What Authority Does a Code Enforcement Officer Have?

Code enforcement officers are employed by local governments, often are a division within the police department, and focus on enforcing local laws designed to make life more pleasant for citizens.

Authority

Code eforcement officers have the legal system's full backing. If you're cited for tall weeds, you may face just as many fines and court appearances as for reckless driving. Police departments focus on keeping citizens safe from violent crimes such as burglary, fraud and murder. Code enforcers focus on softer crimes involving community standards, public health and safety such as derelict buildings, home construction standards and improper trash/junk disposal.

Public Safety and Health

Code officers often have jurisdiction to protect people from common hazards such as unsanitary conditions, unsafe construction, lack of rental property maintenance and other nuisance or health hazards.

Community Standards

Community standards vary widely and can be subjective. One man's trash is another's treasure, just as one neighbor's nature habitat is another's weedy yard. Governments try to determine what is normal for the area and "codify" standards.

References

• Hillsborough Co.: Top 12 Code Violations
• Los Angeles Housing Department: Code Enforcement Division

Resources

• American Association of Code Enforcement