What is a Code Enforcement Officer?
A Code Enforcement Officer is responsible for implementing, monitoring, and enforcing township ordinances. They support the supervisors by providing information to evaluate issues, develop solutions, and recommend actions. Their duties include explaining requirements to applicants, maintaining permit records, ensuring compliance along roads and properties, issuing violation notices, and reporting on applications and violations.
Here is a link to the official job description:
Is the Code Enforcement Officer the Same as the Building Inspector?
No. The Building Inspector is responsible for inspecting and issuing permits on structures to ensure state regulations set forth in the Uniform Construction Code are followed. The Code Enforcement Officer does NOT inspect buildings. The Code Enforcement Officer only enforces the township’s ordinances.
More information on the Building Inspector can be found here: Building
Will the Code Enforcement Officer Enter My Property?
No. All investigations are done from public access or a neighboring property with property owner’s permission. The Code Enforcement Officer will not trespass on private property.
Is the Township Trying to Make Money by Hiring a Code Enforcement Officer?
No. The position of Code Enforcement Officer is not a revenue generating role. The only money collected by ordinance enforcement is application fees that are related to certain ordinances. For example, if you want to erect a sign on your property, a sign application fee is due in order to cover administrative costs associated with processing and reviewing applications. These fees help fund the evaluation of permits, inspections, and other administrative tasks, ensuring that the time and resources required do not create a financial burden on the rest of the taxpayers.
Fines are charged to property owners in violation of ordinances through a process that involves communication and enforcement efforts. When a violation is identified, the township sends three notices to the property owner, informing them of the specific violation and requesting compliance. The township’s goal is to work with the property owner to achieve compliance with the ordinances. If the violation remains uncorrected after these notices, fines may be imposed. Continued non-compliance can lead to legal actions, such as liens or other penalties against the property.
Is the Code Enforcement Officer the Same as a Zoning Officer?
In townships without zoning, a Code Enforcement Officer performs many of the same functions as a zoning officer in other townships. They enforce local ordinances related to property maintenance, solid waste, signage, and other property regulations. Their role includes inspecting properties, issuing notices or citations for violations, and working with property owners to achieve compliance. Essentially, they help maintain community safety and order by ensuring properties adhere to township rules and standards. In zoned townships, many of these ordinances are combined into the zoning ordinance, which is specifically enforced by the zoning officer.
Why Do We Even Have These Ordinances?
Townships have ordinances related to junkyards, solid waste, signs, and dangerous structures to promote safety, health, and community aesthetics. The junkyard ordinance prevents the accumulation of junk vehicles, helping to reduce hazards and maintain community appearance. Solid waste ordinances are in place to prevent environmental pollution, hazards from improper waste disposal, and the attraction of wildlife and pests, promoting a cleaner and healthier environment. Sign ordinances are designed because improperly placed or oversized signs can create hazards for vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians on the roadway. Dangerous structures ordinances are intended to prevent unmaintained or unsafe buildings from collapsing into roadways, onto neighboring properties, or causing injury to people. Overall, these ordinances help ensure a safe, attractive, and well-maintained environment for residents and visitors.
Does The Code Enforcement Officer Work Full-Time?
No. The Code Enforcement Officer is a part-time employee, working only 13 hours per week (Mondays & Tuesdays from 8:00am-2:30pm).
Will The Code Enforcement Officer Drive Around to Find Violations to Fine People?
No. The Code Enforcement Officer visits locations of proposed signs, driveways, and potential violations to investigate and ensure compliance with township ordinances. During these visits, if the officer notices a safety or health hazard resulting from an ordinance violation on another property, they will contact the property owner to discuss the issue and work towards a solution.
It is important to note that the officer does not drive around actively searching for violations or issuing fines; their role is primarily to respond to reported concerns and conduct inspections as needed to promote safety and compliance.
What if I Got a Letter From the Code Enforcement Officer and I Don’t Believe I Was in Violation of an Ordinance?
If you receive a letter from the Code Enforcement Officer stating that you are in violation of an ordinance, you should contact the officer as soon as possible at the contact information provided at the bottom of the letter. Doing so allows the officer to work with you to resolve the situation and bring your property into compliance. It is also helpful to have any relevant documents, such as previously obtained permits or records, readily available when you speak with the officer. Providing these documents can assist in clearing up the issue, especially if you are not actually in violation.
Shouldn’t People be Allowed to do Whatever They Want on Their Property?
While property owners have rights to use their land as they wish, there are important reasons why township ordinances exist. Regulations related to junkyards, solid waste, signs, and dangerous structures help protect public safety, health, and community aesthetics. For example, ordinances prevent hazards like environmental pollution, unsafe buildings, and signs that could create road hazards for vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Additionally, complying with these rules ensures that properties do not negatively impact neighboring properties or the overall safety of the community. Therefore, property owners should work within local regulations to use their land responsibly, rather than doing whatever they want without regard for public safety or community standards.
What Should I do if a Neighboring Property is in Violation of an Ordinance? And How Will I Know if the Code Enforcement Officer Addressed My Concern?
If you see a potential violation of a township ordinance, you should submit a Request for Action Form to the Township Secretary. The form can be found here: Request for Action.
Once you submit the form, the township opens an investigation into the potential violation. If a violation is found, the property owner will be notified.
Both your information and the investigation records are exempt from disclosure under the Right-to-Know Law:
Section 708. Exceptions for public records.
(b) Exceptions . . . the following are exempt from access by a requester under this act:
(17) A record of an agency relating to a noncriminal investigation, including:
(i) Complaints submitted to an agency.
(ii) Investigative materials, notes, correspondence and reports.
This means that your information will not be given to the property owner. This also means that any information regarding the potential violation will not be given to you.
Once you submit a Request for Action Form, the township will assume responsibility for investigating and resolving the issue. Please note that, even if you request updates, we will not provide ongoing information regarding the progress of the violation.
