The code enforcement process is typically initiated in several ways:

1.  In response to a complaint by an individual; or a neighborhood association

2.  Observation of a code violation by City staff as they patrol the community and do their jobs;

3.  As a consequence of an action (for example, an application for a building permit or a request for a rezoning variance).

The City relies on residents to help identify possible code violations, particularly in these areas:

• Abandoned and/or inoperable vehicles
• Graffiti on public or private property
• Housing maintenance issues
• Illegal dumping of garbage and debris
• Illegal dumping of oils and other hazardous materials into storm drains
• Illegal signs, such as advertising flyers and portable ground signs
• Long grass and weed violations
• Overflowing garbage or other garbage problems
• Overgrown foliage blocking stop signs, impeding sight of driveways or making corners dangerous
• Parking regulations in residential neighborhoods - on-street parking and parking on lawns
• Snow and ice on public sidewalks
• Zoning and occupancy issues

You may file a complaint about a possible code violation in person, in writing or by phone. Phone numbers of the departments are listed below. In an average year, the City receives thousands of complaints related to possible code enforcement violations.            

Please be prepared with specific information, such as:

The address of the property,

Detailed description of the situation, and

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.

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 an inspection by a City staff member to see if a code violation exists. In general, a notice of violation is issued to the owner/tenant to correct the code violation in a timely manner. The City may also take court action if the situation poses a significant risk to the community or if the individual has ignored the notice of violation.

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 civil injunctions or other penalties.