How do the code enforcement officers attempt to enforce the codes?
When the code enforcement officers go to investigate a complaint and find that the complaint is valid, they first attempt to make personal contact with the property owner. If no one is home, they will leave a door hanger notifying the owner/occupant of the violation, giving a time frame in which to remediate the problem and making themselves available for questions. In the case of vacant property, a phone call is attempted before a letter notifying the owner of the violation is sent. After the initial period indicated on the door hanger, the code enforcement officers will inspect the property again. If the problem has not been rectified but some effort has been made to improve the situation, the officers will extend the time. If no efforts have been made, they will then send formal notices of violation to the property owners. If no efforts to fix the problem are then made, the officers can file charges in municipal court and in some instances can use city funds to abate the problem.
