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AGENDA ITEM <br />Date: April 13, 2026 <br />Title: Code Enforcement Overview <br />Presenter: Laura Oakden, Community Development Director <br />Section: Work Session Item <br />Purpose: <br />Review and provide feedback for code enforcement procedures. <br />Item: 1 <br />2. Background: <br />City code enforcement is the process where local governments ensure compliance with municipal <br />ordinances to maintain safety, property values, and community standard. <br />The goal of code enforcement is to achieve compliance through voluntary cooperation by property <br />owners. The City's code enforcement program is complaint -driven. Complaints may be submitted <br />through a variety of methods, including phone, email, in -person, online submittal via citizenserve, <br />or Citizen Problem Reporter. The City does not accept anonymous code complaints. Common <br />types of complaints include junk/debris, outdoor storage, drainage, construction without a permit, <br />or long grass. <br />Staff approaches code enforcement from an informational and educational standpoint, <br />emphasizing working collaboratively with property owners to resolve violations. In most cases, <br />compliance is achieved without the need for formal enforcement actions or involvement of the <br />court system. The City is committed to working with property owners who engage in the process, <br />demonstrate progress toward compliance, and maintain communication regarding their progress. <br />The Council will be asked to discuss and consider the following: <br />1. Performance Alignment: Does the current approach align with the Council's expectations <br />for responsiveness, consistency, and outcomes? If not, where are the gaps? <br />2. Transparency: The City does not currently have an formally adopted code enforcement <br />policy. Is this something the council would like to prioritize? <br />3. Process Changes: Are there specific steps in the process the Council would like to modify, <br />add, or remove? <br />4. Enforcement Philosophy: What balance should be achieved between voluntary compliance <br />and formal enforcement? <br />5. Desired Outcomes: What measurable outcomes should staff aim to achieve (e.g., <br />compliance timelines, reduced repeat violations, neighborhood impacts)? <br />COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED <br />Council should discuss the goals and expectations related to code enforcement process. <br />K <br />