Receive Update on Code Enforcement Program

Staff will provide a presentation on Code Enforcement levels in 2020 and impacts of recent policy changes to the program. Year to date there have been 93 cases assigned to Community Development along for Zoning Code Enforcement. This does not include nuisance code complaints managed by the Police Department that include items such as long grass and motor vehicles. 

The COVID-19 Pandemic has had an influence on number of cases as well as Staff Resources available for inspections and case management. In addition, as evidenced by recent comments at Citizen Input as part of previous City Council Meetings along with other comments submitted to City Staff, there appears to be a general expectation that the City provide an enhanced level of service to this program. 

As part of this discussion, Staff desires to do a deeper dive on our policy for extensions for compliance. At the end of the day, Staff wants to ensure extensions requested by and granted by the City Council are fair and equitable. Staff acknowledges that every case has an element of uniqueness. 

Staff is bringing this discussion forward not only for an update on code enforcement levels, but also to acknowledge that Staff believes that current resource/staffing levels are not adequate to meet current expectations. Staff will discuss several alternatives ranging from resource reassignment to additional resource allocation. 

30 minutes

This case is being handled as part of normal Staff duties. 

Deputy City Administrator

The City Council is asked to receive an update regarding code enforcement and provide any direction on policy changes desired.