v NO CODE ENFORCEMENT STAFF ARE AUTHORIZED TO TAKE ACTION ON A PROPERTY WITHOUT A WRITTEN COMPLAINT FORM FILED.
v CODE ENFORCEMENT STAFF MAY NOT ENTER A PROPERTY IF THERE IS A ‘NO TRESPASSING’ SIGN POSTED UNLESS THE PROPERTY OWNER ALLOWS IT.
Read the truth.
THE VIOLATION PROCESS:
· A written complaint form is submitted. Complaint forms can be submitted by anyone who has witnessed a potential violation on a property. They may also come from other county departments or state and federal agencies.
· The Ordinance Administrator opens a violation file. The file consists of the complaint form and copies of the existing planning and building permits for the property in question. This is the file that the Ordinance Administrator uses to begin the investigation of a possible violation.
· The first violation letter is sent to the property owner. There are three priority levels: low, intermediate, and high. If the violation falls into the low and intermediate levels, a maximum of two letters are to be sent. If the violation is a high priority, a third letter is sent, which states that if the violation is not resolved, it will be sent for legal action.
THE PURPOSE OF CODE ENFORCEMENT: To investigate and resolve complaints of violations regarding planning ordinances and building codes. The goal is to gain voluntary compliance to resolve violations.
THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT: Issues development permits, which are the first step for any proposed structures or use on a property. Development permits authorize what structures are being built and where they will be located on a property, ensuring structures will not be built across property lines or within required setbacks. Development permits also ensure that the proposed use fits what the zoning allows.
THE BUILDING SAFETY DEPARTMENT: Issues building, electrical, and plumbing permits. There are inspections that are also required. As the name of the department states, it ensures that buildings are deemed safe for the property owners, their visitors, and neighbors.
