-hour training class, inspection of the properties to verify implementation of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) elements, maintenance of CPTED standards and active participation in the Neighborhood Watch Program.

A basic premise of the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program is designed to develop partnerships and share the responsibility of preventing crime in the community. By doing so, the city will be able to address the root causes of crime in rental property. This will result in less crime, fewer calls for police service, less Police Department notices and citations, and more available time for police officers to be proactive in fighting crime. The purpose of this program is not to serve the landlords, but to educate them and their residents to improve the livability of the neighborhoods by reducing crime and blight.

PHASE I-TRAINING (Mandatory)

Property owners and managers will receive training from various city departments on crime prevention techniques. The following topics will be discussed: fire prevention, health and safety issues, information regarding CPTED standards and the benefits of tenant screening. Attendees will be provided with a crime-free lease addendum, and learn how to monitor and respond to criminal activity occurring on rental properties. The training will equip the property owners and management employees with the necessary skills to prevent or identify problems before they occur.

You may register in person or by telephone by visiting or calling:

SB Direct Call Center
290 North D Street, San Bernardino, CA 92401
909-384-7272

The Phase I registration fee is $55.00 and includes: the Crime Free Multi-Housing workbook, materials and certificates. All training will be held at the City of San Bernardino located at 201B N. E Street, 2nd Floor Multi-Purpose Room, San Bernardino, CA 92401 8-5pm.

A certificate will be issued to the owner/manager upon completion phase one.

*Cancelation/Refund Policy

A 100 % refund will be honored if cancelation is received within (3) three business days prior to the training class or you may elect to reschedule the class for a future date that is available. No exceptions.

Crime Free Multi-Housing Program Training classes:

May 17, 2023 - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
August 16, 2023 - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
November 15, 2023 - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

PHASE II: INSPECTION/ CONTACT INFORMATION/ LEASE ADDENDUM (Mandatory)

After completion of phase one, the property owners will have (30) thirty days to implement a Crime-Free Lease Addendum for all new tenants. The property owner shall provide the Program coordinator with direct and immediate contact information for themselves, property owner, managers, and/or a local responsible party. The property owners will be required to have the property assessed (inspected) to confirm the implementation of CPTED standards. Each property will be allotted one assessment (inspection) as part of the annual fee with each subsequent inspection requiring an additional fee.

Fees are as follows:

Property Type Units Initial/Subsequent fees

Multi-Family 4-90 units $150.00
Multi-Family 91-199 units $170.00
Multi-Family 200+units $185.00

A certificate will be issued to the owner upon completion of Phase Two.

PHASE III: ACTIVE PARTICIPATION & CERTIFICATION (Voluntary)

After completion of Phase II, participants will be given the option to become a crime free certified property. Certification requires a commitment from the property owner and management to maintain the rental property to CPTED criteria and to maintain annual re-certification in the program. It is also required that property owners participate or host an in-house community event by gathering their tenants annually to further educate and strengthen the community and help foster a safe neighborhood.

At the completion of all three phases, the property will qualify to receive a certificate and certification signage.
The Crime Free Multi-Housing Program will replace stolen or severely damaged signs one time per year. Signage must have been legally posted on the building. To replace stolen and or damaged signage not in the required location will need to be replaced at the property owner's expense. Replacement fee is $20.00 per sign.

Upon completion, your address will be added to the San Bernardino CFMH website property list provided online to highlight your property being crime free certified.

At any time a property owner fails to maintain compliance, the property shall have the certification status revoked. Failing to comply will also include any rental property that has twenty (20) or more calls for service from the Police Department, Fire Prevention, or The Police Department. Service calls may be based on individual departments or accumulative within a one-year period. As a mandatory program, the City will enforce ordinances for property owners who fail to participate in the program with administrative citations, civil penalties, or any other legal remedy.

For more information on the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program, please contact:

Crime Free Multi-Housing Unit
Code Enforcement
201B North E Street, San Bernardino, CA 92401
Office Phone: (909) 384-5357