Bell : Home Inspection Ordinance

Two new ordinances that would affect future home sales and construction are under consideration in Bell. The City Council has proposed an ordinance requiring the pre-sale inspection by the city of all homes, and also has proposed creating an architectural review board to approve future construction plans.

The intent of the pre-sale inspection is to identify zoning violations such as illegal garage conversions, and to discover health and safety violations. Between 250 and 500 houses are sold in Bell each year.

Similar inspection ordinances are in effect in South Gate and Lynwood. The president of the Southeast Board of Realtors, Lynn White, said that the experience of many real estate agents with pre-sale inspections is positive. “It gives buyers confidence that the house is in good condition,” he said. The Bell ordinance is intended to be self-supporting, with a fee of about $125 or $150 per inspection to cover costs.

The ordinances will be considered at the July 20 or Aug. 3 council meetings.