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Home My WebLink AboutCode Enforcement O4 PRIp ti � u � 4646 Dakota Street SE Prior Lake, MN 55372 � CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING DATE: MAY 13, 2013 PREPARED BY: DALE STEFANISKO, CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER PRESENTER: DALE STEFANISKO AND LARRY POPPLER TOPIC: CODE ENFORCEMENT DISCUSSION DISCUSSION: Introduction The purpose of this work session is to discuss code enforcement with City Council to introduce, review and receive direction on the following: a. Proactive and reactive code enforcement b. Common codes enforced c. Code Enforcement Policy d. Code enforcement process e. Public education/outreach efforts Hi StOry Prior Lake's 2030 Vision and Strategic Plan adopted by the City Council provides as a goal under the Community Assets vision element: practice consistent and proactive code enforcement to protect residential and commercial properties. Prior to 2007 the City of Prior Lake responded to Code violations largely on a complaint basis largely because code enforcement was a secondary function shared between city departments. Since this time code violations have been addressed on a complaint and proactive basis. Generally, similar types of code violations are responded to whether there is a complainant or there was a proactive enforcement action. The code enforcement process remains relatively the same since the Proactive Code Enforcement Program began in 2007. The Administrative Complaint Policy adopted by City Council and implemented April 5, 2010 provides direction on complaint prioritization, excessive complaints and staff response to excessive and repetitive complaints, Public outreach was included as a component of the 2007 Proactive Code Enforcement Program. DISCUSSION TOPICS PROACTIVE AND REACTIVE CODE ENFORCEMENT The 2030 Vision and Strategic Plan includes a goal within the Community Assets section pertaining to code enforcement. This goal is shown below: "Practice consistent, proactive code enforcement to protect residential and commercial properties and report the results to the City Council in February of each year. " Phone 952.447.9800 / Faa: 952.447.4245 / www.cityofpriorlake.com Reactive code enforcement is based on a complaint being made regarding a perceived code violation. Complaints can be made anonymously or the reporting party information provides their name and contact information. The reporting party information remains confidential. These types of complaints can be phoned in, e-mailed, or made in person. Proactive code enforcement is based on observations by the code enforcement officer or other city staff. Violations could be observed during daily inspections or by actively driving city streets. This type of enforcement is done from the public right of way or plain-view. Currently, City Staff estimate that 50% of all complaints are proactive. The City has enhanced the Splash Intranet program which will help document the number of proactive complaints starting in January 2013. Generally most proactive complaints are found in neighborhoods during an inspection of a reactive complaint. The City also is proactive on several properties where many code issues are present. An update on these properties will be provided during the presentation. We are interested in knowing if the City Council is supportive of the current proactive and reactive code enforcement services? Are there any recommended changes to either of these processes? COMMON CODES ENFORCED Generally the most common type of code violations reported by the community tends to be the same type of violations addressed proactively. Due to time constraints it is sometimes necessary to prioritize complaints and violations. This is done in accordance with the City Council Adopted Administrative Complaint Policy. If this happens, violations are addressed in following order: 1. Immediate risk to public health and safety, 2. High risk to health and safety through environmental impacts, 3. Work begun or actions taken without the necessary permits. 