Definition of Code Enforcement

Code enforcement ensures that the public observes city codes and ordinances.

Different counties, cities and states have various codes and regulations. These codes regulate matters related to public safety, zoning matters, public commerce, city cleanliness, public advertisements and displays, vehicular issues and environmental matters. What is legal and acceptable in one city may be a code violation in another.

Code enforcement is intended to ensure the acceptable quality of living environments in neighborhoods and communities is maintained. Some city codes are enforced as a vital aspect of maintaining public safety and mobility.

What Codes Regulate

Code enforcement may regulate codes regarding things such as garage sales, lawn care issues, signs and banners displayed in public, parking matters, garbage disposal, home businesses, snow removal, electrical outlets, housing and traffic issues including oversized vehicles.

Methods

Code-enforcement methods include notifications, tickets and summons to appear in court. Different types of code violations are handled differently with regard to the warning procedures, the ticketing system and the types of punishments applied for various matters of noncompliance.

Verbal warnings are sometimes provided in certain counties and cities prior to beginning documented procedures to notify and warn individuals of their compliance needs.

Punishments

Code-enforcement officers take note of code violations. Through appropriate documentation channels, they deliver notifications to the violators of city codes and ordinances. When an individual is ticketed or summoned to court, they are potentially obligated to pay fines, which can be anywhere from a few dollars to thousands of dollars.

Extreme or repeated code violations are sometimes punishable by jail time as well.

Benefits

Code enforcement keeps neighborhood streets clean and free from debris that would detract from both the appearance and safety of the community. Ordinances affecting electrical matters prevent many fires that would cause expense and devastation. Observance of codes prevents the infringement of rights from one neighbor to another. Codes enable disease control by limiting bug and rodent infestation when enforcing certain lawn care and housing ordinances. Code enforcement also enables easier public mobility by ensuring snow removal and vehicular blockages.

Employment

Employment in the field of code enforcing is available for individuals who complete the proper training and receive their certification through the AACE (American Association of Code Enforcement).

Cities and counties may have their own training courses and certification requirements in addition to those provided through the AACE.

Resources

• AACE - American Association of Code Enforcement