About Code Enforcement
How Are Codes Enforced?
The code enforcement process is initiated in several ways:
- In response to a complaint by an individual.
- Observation of a code violation by City staff or other government agencies as they patrol the community during their regular duties.
- As part of a pro-active program, such as our Housing Inspection program.
How to File a Complaint
You may file a complaint about a possible code violation either in person, in writing, by phone or mail. A printable complaint form can be found online on the Code Enforcement page. Phone numbers and email addresses are available on the Contact Us page.
Please be prepared for specific information such as:
1. Contact info - complainants' name, address, phone number.
2. The address of the property.
3. Detailed description of the situation.
Anonymous complaints will not be investigated.
What Are The Follow-Up Procedures?
City staff responds to code enforcement complaints according to the impact of the violation on the community. Situations that appear to pose a serious risk to health and safety are given top priority; others are pursued in the order in which they are received.
For all types of code complaints, the first step in the follow-up procedure is personal contact by a City staff member to see if a code violation exists and to request compliance. If the individual responsible for the situation is not available or appears unwilling to voluntarily correct the code violation in a timely manner, a notice of violation or a citation may be issued. The City may also take court action if the situation poses a significant risk to the community or if the individual has ignored previous notices/citations.
What Penalties Result From Code Violations?
In many cases, the individual responsible for the code violation is given the opportunity to voluntarily correct the situation and comply with current codes without a penalty. If the correction is not made, then the individual may be subject to fines and other penalties.