4. Aesthetic and nuisance violations Listed are the most common violations addressed by code enforcement. There is no specific order of priority. • Overgrown Grass & Weeds I • Public Nuisance (Erosion Control, Public Welfare, Snow) • Right Of Way (Blocking Street & Sidewalk) • Animal Control (To Many Pets, License, Waste) • Property Maintenance (Siding, Firewood, Brush, ECT.) • Storage of Junk (Outdoor) • Parking Junk Vehicles (Outdoor) • Zoning Use Violations, C.U.P. (Home Occupation, Storage) • Signage (Permit, Placement, Duration) • Garbage & Refuse (Outdoor, Trash Can Storage) Is the City Council is supportive of enforcement of the common code violations listed? Are there specific code violations which are of greater priority for this community? Are there any suggested changes, recommendations or comments? 2 CODE ENFORCEMENT POLICY A draft Code Enforcement Policy document has been created and is distributed with this agenda packet. The policy is intended to provide guidance and support for the Code Enforcement Program. In 2010, the City Council adopted the "Adopted Administrative Complaint Policy". This document specifically dealt with excessive complaints. The draft Code Enforcement Policy incorporates the language of the "Adopted Administrative Complaint Policy" as well as provides many other sections as guidance and support of the City's Code Enforcement Program. The chapters within the draft policy include: I. Code Enforcement Program II. Definitions III. Reactive/Proactive Enforcement IV. General Procedures V. Excessive Complaints VI. Repeat/Recurring Violations VII. Immediate Enforcement Violations VIII. Advanced Customer Service Pledge IX. Annual Policy Review Adopting this policy formalizes all aspects of the Code Enforcement Program and provides support for City Staff and the Public on code issues. Does City Council agree with the proposed policy or have suggested changes, recommendations or comments? CODE ENFORCEMENT PROCESS Staff feels the current process being utilized for addressing the majority of violations though time consuming, is effective in achieving compliance. The following process is used for reactive complaints. The same process is generally used if the violation is being addressed proactively except that the violation has already been confirmed in most instances. • Step 1- Initial Inspection - Violation/s are confirmed, courtesy notice is issued and posted at the property with a compliance re-inspection date set, usually 14 days. If no violation/s then the case is closed. Verbal notice may be given instead of a written notice. The Code Enforcement Officer attempts to make contact with the responsible party while at the property. If the property is vacant land or an unoccupied building a written notice is sent. A notice includes violation/s, corrective action/s, code/s violated and officer contact information. This information is included on all notices. • Step 2- Follow up inspection - Violation/s corrected case closed. Violation/s remains, notice of violation letter sent to responsible party. If a rentat property, the property owner and tenant sent a notice of violation. Compliance deadline generally 14 days is included in the notice. • Step 3- Follow up inspection - Violation/s corrected case closed. Violation/s remains, final notice of violation sent certified mail. This mailing includes the penalty section of the code and a compliance date of 14 days after receipt of this letter. 3 • Step 4- Follow up inspection - Violation/s corrected case closed. Violation/s remain, citation may be issued. Person issued citation required to attended court. Correction of valid violation still required. If progress toward compliance is being made or the owner has reason for an extension, one will be given. Some violations such as life safety, abatements, and public nuisance are addressed differently with a shortened notice process or a set abatement process. All violations are tracked and recorded in the City's Splash Intranet program. Pertinent information to include photos, notices, dates, correspondences, and contacts are all included in each electronic case file. Does City Council agree with this process or have suggested changes recommendations or comments? PUBLIC OUTREACH EFFORTS Staff believes educating and informing the public about City Codes and Adopted City Policies plays a major role for a successful Code Enforcement Program. With limited staff and a growing population educating and informing the public about City Codes and Adopted City Policies helps curtail many code violations. Public outreach efforts through the City Web page for Code Enforcement, articles in the Wavelength and direct mailings has been expanded to now include use of the new water billing insert and the Prior Lake American newspaper. In addition, some new flyers have been created to inform residents of common code violations, seasonal codes and other code violations. A new Code Enforcement Brochure will be introduced during this work session. This brochure lists the most common code violations, contact information and an overview of the inspection process. Staff believes this will be a useful tool in providing Prior Lake residents and businesses information on being a good neighbor when it comes to code compliance. Does City Council agree with the public outreach efforts or have suggested changes recommendations or comments? 