Building code enforcement policy discussed by city code committee

GENTRY — Members of the Building and Property Code Enforcement Committee reviewed and voiced approval of the city’s policy for dealing with violations of the city’s building codes.

According to documents reviewed, the city will be following a sevenstep process in it enforcement duties:

1. Properties in violation will be identified;

2. City council will be advised of properties in violation;

3. Owner contacted by city building inspector and meeting set for inspection;

4. Inspection performed with violations documented on a form signed by both the building inspector and the property owner or his representative;

5. Review of options and a plan of action established with the owner 20 days after the inspection, again, with documentation;

6. Correction order issued;

7. Hearing process for declaration as nuisance property if property is not demolished or violations not corrected within time limitations - 180 days.

The policy includes provisions for hearingsand appeals as required by law.

Because the policy is enforcement of code already in place, the plan of action requires no further council action or approval unless the council wishes to legislate additional measures or procedures for dealing with building code violations.

The full procedure is available from city hall or the city building inspector.