CODE ENFORCEMENT

Code Enforcement

Code Enforcement Officers work in twelve geographically defined code enforcement areas.

In each area the inspectors are sensitive to the needs of the citizens, community groups and area commissions. 

Each inspector is responsible for identifying code violations and working with the responsible parties to get the violations corrected. 

Appropriate court action may be initiated when the violations are not corrected in the allotted time. 

Violation types range from junk vehicles and scaling paint on houses to safety items such as inoperable smoke detectors. 

Inspectors enforce the City's Housing, Zoning, Graphics, and Health, Sanitation and Safety Codes. 

Common Code Violations

HOUSING- INTERIOR

The following is a listing of the most common housing violations found during a code enforcement inspection of the interior of a property.    Plumbing, electric, HVAC, structural finish work Unsanitary conditions Overcrowded conditions Dwelling units unfit for human habitation Unsafe buildings Smoke detectors: not operable or installed on each floor Carbon Monoxide inspections Pest infestation

Common Code Violations

EXTERIOR HOUSING

Vacant structures not secured or maintained to code standard Roof, gutters and downspouts, chimneys, porches and stairways Siding, windows, doors, foundation Exposed and untreated wood surfaces Accessory structures: garages, sheds and fences Yard maintenance Dead or unsafe trees

Common Code Violations

ZONING

Outdoor storage of junk, salvage, auto parts, appliances, furniture Parking vehicles in restricted yard areas (front, side and rear) Parking commercial vehicles on residential lots Parking boats, campers, RV’s, trailers in restricted areas Motor vehicles repair garages in residential districts Illegal businesses in residential areas Prohibited yard sales (in excess of allowable time limits) Prohibited signage / graphics Site plan violations Inoperable motor vehicles on private property

Common Code Violations

HEALTH,SANITATION,SAFETY CODE 

Sanitary maintenance of premises Solid waste  Noxious weeds / High grass Animal maintenance Rodents, insects, vermin, bed bugs and other pests

VACANT AND ABANDONED PROPERTIES

VACANT PROPERTIES WITH CODE VIOLATIONS ARE REVIEWED BY THE VAP TEAM.

CODE OFFICERS,CITY LAND BANK STAFF,CITY ATTORNEYS OFFICE, BUILDING AND ZONING STAFF,AND DEVELOPMENT STAFF ARE MEMBERS THAT COMPRISE THE VAP TEAM

CONDITION OF PROPERTY, YEARS VACANT, DELINQUENT TAXES, AND CODE HISTORY ARE REVIEWED.

IF THE PROPERTY IS A DEMOLITON CANDIDATE A CIVIL CASE AND EXPEDITED TAX FORECLOSURE ARE INITIATED.

IF NOT A DEMOLITION CANDIDATE AN EXPEDITED TAX FORECLOSURE WILL BE PERSUED.

CITY ATTORNEYS OFFICE

BOTH CRIMINAL AND CIVIL ATTORNEYS WORK WITH CODE ENFORCEMENT TO PREPARE CASES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COURT.

CITY ATTORNEYS MEET IN PERSON WITH CODE ENFORCEMENT STAFF TO GO OVER CASES AND DECIDE ON THE BEST COURSE FOR ACHIEVING COMPLIANCE.

CRIMINAL CASES ARE NORMALLY FILED TO OBTAIN COMPLIANCE FOR INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR HOUSING ,AND ZONING ISSUES.

CIVIL CASES ARE NORMALLY FILED TO OBTAIN COMPLIANCE ON VACANT STRUCTURES OR ASK THE COURT FOR PERMISSION TO ENTER PREMISES TO DEMOLISH.

PACE TEAM

• Proactive Code Enforcement. Does not operate from 311 service requests.

• Performs systematic inspections in neighborhoods that qualify.

• Performs inspections of properties owned by landlords that have become chronic offenders.

• Does not duplicate efforts of regular Code officers.

• Works with residents to address code violations of owner occupied structures,

• Works with designated City Attorney.

Code Enforcement Process

A Code Enforcement Officer (CEO) issues a notice of violation upon finding a code violation.  The notice allows reasonable time for compliance.

The CEO attempts to contact anyone who receives a notice to work with them to resolve the violation.

The citizens that receive notices have the right to appeal notice before the Property Maintenance Board or the Board of Zoning Adjustments.

Approximately 85% of the cases are complied, however, if the violation is not resolved the CEO may recommend a legal action be heard before the Environmental Division of the Franklin County Municipal Court.

Inquiries or complaints can be directed to the Code Enforcement section by calling 645-3111 or visiting your neighborhood Pride Center.