4 City of Prior lake Code Enforcement Polic y � rRrQ o � � � � � � x t V tn �� .�� NNES� �� '� ��, � �; �pprov�� June ��01� *.��-. ; �� k � �? .. �� ;�. ` � : �,'� .. � K � The Code Enfor�� t�ent P��cy, apj� � �i�r�ed by t�i� City of Prior Lake City �"��';�a:� R ��: "° � �� Council, provides g��l�eli .``�- r enf ement of the City of Prior Lake ; �� . �� .��. �� Municipa� �d�, the Zo ';� r� ��,�e, ��d other regulatory codes adopted �� "� ��._, � by tt�� Gty. 5 fi�� d�r �nent�� tended to regulate only those �� .� . enforce��nt/comp prt��a�sses, and activities, specifically initiated by the City. : �;� �,_ . ,� .� � �� City of Prior lake � �� . � �`��_� �.r� Code Enforcement ��`��k 4646 Dakota Street S.E. Prior Lake, MN 55372 (952) 447-9811 (Direct Dial) (952) 447-9800 - Main (952) 447-4245 — Fax www.citvofpriorlake.com R:R��: � �� <�`�°. �� .�� { 4 S :". .." e v� :`Y. _ ' px 41F ��x � ��`��f= . � 4 �� y��,'� . ��',4":•'':. �.' 44'k� ." ff ';.x 5 �°';� � � �� F� . '�.� ��'�'i:'F�rF�� f �. . ��f � �� k hr '+'�` "n �"}k„},4 �"' �� i �� "e ; '+�" d 4 e, d ��'"' � � h .i, l �'x�{� " St k �� .� � `�r�.�� VVS� 4 . y ��` .�`t�. �� * Yx"� r �* � � ti. �ej ��L t' �� 4�. � t .y " 'x S: �-�, !1' +.� . h`s �.,.. � x � 4 :^: `� ` �' x r 2. • '; ��. k x ,, � 4 ��, � �:, � � � . �: �. 4 �`�_ � a:kz. <`<S ' '.4'. �; S v' 4 e„ � R � �„� � �� ' ,�+�� 4'i� li " . � �;�� . �:�•: •° .�ia�x x�_�. � 4'. _'..' �. ... I I 5/10/13 Page 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS I Code Enforcement Program II Definitions 4." 4.� f. i °. . III Reactive/Proactive Enforcemen� � � � �.� �.;;Y::�;; IV General Procedures � �" �� , � F� �, �� .. ��;: � � _ sa °_.� � 4 � °_:`� � �� .: V Excessive Complaints � x ��, � �t� �; �.,; , ��;; � �:�.. �k .: ° `� `` � �� '� � �` �,, , �,, ,� � _ n �� . VI Repeat�R��t�rring ��%��lations 4 � �� .�f � _ : � �a:�� .�,., �� ,��;. a � � � 4 "•� �r �f11 Immediat�;�nforc��i�nt Violati�tihs �''`' 4S�'4 v. }; '�c 1 S n, �'. v � `��'1 c ` :x � S' �.t" � ��.,. � � � �: 4 , 'x �w: t� se{= . VIII Ad ��`c�ed Custo��er Service Pledge �� .�. IX Annual Policy Review 5/10/13 Page 3 I. Code Enforcement Program Purpose Minnesota Statutes give the City Council the "power to provide for the government and good order of the City, the suppression of vice and immorality, the prevention of crime, the protection of public and private property, the benefit of residence, trade, and commerce, and the promotion of health, safety, order and convenience, and the general welfare as it shall deem expedient." The Prior Lake 2030 Vision and Strategic Plan states as a specific goal tlt,at its ordinances shall be directed to protect residential and commercial properties.° To meet this obj��ive, the City has developed a Code ��. Enforcement Program. The City has limited resources, so City staff�� on residents and business owners to provide information regarding code violations as well as self-initi�t��,spections. ��k �,..� �� Standard Enforcement Policy ��. `�'� � ,��:.z City of Prior Lake residents are supported in their ��f��'ts to maintain the p�ysical environment of their neighborhoods through standards set in local ord�r��F��s. To assist in this �r��l�avor, the following code enforcement policy has been established to guide the ��}r�t� addressing properties vtik��;�ode violations. e� This policy is a guideline and does not bin �he City. The Crt}��'nay Q��t�a�e from this polic}�;a��ny time if at the sole discretion of the City, a deviation is d�� appropriate � . � �� w�� TYPICAL VIOLATIONS: s x :� • Junk Storage �°�� k � �".Y. • Permit Violations ' �_ 4�,� � �^ �� • Garbage and Ref�s� �.�� , �� ""�� , ,� ��`�� ,�� • Tall Grass �� f << � �� • Signage : x �� : • Yard Parking �'° �� • Right��"Y�"�� ... � R:� � ��"'��`. • Aru��ts` � `�� . �- ' x ; � • .