What is OZAs process for handling violations?
Complaints are taken by phone, e-mail, or in person at the OZA office. An investigation number is created and an inspector assigned to investigate the complaint generally within 48 hours of receipt. If the complaint proves to be a violation of the zoning ordinance, the inspector may discuss it on-site with the property owner. If the complaint is not resolved at that initial point of contact a letter is then sent to the property owner giving them ten days to contact the OZA to discuss how and when the violation will be resolved. If the property owner is uncooperative, a formal Notice of Violation is issued, giving the owner 30 days to bring the property into compliance or appeal the Notice of Violation to the Board of Zoning Appeals. If the violation is neither appealed nor abated within the 30 days, the file is turned over to the County Attorney for legal action. The Court may impose fines and issue orders directing the property owner or the County to abate the violation. In matters wh
