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EGty1� ,.,�� Request for Action <br /> River <br /> To Item Number <br /> Mayor and City Council 10.6 <br /> Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by <br /> Work Session October 7, 2019 Zack Carlton,Planning Manager <br /> Item Description Reviewed by <br /> Direction on Code Enforcement Procedures Cal Portner, City Administrator <br /> Reviewed by <br /> Action Requested <br /> Provide direction regarding a standard policy for extended code enforcement cases. <br /> Background/Discussion <br /> Over the last summer and early fall city staff initiated 154 code enforcement cases for issues ranging from <br /> long grass and debris/trash to illegal home based businesses. Staff has successfully addressed the majority <br /> of these cases through formal letters and speaking with property owners, typically without any issues. <br /> However, a handful of cases have proven difficult to resolve and staff would like to discuss the preferred <br /> next steps with City Council. <br /> The typical process for code enforcement violations includes a letter informing the property owner about <br /> a code violation observed on their property. The letter includes the specific code section and language <br /> from the ordinance, and gives the owner two weeks to contact the city or address the violation. <br /> After the two-week time period, staff conducts a second inspection and either closes the case if the <br /> violation has been addressed or sends a second letter re-affirming the violation and providing the owner <br /> with two additional weeks to contact the city and discuss an alternate timeline or address the violation. <br /> Very few cases have not been addressed within the four-week timeline,but staff is seeking Council <br /> direction for follow-up action on cases that need additional attention. There are generally two options, a <br /> fine—which is outlined in the city's fee schedule, or a misdemeanor charge. The preferred option would <br /> be outlined in a letter from our attorney to the property owner after the third inspection at four weeks. <br /> A third option for city initiated remedies (trimming trees/shrubs,mowing lawns, and removing trash) has <br /> also been used,but is typically reserved for mowing overgrown lawns as four weeks is too long to wait for <br /> long grass violations. <br /> Attachments <br /> ■ Code Enforcement Fine List <br /> The Elk River Vision <br /> A PehoMing community 2a itb revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional POWERED By <br /> service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity INAMIRE1 <br />