Code Enforcement seems to have a bad reputation in Josephine County. People only hear the loud angry voices of those who don’t want to adhere to the Planning, Building, and Solid Waste codes that are in place for everyone’s safety and right to enjoy their property.

As a former Josephine County Ordinance Administrator who handled the code enforcement for Planning and Building Safety, I am disheartened about the closure of the county’s code enforcement office. I thought I might share some of my knowledge from seven years on the job to better educate residents.

The Solid Waste and Nuisance Abatement program is handled through the County Health Department.  Solid waste is not only unsightly but can create health concerns. It could affect the sale of nearby properties. Here is the definition of solid waste:  All putrescible and non-putrescible waste, whether in solid or liquid form, except liquid carried industrial waste or sewage hauled as an incidental part of a septic tank or cesspool cleaning service. Solid waste includes but is not limited to, garbage, rubbish, ashes, sewage, sludge, street refuse, industrial waste, swill, demolition and construction waste, abandoned vehicles or parts thereof, vehicle tires, discarded home and industrial appliances, manure, vegetable or animal solid or semisolid waste, dead animals, and other discarded solid materials.    

Some common violations are the storing of car tires. Water sits inside and breeds mosquitoes. Also, storing bags of garbage outside instead of having garbage service or taking the bags to the dump weekly can attract rodents, which can carry diseases. Extreme amounts of junk vehicles can do that as well. Storing older broken appliances can lead to leaks of chemical refrigerants and can pose safety hazards for children. Old building materials can have asbestos that will break down into the soil and get carried into nearby streams.

 Let’s look at the Planning Department, who follow the Land Use Development Code. Property owners are required to obtain a development permit for any structure or use on a property. Why? Because Planning will make sure that the proposed structure is allowed according to the designated zoning the property has been given. You certainly don’t want to have built a home on a nice property and then next door a commercial trucking business moves in. That is why there are zones for residential and commercial, as well as forest resource and farming.

Planning makes sure the property you have is a legal lot. As an example, some people have split their large properties into smaller lots and sold them, which makes all the properties illegal due to not meeting the size requirements of that zone.

Also, Planning makes sure the structure you build is not over a property line. This causes major issues with the owner of the property next door. It can result in removing the structure and taking a loss on the money you spent plus the cost of having the structure torn down.

 A more common land use violation is a residential property owner decides to rent out areas of their land to people living in travel trailers or RVs. Sometimes as many as 5 travel trailers or RVs move in. They do not ensure proper electrical connections are made, or sewage waste is properly disposed of.  This quite often causes negative impacts to neighbors as well as contaminating nearby streams and rivers. Planning allows for an RV site on a property, but they have requirements to make sure you do not overburden your septic system, don’t encroach on the property line, and that proper electrical and plumbing permits are obtained.

 Next, let’s look at Building Safety. This department follows the Oregon State Building Code to ensure residential and commercial structures are built to standards for safety reasons, to improve neighborhoods, and boost economic prosperity. They review plans to see if structures meet the building codes, which encompass things like plumbing, electrical, materials, snow loads, wind and seismic requirements. They also make sure structures meet the Oregon Fire Code requirements, promoting fire safety.  

Consider a neighbor who builds a house without permits and inspections. If that house catches on fire due to faulty wiring or improper wood stove installation, then fire might spread to your property and burn down your home as well. Your neighbor’s ‘right’ to do as they please and not obtain permits has negatively impacted you and your ‘right’ to enjoy your property.  If a commercial building does not obtain the required permits and inspections, and if it collapses or has a fire with customers inside the building, it could be disastrous. You cannot assume businesses or your neighbors have followed the permit requirements that keep you safe.

These are just a few important reasons that property owners should adhere to the Planning, Building, and Solid Waste code requirements.  And until all property owners do so, that is unfortunately why we need an effective code enforcement team. A code enforcement team are the ones that will help you get violation complaints resolved so that you can continue enjoying your property.  

For more complete and current information, please contact the Planning, Building Safety and Solid Waste departments.