California schemin' Sound off on Santa Barbara claiming right to search homes It's logical to inspect for code compliance at the time property changes hands When code violations cause major problems, it's the Zoning Department everyone wants to blame Santa Barbara is a ritzy, exclusive community -- code enforcement protects property values and everyone benefits It helps prevent single-family homes from being chopped up into tiny units in the high-rent community So, if the city does its inspection and misses something that the new owner later finds, is the city liable? It's the result of the typical liberal impulse to control people and their property The law has a good purpose, but it's still unconstitutional Whether or not a property is in compliance is an issue between the buyer and seller It's another government money grab It violates homeowners' Fourth Amendment rights ... end of story Other View Results Loading ...