Title
Annual Review and Updates to the Neighborhood Services Department's Code Enforcement Policy- Citywide
Description
This report provides the Economic Development and Housing Subcommittee with a review of the Neighborhood Services Department's (NSD) Code Enforcement Policy (CEP) and requests the Subcommittee recommend City Council approval of the proposed updates.
THIS ITEM IS FOR CONSENT ACTION.
Report
Summary
The CEP provides guidelines for enforcement of the Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance, Zoning Ordinance, and portions of other City codes/ordinances enforced by NSD (see Attachment A). Each year, NSD staff presents a review of the policy with any recommended updates to the City Council, as stated in the policy, which was last updated June 12, 2024. The information in this report is intended to initiate the review process and recommend updates for consideration.
The CEP is comprised of five sections. Sections I through III of the CEP establish the purpose of standard code enforcement, and the notification and enforcement options available to inspection staff. Sections I through III also define recidivist person/properties and the possible consequences for repeat offenders. Finally, Sections I through III describe the inspection and enforcement protocols for resident complaints with exceptions for proactive code enforcement in the immediate area of a complaint and in strategic initiative areas. Section IV includes information encouraging the use of hardship assistance programs for low- and moderate-income households where funding is available and support for owners/responsible parties who are impacted by homelessness. This includes increased communication, assistance, and support in the form of information, referral counseling, outreach, and the provision of volunteer labor and/or the provision of direct financial assistance. Section V provides guidance for NSD to work cooperatively with other departments and agencies to resolve complex and hazardous cases.
Based on NSD's annual review of the CEP, NSD staff is proposing the following updates:
- Add a new section under Inspection/Enforcement to codify current practice related to Confidentiality of Complaints.
- Consolidate the anonymous reporting information in the new Confidentiality of Complaints section.
The staff recommended updates to the CEP are highlighted on page six of Attachment B, with the current CEP provided as Attachment A for reference.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Alan Stephenson and the Neighborhood Services Department.