�.i,r��C Vehicles � �� ., � ��; • Za�ir�� Use �; • Prop��`� Maintenance �� : . � :� • Public N��ce �� - � ��1„_ A� � �. �,= , x Complaint Priority f C�a��ifications. xx ��;; City staff inspects every cpt�t�plaint �� t�ceives. When a violation is confirmed, the appropriate action is taken. Due to staff and time constr.��t�� `��x�s sometimes necessary to prioritize complaints and violations. When this happens, complaints are priori��,`��,��as follows: � 1. Immediate risk to public health and safety. 2. High risk to health and safety through potential environmental impacts. 3. Work begun or actions taken without the necessary permits. 4. Aesthetic and nuisance violations. 5/10/13 Page 4 II. Definitions Abatement Abatements are the removal or repair of a substandard property conditions by the property owner, agent, contractor or City. Business Day In the context of this policy a Business Day is considered Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on a normally scheduled workday exclusive of holidays. Therefore, the ne,��x�usiness day would be the next day � ,��t that the City is scheduled to be open. ;: k f� f City Code rR �� The City code includes all ordinances passed by the City inclu.di�� iose t`h�`��ve been codified. . t� � Compliance Deadline � �w The Compliance Deadline (re-inspection date) is the,.:t��;te compliance is requiret��r�l listed on the Notice of Violation, or Notice and Order. If compliance has no�:oc�urred by the complianc'� �#�adline a misdemeanor citation may be issued, or an abatement process may be �� # ted s ��mpliance De��i`�e may be extended at the discretion of the Code Enforcemen# �'�� x �� pM �`� � �, � Compliance Inspection �� The Compliance Inspection is the re-inspectior�aof th�.p�erty the c��ie uvhich is established when a notice is issued. �� ` - z•:��.�.�. r�. <..�. : �� .�,,. �� , Courtes Extension � ° �%� .�. � Y . ° %� A Courtesy Extension pf��tr�les additio��1, time for�`��°�ponsible par�q �to fully remedy any identified code violations. When a legitir�t��.. ar�5�s a respons€��,,,party may request an extension beyond the initial �,��h� compliance deadlme Courtes�,extera�t��as �r,e determi��d at the sole discretion of the Code Enforcement �fl �Cer. ��"",�,��`� := �` r .� , :'��'•�` �". ��'�:� �� "r�� . } y ik .. t `e'L. ''d� ��p 'i:' �. f �`�.. . �G fl' { � h Immecii�t� Enforcement �i��tions ` � Immediat� Er�forcement Violat�ar��s are coi��riolations where the issuance of a written notice is considered ✓'�d 4e�"i' 'S�4 T'' � � ineffective in t��ring repeat, or ��t�tre violafi�C�r��. As a result an immediate citation may be issued. . �� ,�.. ``°�:�.y , �� . n Initial Property Inspec�ion '� The Initial Property I�r�i`'�s��ion is th��rst inspection conducted on a property where a new case is opened. During the Initial Propert� I �ect��#�� Code Enforcement Officer records any observed violations, attempts to ��;. � •. :. make direct contact with the�'��i�ible party, establishes a compliance deadline, and issues a notice. Life Safety Hazard A life-safety hazard is any identified code violation that has the potential to directly, or indirectly, cause bodily harm. Examples of life-safety hazards include, but are not limited to: vehicles dangerously positioned on jacks, concrete blocks, wood, or other physical objects; certain types of right-of-way obstructions; dead trees or trees leaning at precarious angles; missing or obscured building addresses; swimming pools which are not properly fenced or secured; broken windows; electrical hazards; unsecured structures; and any other hazardous conditions where there exists a foreseeable danger to the public. Note: all life-safety hazards will be described as such on all written notices. 5/10/13 Page 5 Misdemeanor Citation Misdemeanor Citations are formal criminal complaints issued by a Code Enforcement Officer to the responsible party for uncorrected code violations. Person(s) issued a misdemeanor citation are required to appear in the Scott County District Court. Notice of Violation A Notice of Violation is a standard formal legal notification (written notice) issued by a Code Enforcement Officer advising the responsible party that a violation(s) exists on their prop�'�r�y. It also establishes a compliance deadline. This written notice is principally designed to encourage timel�i��t�ntary compliance. Repeat/Recurring Violation °°� � A Repeat/Recurring Violation is a newly identified code violat�fb��in a�pr�perty involving the same responsible �`"�� party for the same or substantially the same violation as ttl��atified on a pt�vio investigation within the last twelve (12) months. Note: the twelve (12) months is ��ated from the date��he tnitiat Property Inspection � �,� ..