Code Compliance Update and Direction
Agenda Item 12.C
By Matthew Downing, Community Development Director
Meeting Date: September 20, 2022
Background
•Part -time Code Compliance staff –November 2015
•Complaint-based program –Goal is voluntary compliance
•STR and unpermitted construction –Proactive enforcement •Complaint-based for all other matters
•2022
•6 new complaints per week
•15 cases opened per month
•Parking, unpermitted construction, vegetation, and STRs •7-10 hours on investigation, documentation, and communication •Council invested in full-time Code Enforcement Officer
Policy Direction
•#1 -Code Compliance Program Priorities
•Substandard buildings and immediate life safety concerns •STR permit complaints and unpermitted STR operations
identified through active monitoring program
•Active unpermitted construction
•Sign violations
•Other complaint-driven issues
Policy Direction
•#1 -Code Compliance Program Priorities
•#2 –Proactive vs. Complaint-Based Enforcement
•Unpermitted STR operation
•Active, unpermitted construction
•Unpermitted off-site signage and banners
•Substandard buildings
•All others –complaint-based
Policy Direction
•#1 -Code Compliance Program Priorities
•#2 –Proactive vs. Complaint-Based Enforcement
•#3 –Methods for Collecting Unpaid Fines
•City Attorney collection letters –30 days overdue
•Third-party collection agency –30 days after previous letter
Policy Direction
•#1 -Code Compliance Program Priorities
•#2 –Proactive vs. Complaint-Based Enforcement
•#3 –Methods for Collecting Unpaid Fines
•#4 –Thresholds for Pursuing Collections
•Collections sought for fines more than $500
•Below $500 –Code Enforcement Officer
•Allow City Manager to waive fines where compliance achieved or underway
Recommendation
The City Council has invested in the quality of life for the community through the creation of a full-time Code
Compliance position. Staff recommends the City Council
provide direction on four policy questions:
•#1 -Code Compliance Program Priorities
•#2 –Proactive vs. Complaint-Based Enforcement
•#3 –Methods for Collecting Unpaid Fines
•#4 –Thresholds for Pursuing Collections