Review Administration and Enforcement of City Code Violations

This is a continued discussion from the City Council Work Session dated November 27, 2018. For this continued discussion, Staff recommends limiting discussion to the following points.

• Council requested an opportunity to discuss certain violation types in more detail. Please outline what types are desired for additional discussion.
• Staff does have topics suggested for discussion as follows.
  • Home Occupations (home-based businesses)
  • Blighted (but safe) buildings and structures
  • Violations in Commercial and Industrial Districts (balance economic development goals)

The purpose of this case is to review the effectiveness and responsiveness of the City's administration of enforcement of City Code Violations, more specifically Zoning Code and Nuisance Code. This case is being brought forward due to a recent comment at Citizen Input asking the City Council to consider making the program more effective. This comment has been heard during the Comprehensive Plan Update and other community conversations. Conversely, there are some in the community that believe our enforcement program is too aggressive.

In framing this conversation, our Mission Statement, Vision Statement, and Key Goals are included below, as this is an important policy discussion.

Mission Statement: Is is our mission to responsible grow our community, and to provide quality, cost-effective and efficient government services.

Our Vision for the Future: Ramsey will evolve through citizen-driven, collaborative processes that respect the balance and connectivity between its unique urban, rural, and natural environment for current and future generations.

Key Goals:

• A Balance of Rural Character and Urban Development
• An Active Community
• A Connected Community
• Smart, Citizen-Focused Government
• Financial Stability

The intent of this case is to introduce the topic and scope future discussions. This is a very broad topic, and diving into a detailed policy analysis would be difficult and inefficient. For sake of efficiency, Staff would recommend focusing on the following violation types. These represent violation types that are either difficult to enforce based on current policy direction or negative feedback on the standard itself (this shouldn't be a requirement). A more detailed presentation is attached to aide in framing conversations.

• Home-Based Businesses: Contractors (exterior storage, traffic)
• Commercial Districts (balance economic development goals)
  • Motor Vehicle Display and Storage
• Signs: Permanent and Temporary
• Blighted Buildings
• Hazardous Structures

The City has the following tools to employ to enforce violations of City Code.

• Voluntary Compliance by Owner
• Administrative Fines
• District Court Injunctions and Restraining Orders (limited availability)
• Abatement (cleanup by City, costs assessed back to property)
• County Citation/Criminal Charges

Generally speaking, a majority of violations are resolved through voluntary compliance by the Owner. Often these are long-grass complaints, inoperable vehicles, and parking. Enforcement of Building Code and Zoning Code is a bit more complex. In these scenarios, the City is often faced with the policy decision to enforce a violation that could result in the impact of the Owner's ability to occupy a building or use a property in a particular manner.

A more detailed presentation to help frame and focus discussion is attached.

30 minutes

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

Community Development Director
Police Chief

Provide direction on suggested changes to policy of Code Enforcement for specified enforcement types.