� to the date of the Initial Property inspection of the n�t��yt(�lation. �� ., Responsible Party ��`' �,,,�� R:� y �'�. " e E� 4" . k�.. ��., ,. .,: 1. The listed owner(s) on the Scott County �,ssessors real pr�� p�Ccel record. 2. All tenants on the property. �`� `�x ��-� �� 3. Any person or entity creating a violatioi� �u��i��th�y are not the ��cord owner or tenant. �� ..r �,� �.�. For Limited Liability Corporations, or other fortt�s bu�`�f��s and cot��;�tions, the responsible party is the listed Officers as identified �y�.��e �tt��nesota Secr€��ry of Sta�e�� ,h �'�'�Fx� ��;.� , �� ,�'� �� ks; =;��, Voluntary Complianc�"� � � '��"� � � �� . Voluntary Compliance is ��tt�eved when identifie ��ode violations are corrected before the established compliance deadline. This al C�z��orcement"F��ficer to pass the inspection without the issuance of a citation, or the iC��t��r�. an a�a�e�1�C�f'p`ro��s;; �lolunt�i�r�Compliance is considered the preferred method of resolving�+��e;iiiola��i�� . �� ``'�-� �. �s.` � ' ° �et "+� `= ni4�'.', � � i e` '�'� iyic � I II. Re��ve/Proactive e ��#� cemen�� £ �� . . i ��'�� .!, � %' � S S ;�, x4 4� p . Reactive (Com°�1,��r�t Based) Enfb��ment � �� The City of Prior La�tt��unicipal Codi��r�e Zoning Ordinance, and other model regulatory codes adopted by the � �_ x� City are principally ei��t��,�d on a��plaint basis. This is designed to encourage a resident, neighborhood associations, block w�t�5 ., pr��, or other City departments to actively participate in the enforcement/compliance pr�i��e � � �sk�~ �;,: In the interests of providing improved customer service, all complainants will be asked to provide a name and contact phone number. Note: all recorded complainant contact information is maintained confidential to the extent allowed by law. Proactive Enforcement The City may observe and respond to code violations during regular business, visits to areas for reactive enforcement, or proactive code enforcement sweeps. 5/10/13 Page 6 IV General Procedures Life Safety Complaints If the alleged violation concerns a potential health or safety hazard to the neighborhood or neighbors, inclusive of open/vacant buildings, fire and/or health hazards, or other health and safety hazards, the City's goal will be to respond within one (1) business day of receiving the complaint. Non-Life Safety Complaints If the alleged violation is not a potential health or safety hazard the City��oal will be to respond within five (5) business days of receiving the complaint �� # v�' � �..�,�.;��.:" Notice of Violation/Notice and Order �� Upon the initial property inspection the responsible party �,� notifie��.,any violation(s) discovered during the inspection process through the issuance of a writte.n ��tice. If the r��i�nsible party is not available to .� � � �;t°" receive the written notice at the time of the initial pro�r �;��nspection, the nofice auill be posted on the property in a conspicuous location or may be mailed. The t��e of violation will speci�jr��r.�ompliance deadline. The ;^ �., . rr.�. notice of violation will also list any observed code violat�'�j��. �� .; ,� � ��, Final Notice of Violation - Citation/Aba�� . ent for Non��t�n�e �� :-`� Unless a violation is an immediate enforc�` n ��i�lation, any ui��l-rected code violations �remaining after the Compliance Deadline will receive a final u,iolation. �A�t�re,.,the final notice compliance deadline, � , ..;. remaining violations are subject to misdemea�r, cita�ia�x��nd/or the ins�i��ion of abatement. In addition, a final notice will also provide an e�planation that ��.a�at/recur��C�g�ode vio� ��s, on the same property, within �, ;� �� . . twelve (12) months are sub,�� p�edited legaf��aon as de`�`t��t � Sectio�i,�.�Repeat/Recurring Violations. � � �� .�� `' � � � � � � � � �� : ��,�._ � '�� .�. I �, , �� _ ° .�;� Courtesy Extension `` �� . � _�� In general, Courtesy Exte� �i��,s may b��,��uthorized a��Y�pecified amount of time. Responsible parties who �,� � demonstrate to the Code En��.