- Code enforcement is initiated by a complaint from a citizen or city review by staff.
- Initially an informational letter is left at the property advising the occupant of the violation. The occupant is generally given seven days to correct the problem.
- If uncorrected the next stop is a Notice of Violation which is sent Certified and 1st Class mail to the property owner. The letter identifies what the violation is and advises how to correct it. A time frame is given for correction depending on the seriousness of the violation.
- Should the violation continue to be uncorrected a Notice to Appear at the Code Enforcement Hearing is sent to the owner via Certified and 1st class mail. Attendance is not mandatory; however failure to attend may affect the owner’s ability to appeal the Findings of Fact. It is at this point a fine may be assigned and a lien on the property imposed.
- Should the violation continue to be uncorrected at some point (a minimum of three months after the lien is filed) the City may choose to foreclose on the property. Homestead properties can not be foreclosed on, but the lien will remain on file and should the property be sold the lien will be satisfied from the money transferred during the sale of the property at closing.
- Property owners may request a fine abatement or reduction by contacting the Code Enforcement Officer and requesting to be placed on the agenda for a Code Enforcement Hearing. Case will be reviewed by the special magistrate.
- All actions taken by the Special Magistrate and the Code Enforcement Officer can be reviewed by a court.
