Board authorizes $12,321.63 lien for abatement of vacant, vandalized Patterson Way property

The board approved a resolution on Feb. 10 to place a $12,321.63 lien on the property at 3369 Patterson Way (Eldorado Hills) to recover county costs incurred to board up, fence and secure a vacant structure that code enforcement had deemed unsafe and vandalized.

Acting code enforcement supervisor Nicholas Huer said the property was first reported in June 2024, had deteriorated (broken windows, intrusions, unmaintained pool) and was posted as a vacant nuisance under county code. After notices and a notice to abate, facilities staff executed a county abatement in October 2025 to secure the building; the county incurred costs and the property owner did not respond. Huer said the owners later indicated the property was in bankruptcy and the county received final invoices in December 2025.

County counsel noted administrative penalties are not lienable, so the lien covers the county’s abatement costs. Counsel also said that if preexisting liens or bankruptcy claims exist, county recovery could be subordinate and full recovery is not guaranteed. After a short public hearing with one online comment asking about lien priority in bankruptcy, the board approved the resolution to place the lien.

Why it matters: Placing the lien allows the county to attempt to recover documented abatement costs and to avoid passing the expense to neighboring residents. Staff said the action protects code‑enforcement and facilities costs from being borne by the general fund.

What’s next: County counsel will advise on collection options and lien priority; if bankruptcy or senior liens exist, county recovery could be limited.