�rner�t��i��the existe�tc ¢ of circumstances requiring additional flexibility or deviation fr� ��a� ��r�,�liance c��t�e`�rriay�,�,�r�nte�d�, �,ourtesy extension for any reasonable specified ��' ��:�`� � � amount��it�t�. � �, �".; : �� ., ��;, 4°� � :- Resolutior� ��I,I Life-Safety Ha`zartls Courtesy extett��s will not be �cQ�idered, �� Covided, to any responsible party where a life-safety hazard � •-:. exists or where ��#i�e and verifiabl� ��ps to phy�fcally mitigate the hazard are not in place. � �;. Achievement of Measu��l� Progres��,� _, Upon the compliance in�s�,��,ion t�,��'operty shows significant measurable improvement from the conditions observed during the initial pi't��rt�a�ispection. ., eRk Establishment of Direct Communication The responsible party establishes direct communication with the assigned Code Enforcement Officer prior to the initial compliance deadline. Direct Communication could be face-to-face, e-mail, or direct phone contact. Written and/or Verbal Commitment to Voluntarily Comply The responsible party states their intention to fully remedy all recorded violations on their property. This statement can be made verbally to the officer or in writing after establishing direct communication. The timeframes requested will be reviewed by the Code Enforcement Officer. 5/10/13 Page 7 V. Excessive Complaints Purpose The purpose of this Policy is to deal with situations where one or more parties inappropriately use the Code Enforcement system. What begins as a complaint escalates into multiple complaints between two parties. Both parties use the complaint process to antagonize each other. The City has limited resources, in both staffing and funding, to manage complaints and code violations. The City has the right to choose how to best use these resources in a fashion that��rudently utilizes taxpayer resources. The purpose of this Complaint Policy is to establish a protocol and s��a` �ls for the Staff to use to determine �°�� whether the enforcement tools available to the City are no longer e��#�ve. The City does not intend to ignore complaints; Staff will continue to take the appropriate enforcement ac�i�� when a legitimate City Code violation � �. .�� °; � exists. Depending on the nature of the Code violation and �je ��r�pact ��_Code violation has on the health, welfare and safet of the Cit and its residents, � y y the City �t�ff vuill pnoritr�� he list of pending complaints it receives. Staff may choose to limit the amount of follow�t�� situatio� �.�..�.�. ` Staff will use the following guidelines to determine if a is defined as exce�� Excessive complaints are ongoing complaints where all or a majority of the fofl�o t�g is defin,��8 are present � 4 � ' 4 � � z .`� � ". . . 1. The alleged violation does no�`�� an immediate ri�� iublic health and safety, br there is no high � risk to health and safety through,��c��,r�tial environm��l impacts, or alleged violation is a private property dispute. � � ��` � r ,�� :�:�� 2. The nature of the complaints mov��om re��a��a Iegitirn��Code violation to using the City to harass another p�ari�� `�� _ - �� 3. One or both Q�itie,��i��s #�as retainei� ��al cQ��a��, � 4. One or botk� ��i�ie parties �aa� threatene��a��ri agains� ��3�x�ity; or � 5. The parties r f�i�e to parti��i�te in proc��dentified by the City (e.g., mediation) to attempt to `�� , �� ; ti �. . resolve the disp��,F:-� x�. : �� Staff Respp�a$� � � `�,.n� � , �'� �`�� .� `;; , ,� - . �� s � Excessi�e� �r�`"repetitive ��tplaints �b�� e same par�� +�� consume considerable Staff time to inspect the • � �, alleged�`'�t�t�ion, talk with t'�� rtiesint��r�d, write let"ters requesting corrective action, perform a follow up inspection ��otentially have �Ut,�her disc��° 'ons with involved parties. There is no formula, either objective or subjective t� t�etermine when ��r.efforts��i� been unsuccessful. In determining whether City efforts has R �� , � � been unsuccessful��f will conside�� following: p� a �;� x:�: �� a 1. How much tim`� �h� City has,��ested in working with the parties to address the City Code violation. �� ;�;» 2. Whether the City �"�a�' �ec� �� a viable solution that is achievable within a reasonable amount of time (90 days). � : ��`��' 3. Whether the nature of th� violation is creating a dangerous situation that puts people and property at risk. 4. Whether the essential basis of the dispute is civil. Once a determination is made, staff may consult with the City Attorney to determine the City's legal obligations and options. All future complaints from the parties must be in writing. Staff will investigate any subsequent and unrelated complaints received from the parties and take the appropriate action. The staff will not follow-up with the complainant. 