Logo courtesy of the City of Rancho Cordova

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Since cityhood, the city has surveyed neighborhoods to identify code concerns and connect residents to programs and services that help them maintain their properties and improve neighborhood conditions. Now, the city is using an AI technology called City Detect to make that work even more efficient, while staying focused on helping residents and improving neighborhoods.  

This modern approach to long-standing neighborhood surveys helps staff identify issues more efficiently and direct resources where they are needed most. The survey of neighborhoods now takes days rather than months and a code officer still reviews the photograph to determine whether a violation has occurred.  

The city takes privacy of residents very seriously. The data gathered by City Detect is used internally only to help staff respond more efficiently. The city does not store the data, download video or photos from City Detect, or share the data with outside agencies. 

The city’s education-first approach remains the same, with a Courtesy Letter, information about the violation, and useful free programs provided, such as Good Neighbor Assistance, Cash for Clunkers, the Residential Chain Link Fence Buy Back Program, free tree and stump removal services. This approach helps residents easily come into compliance.  

A recent two-month report for May – July 2026 analyzed 23,685 properties across the city, with only 46 properties having code issues, amounting to less than 1% of all properties analyzed. That means the city can focus its outreach and support where it is needed most, while recognizing that most properties are looking good. 

City Detect is about bringing more efficient services to residents. By using technology to identify potential code violations, city staff can focus on what matters most: helping residents, strengthening neighborhoods and making sure city resources are used in ways that truly serve the community.