Q.    I received a letter from the city about a violation on my property, but I see the same type of violation at several other homes in my neighborhood.  Did the city notify them also?

A.    At the time a code enforcement officer performs an inspection they also address other similar violations in the area in order to avoid selective enforcement.  If you have questions about a specific violation in the neighborhood please contact the office and speak with the inspector for your neighborhood.

Q.    I called in a complaint to your department a week ago and I still haven't seen any changes yet.  Why?

A.    In a vast majority of cases where a violation was found to exist a notice letter is sent to the resident informing them of the violation and allowing them ten (10) days to remove the violation.  At that time a second inspection is done to see if compliance was met, if the violation is still present the inspector attempts to make personal contact with the resident by certified mail, telephone, door hanger or other method to insure they understand the violation that exists on their property.  Also, several factors may influence enforcement on the property such as a death in the family or illness.  In such cases an extension of time may be given to the resident in order for them to gain compliance with city codes.

Q.    I have an inoperable car or truck on my driveway.  Can I cover it with a tarp to screen it from public view?

A.    No.  A tarp does not remove the violation from public view.  The vehicle is still present at the location and can still be seen from the street or alleyway even if it is under a tarp.  It is recommended that the vehicle be brought up to state code and be made operable or be moved into the garage or be screened from public view by a six foot privacy fence.

Q.    Why do I have to move my rollout trash and recycling containers back near the house?

A.    The city requires the trash containers to be moved back for safety purposes.  A trash container left next to the alleyway or street may be pushed out or tipped over into the street or alley by high winds, vandalism or other means.  This may cause damage to a passing vehicle and could possibly injure a person if an accident occurs.

Q.    The easement between the sidewalk of my house and the street belongs to the city.  Why do I have to maintain it?

A.    City ordinance requires the property owner to maintain an area up to ten (10) feet outside of their property lines.  The easement area may belong to the city, utility or cable company so that water and other services could be brought to your home.  These easements are underground easements and the grass and trees that grow upon them are the responsibility of the resident and owner to maintain.

Q.    How high can my grass grow before I have to cut it?

A.    Grass may grow to 12 inches in length before it must be cut.

Q.    I have stacked a pile of construction material such as lumber or bricks neatly next to my house or on my driveway and they have been there for years, why do I have to move it now?

A.    Items to be stacked for construction purposes are to be used in a construction project within 30 days.  If the material is not going to be used within that time it has to be removed from public view or it must be disposed of since the material would be considered unsightly matter by city ordinance.

Q.    Why can builders place signs out along the streets on the weekend and I can't?

A.    Builder signs are permitted through the building inspection department.  They may be placed out at noon on Friday and must be removed by noon on Monday.  Other signs placed out are usually for advertisement purposes of a business and are never removed until notified of the violation by the City or they are physically removed by a code enforcement officer.

Q.    How many people may live in a single family residence?

A.    A family is defined by the zoning code as any number of individuals living together as a single housekeeping unit, in which not more than four (4) individuals are unrelated by blood, marriage or adoption.  This means that one family of any size that is related by blood may live in a single family residence along with four other individuals who are not related.

Q.    If I see mold in my house or apartment what should I do?

A.    Environmental Services would like you to review the mold information provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  If you own your own home you will need to make arrangements with a company that can remediate the problem in your home.  If you are renting an apartment or home contact the owner and have the owner repair the problem.  However, if the owner refuses to take action to abate the mold problem, please contact Environmental Services at 972-466-3060 or you may submit your complaint  online.

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