5/10/13 Page 8 VI. Repeat/Recurring Violations Purpose The Repeat/Recurring Violation process is designed to provide resolution through an expedited enforcement/compliance mechanism for responsible parties who repeatedly violate City ordinances and who have demonstrated an inability, or unwillingness, to responsibly maintain their property. Notification Policy Investigations where Repeat/Recurring Violations are identified will pr `< ed through a procedural fast track. The discovery of a repeat offense is cause to: ti , ; � �,�-' ;;,� , M1 . A . 4:R .. 4 . ti' . Issue a Repeat/Recurring Violation Warning Notice � x: = ��,�,:, =, �.,. � ,, The Repeat Recurring Violation Warning Notice will be a��al notice of viol�t�� that will be mailed directly to the responsible party(s), via regular or certified U.S. M�i� �r`the address as li�t��.pn the Scott County Assessor ,� , . Record. This written notice will advise the responsib��;�`t'ty that repeat/recurr►n� ��olations may be present on their property. Educational material describing othe� p ��mmon code violations``r�a�r��be included with the warning notice. As specified in the final notice of violatio�;��,compli�,,t,j�inspection wif� ��made. At the time �,��__ �k. , , ; of this compliance inspection, any unresolv�l repeat/recurrrr��4la#��i�are cause to: �� :.. ..., ,,.�._ �... ... .. %y � 1. Issue a misdemeanor or citation; �� z � �,�:, ��.�� 2. Initiate an abatement process �"`� � `��_ �,� . �x�, �`�;�'`� .�t. �� : Note: A courtesy extension #��#��p�at/Recurrmg�,�qlations rr�� eviewied.��id approved by the City. ��z� `` �4 ��. � �. � : � s � ��. � � ° ,_. � �` �� 4y F VII. Immediate En�,,��C�ement Vit��ons � `�� = ::.. � � f. � �� ; �:r.�°�. �:�. �r: Purpose `'� "� �. ��. Certain types �f �1�,��a�ctivities �cdr�- ��t�e``�t� ��r�ent pu15��safety and health hazard. The following types of �� x �,� . e. �'"�: �� ` � s � illegal actr��s"�t�i�ay�r�utt�n the is� ��e of a rrii�e�'rl��no�� itation without the benefit of receiving a written � � �. � notice; ��t� ��x:w � � ��x �,� � � � . ;� � �. • Person�� `�ound illegally dt��ing litte��r waste, onto any property, vacant parcels, or City Right of Ways. � � ��;:,;`:; � . ;,� .y • Food vendor(s) v��a are sellt��ood products without a License. � •,.�:�` °": `� �,�.�.; =�`"` � Merchandise vendors w��re soliciting customers without a License. • Person(s) who allow a vehicle to remain unattended in a condition that it is openly accessible to the public and that presents a life-safety hazard. • Person(s) found responsible for causing an obstruction of a public street, or sidewalk. � Other violations as determined by the City. 5/10/13 Page 9 VIII Advanced Customer Service Pledge Purpose The City is a professional governmental body that places a high-value on providing advanced customer service to the citizens with which we interact and serve. Governmental transparency, performance efficiency, and public accountability are core values that guide our operational processes. We Pledge to Provide the Following Advanced Customer Related Services: �, ��`�� x . • An emphasis on public education and voluntary compliance ,�� : x ,�.,. , �� When requested, keep complainants informed when car�'��ra �ation is provided. �� ; ._�:;�. .��. ,<<,` • Refer low-income qualified, owner occupied, pr�}��c��r owners who':,��y require special assistance to \ known hardship assistance programs such as �p;tt �3rofit volunteer org�t��ion. � �:.� � n�n : `��=�f�, IX Annual Policy Review x , �� e� �, � � �� x: �� . In April of each year, the City Council sho�l� �'eceive a report �� !'„��aff regarding code��orcement activity from the previous year. The number of via��t��s by type sho°u1d �i°e communicated as well as the number of .� proactive vs. reactive complaints. � 4 � �. � � �,:� � �� ,�: � .� . ^�. .4. �.'^.". . � . xY ' Y Y y Y Y kzz, s: � n x .. L� . 4 d � . . 4� fa q��i' { � . _` f F n � 4 � 4 •°. '� ' �� x e�.� �° �4 �S� 4 . e � .x „��`' � ^, ; t � _ �y�.� e � � � .vk,?' . � . �' �� SL "rk+��,n� ��,� �.ti' 1'� :.e� �.,xti :"" '4 4 �% _ -`. 4 ?„ # f `4 _ . � \'. . _ . . i`�-x` w J . �`.:`� 4 `kz�' .. C�y�'`S, �. - �� ^: _ 4 � ^ F4,<: t Si'. : .�'. t.z.x�..:- * L � 4A �rt S � t''.4�:... " 5/10/13 Page 10