Show All Answers

1. What do Code Enforcement Officers do?

Code enforcement officers patrol neighborhoods and commercial properties looking for code violations. They also respond to reports of code violations made by residents. Code enforcement tracks each violation to its completion.

2. What is a violation letter?

A violation letter informs property owners of a code violation and the time allotted to correct the violation. If the violation is corrected, the officer will re-check and no other action is necessary. If the violation is not corrected, the officer may attempt to contact the owner by leaving a door hanger or schedule abatement and/or leave a citation at the property.

3. Why did I get a violation notice when my yard looks great and I see other homes that do not?

Please remember that a notice does not mean your home looks bad. Homes can receive notices for violations such as overhanging trees or trash cans not put away. These situations can pose safety hazards and therefore are enforceable, regardless of the condition of the home and yard.

4. I just found a door hanger from a Code Enforcement Officer on my property. What does that mean?

Code enforcement officers noticed a code violation on your property. The officer stopped by to contact someone on the property, but no one was there, so a door hanger was left specifying the violations witnessed. Please correct the violation or contact the code enforcement officer. Typically, this is your second notice before a citation is issued.

5. What if I can't finish all the work by the due date?

Contact the Code Enforcement Officer immediately. Do not wait until the due date. Code Officers are willing to make reasonable accommodations. If this is your first offense, a "reasonable" time frame may be longer unless you have committed the same violation in the last year.

6. What do I do if I disagree with the notice?

Please contact the Code Enforcement Officer immediately. The officer will be glad to meet with you and to explain why the notice was issued.

7. What is Code Abatement?

Abatement is when the city hires someone to fix the code violation and bills you. In some cases, the city will abate the nuisance themselves.

8. What if my property is abated?

Abatement is when the city hires someone to fix the code violation for you. This usually occurs after a violation letter has been issued and the violation was not corrected. A lien may then be filed on the property. Please contact Code Enforcement.

9. When will you abate my property?

Abatements are only done if the violation is not corrected and the code officer has not been contacted by the due date written on the violation letter. If the notice is ignored, abatements can be done as soon as the first day after the due date. Vacant property is more likely to be abated.

10. What happens if I get a citation?

If you receive a citation, you will need to set up a court date and correct the violation within 14 days of the date on the citation. If the violation is not corrected, a second citation may be issued.

11. What is an illegal vehicle?

A vehicle that has expired or no license plates, is wrecked, dismantled, inoperable or is not currently registered, is an illegal vehicle. Illegal vehicles cannot be parked on city streets or parked on your property within the public’s view. Illegal vehicles must be stored in an enclosed building or must be screened off and parked on an approved surface.

12. How does my yard need to be maintained?

Front, back, and side yards must be landscaped and maintained. Landscaping can include living or non-living ground cover such as grass, rock, mulch, bushes, trees, flowers, etc. Grass shall be maintained less than 8 inches high.

13. What is considered litter?

Items that are not designed or intended for outside use cannot be stored outside a home or building. Storing items outside such as car parts, unused construction material, boxes, newspapers, household trash, appliances, indoor furniture, wood, tree cuttings, tires, chemicals, carpet, mattresses, etc. is not allowed.