Code Enforcement

What kind of Code Enforcement does the City have available?

The City does send notices to people when there are ordinance violations.  This is done on a complaint basis, with the exception of tall weeds and grass, and ditches.    Code Enforcement is important, but in a small city like ours, we must focus on priorities, and sometimes code enforcement issues, unless they are a danger to a community, or violate state regulations, become a lower priority. We do have to observe the perceived violations, and in a way that’s legal for a City to do so.  

Please bear in mind that without a Homeowners Association (HOA) or CC&R’s in a neighborhood, there are no provisions or requirements for ‘how’ someone has to keep their yard or their home.  What one person perceives as rubbish, another person perceives as fun kitsch.  Perhaps that person doesn’t have storage space, and the only place that they can place something waiting to be fixed, is in a front yard.  Is it recyclable materials that they never get rid of, like stacks of newspapers?  Is it garbage that is attracting rodents, and insects, or is creating a stench, or cause liquids to leak out of it?  If so, then the City can work on issues such as that.  

What happens when the City receives a complaint?

When we receive a complaint, the City reviews it in relation to the City code.  Then we follow up with visiting the property in question, which often includes taking pictures.  IF there is a violation, then our Code Enforcement Clerk then sends a ‘nice’ letter to the homeowner, explaining what the rules are, and asking them to comply by a specific date.  (‘Nice’ letters are sent to first time offenders.) If by that date, they haven’t fixed the violation, then they’ll receive another letter, with a violation warning, and consequences to not fixing the problem.  They might contact the City, and ask for an extension, for a variety of reasons.  If it’s reasonable, and uses common sense, then we can allow that, depending upon the type of violation.  If that offender still doesn’t fix the problem, the City proceeds with a citation into municipal court, and/or an abatement action, which requires a warrant to enter the property.   Bear in mind that sometimes, someone will fix a problem, and have it resolved for several months.  Then starts backsliding again.  We have to start over in the notification process, although we often progress to the next level right away.  All of this process has to be tracked by the City, which takes even more time. 

Complaints in relation to Vehicles:  Please contact the City about perceived vehicle violations, such as parking a vehicle in the same place for far too long, blocking vision, or a vehicle that looks like it's abandoned.  The City will contact LCSO in relation to vehicle violations.  Do you have someone who is living in an RV, camper or trailer, on a City street?  Contact the City, or contact dispatch right away at 1-800-884-3911 for non-emergencies.  (If someone is blocking your driveway, then please call dispatch, rather than the City.)  Campers and RV's are allowed on the owners property, as long as they don't block sidewalk access.  There are strict requirements in relation to how long someone can live in a RV on your property,  On a private residence, and with the consent of the occupant of the residence, a motor vehicle, recreational vehicle, or trailer can be used for the purpose of sleeping or housekeeping purposes for not more than 30 days in any 90-day period.

Complaints about barking, or loose dogs.  Excessive noise, and loose dogs can be reported to the City.  But you are encouraged to contact LCSO at 1-800-884-3911 for assistance.  All dogs must be kept on a leash on public property, including sidewalks, and must be under your control.  Please make sure that you clean up after your dog.  It's common courtesy on someone elses property, and on public property, it's a requirement.   To find out more about offenses in relation to dogs, injured or dead animals, and beekeeping, please follow this link:  City Code: Offenses Relating to Animals

Call: 541-995-6655 to report code violations, or email csmith@ci.harrisburg.or.us