The Code Enforcement Division of the Community Services Department promotes, supports and delivers exceptional service that our citizens can trust through efficient and effective neighborhood enhancement programs.

There are many types of City Codes. Code Enforcement takes an active role in enforcing all Zoning Codes, International Building Codes and the International Property Maintenance Codes. The purpose of Code Enforcement is to promote the health, safety and the welfare of the citizens by preserving property values and keeping our community clean. This Division conducts approximately 7,000 inspections each fiscal year. Our Division also provides assistance to the Building Division by monitoring all building violations, issued red tag/stop work orders and acting as a liaison between the Building Division and the property owner.

Provide quality customer service by responding to citizen complaints and observed violations by addressing building and zoning violations within the community.

Monitor and assist the Building Division and the property owner in the correction of all building complaints, expired swimming pool permits, and red tags/stop work orders. This regulatory responsibility assures property owners obtain all required building permits and correct all violations related to their property.

    Organize and coordinate neighborhood clean ups and abatements.

    Review and approve all city business licenses for Zoning Code compliance.

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How are Codes enforced?

The Code Enforcement process is typically initiated in several ways:

• In response to a complaint by a citizen, departments within the City, or other outside agencies such as the Health Department or Animal Control.

• Surveyed building or zoning code violations by Code Enforcement investigators as they respond to complaint driven violations

How do I notify the city about a possible code violation?

You may file a complaint about a possible code violation in person, in writing or by phone. The address of City Hall, phone numbers are listed above our mission statement.

Please be prepared with specific information such as:

• The address of the property
• A detailed description of the situation
• The length of time you have observed the situation

You do not have to identify yourself.

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What is the procedure for following up on confirmed code violations?

The Code Enforcement division responds to all complaints within 24-48 hours. Any complaints that pose a serious risk to health or safety are always given top priority.

For all types of code complaints, the first step is conducting a field inspection of the location in question. Once a violation is confirmed, a letter requesting correction is sent to the property owner and the tenant, if the location is a rental property. Ultimately, the property owner is responsible for their property and any violations on their property.

If the property owner appears unwilling to voluntarily correct the code violation within 14 days, a mandatory mediation hearing is scheduled and held at the courthouse. If the owner doesn’t bring the property into compliance, code enforcement will forward the case to the City Prosecutor’s office for criminal prosecution.

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How long does it take for the violator to bring their property into compliance?

In many cases, the property owner complies with all requirements as noted in the letter requesting correction. On average, 92% of all cases are resolved within 45 days. Only 8% of all cases require a mediation hearing. Our Division resolves 98% of all cases; only 2% of all cases require criminal prosecution.

What are typical violations?

• Any unlicensed and/or non-operational vehicles that are not stored in the side or rear yard with fitted covers.

• Trash, auto parts, dead landscaping debris and unusable items that are visible from the public right-a-way or adjacent properties.

• Occupying an RV or travel trailer for more than 7 days per calendar quarter on an improved residential property. Camping on a vacant lot is prohibited.

• Outdoor storage of business equipment and/or business supplies related to a home occupation.

• Structures other than walls, fences or hedges located in the front, side or rear yard setbacks areas.

• Citizens who place their trash to the curb more than 12 hours prior to the scheduled pick up time.

Code Enforcement Contact Information: