Ordinance Enforcement

Ordinance enforcement involves property inspections by city officials and citizen reports of concern. There is an online form available to report potential issues. Complaints submitted anonymously will not be considered valid. The name of the reporting citizen will not be shared publicly. The complaint must be related to an identified ordinance violation. 

 Concern Form

Common violations include, but are not limited to:

  • Tall Grass
  • Unsightly accumulation of items
  • Inoperable or unlicensed vehicles stored outside
  • Broken window
  • Parking on the front lawn
  • Unauthorized outside storage or trash
  • Brush piles

When a violation is confirmed, appropriate action will be taken. Complaints and violations will be prioritized as follows:

  1. Immediate risk to public health and safety
  2. Work begun or actions taken without necessary permits
  3. Aesthetic and nuisance violations.

Typical Procedure

  1. Inspection of the property is made
  2. If a violation exists, an Ordinance Violation Notice is issued, requiring action and a deadline for compliance (14 days). If violation is corrected, no further action is required. An extension may be requested for compliance.
  3. If violation is not corrected by deadline or an extension has not been approved, a Compliance Letter may be issued. This letter will give greater details on the violation, guidelines on corrective action and a deadline for compliance (14 days).
  4. If the violation is not corrected by the deadline outlined in the Compliance Letter, then a Citation sent Certified mail may be issued along with a penalty fee. You may request a hearing before the City Council to appeal the Citation.
  5. If no action has been taken to correct the violation, then the City may pursue Abatement. The cost of remedying the violation will be charged to the property owner and if unpaid, will be assessed on the property taxes.

Have a question? Give us a call. We will be happy to assist you.