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1. How are code violations enforced?

Code enforcement officers respond to complaints according to the impact of the violation on the community. Situations that pose a serious risk to health and safety are given top priority; others are pursued in the order that they are received. For all code complaints, the first step is for a Code Enforcement Officer to verify that a violation exists. A notice of violation is sent to the resident or legal property owner, who is given the opportunity to voluntarily correct the situation in a timely manner. If the correction is not made in a reasonable amount of time the individual may be subject to further enforcement action.

2. 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, by phone or e-mail. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses are listed on the city’s Code Compliance webpage. In an average year, the City receives several hundred complaints related to possible code violations.
Please be prepared with specific information, such as:

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

You do not have to identify yourself, but having your name will assist us with follow-up and ensure we have all the information we need to resolve the situation.

3. What is the procedure for following up on possible code violations?

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 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 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.