02-23-2015 Council Work Session Packet

Home Browse Search

� MEMORANDUM DATE: 17 February 2015 TO: Mayor McMillan,City Council members, Jessica Loftus,City Administrator FROM: Mike Gaffron,Senior Pla Melanie Curtis, Planner RE: Code Enforcement-Februa 23 Work Session Attachments: A-MN Statute§429.101—Unpaid Special Charges May be Special Assessments B-City of Burnsville Code Enforcement&Fee Schedule C-League of MN Cities—Administrative Traffic Citations Toolkit D-Star Trib:Orono man jailed�ve days for junky yard,07/22/14 with Comments At the Council's]anuary 12th meeting Councilmember Walsh brought up the topic of code enforcement, suggesting the City should adopt a policy directing a proactive approach. The City has historically responded to properly maintenance issues on a complaint basis. There are certain elements of the code which have received a more proactive enforcement action such as activities where City permits are required or where specific actions are prohibited, such as illegally located signs on the right-of-way. Following is a list of code enforcement issues common to most cities including Orono: Zoning or land use violations Hazardous buildings Noise— Barking dogs, construction noise, parties, etc. Nuisance Lights Accumulations of garbage/junk/etc Inoperable/Unlicensed vehicles Vegetation encroachments upon right-of-way Long grass Temporary signs Construction w/o permit Erosion control Obstructions w/in right-of-way Open Burning Many topics in the above list are supported by sufficient code language and are readily measurable so as to be easily enforceable, while others rely on more subjective determinations and necessitate staff using its discretion to determine whether a violation exists and/or what if any enforcement action to pursue. Staff has prepared the following list of factors that should be taken into consideration if a policy change to a proactive enforcement program is desired: • Staffing (funding for necessary additional staffing, vehicle, equipment, office space) • Clear and concise codes • Support and buy-in from elected officials • Developed process (inspections, follow-up, appeals, legal enforcement, final resolution) • Inspection Logistics (How often? Where?When?) • Integrate with Complaint Management(process, forms, tracking, etc.) • Legal (funding for legal enforcement funding when non-compliance occurs) • Public Relations(public education materials, managing public expectations, gaining support and buy-in from the general public) • Managing anticipated political pressure, public push-back, negative publicity in media, etc. Attached are materials regarding inspection fees which Soren will be present to review.