Compliance Process

Our Process

When we receive a complaint, a case file is created and assigned to a Code Compliance Officer. Officers will contact the property owner to discuss the violation and actions needed to remedy the situation. Usually, property owners are unaware of the regulations and voluntarily fix the problem within a reasonable time frame. The average time to correct a violation is 2-4 weeks. However, complicated situations may take up to a year (or longer) to correct. 

Please note that we are experiencing a high level of code violation reports at this time. Our response time and ability to resolve a violation are taking longer than usual.  Priority is given to high and moderate-risk violations. Please be patient.

Code Compliance Response Priorities

Response to life/safety violations will occur with or without a complaint. Life/safety violations are those that could cause injury or create an unhealthy environment in the opinion of the Code Compliance Officer, Building Official, or Director. Otherwise, violations will be responded to on a “complaint-only” basis. Violations may be addressed without a complaint at the discretion of the Code Compliance Officer if discovered during the investigation.

The Code Compliance Officer investigates complaints based on which category they fall into. These categories are based on priority: high, medium, and low.

High Priority (1) – Immediate health and safety violations include:

• Dangerous/unstable structures;
• Raw sewage;
• Illegal discharge into the stormwater system;
• Illegal tree removal;
• Unpermitted construction work;
• Unpermitted clear and grade;
• Unauthorized development in shorelines.

Medium Priority (2) - Serious violations include:

• Abandoned property;
• Unpermitted ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit);
• Hoarding;
• Junk vehicles;
• Litter and debris;
• Mechanical complaints (for example AC, water heater, furnace installations);
• Zoning issues;
• Sight distance obstructions;
• Occupancy limits.

Low Priority (3) - Minor violations include:

• Right-of-way issues (Signs, garbage cans, basketball hoops);
• Construction hour violations;
• Lighting;
• Fences;
• Structures in setback;
• Chickens;
• Short-term rentals.