Code compliance officer reports fewer open cases, new outreach and trainings planned

Laura Stevenson, the city’s code compliance officer, told the council March 5 that code cases opened and closed in 2025 show progress in resolving nuisances and permit-related violations. Her presentation showed that nuisance complaints make up nearly half of cases, while building, zoning and critical-area cases tend to remain open longer because they are tied to permit completion.

Stevenson said the department has added flowcharts to notices that explain permitting and correction steps and that those materials, alongside social-media outreach, have reduced confusion. She said staff received roughly $8,500 in assessments, about $85,000 in settlements and a little over $24,000 in investigation fees in the period discussed, while noting most cases do not generate revenue.

"Our goal is always voluntary correction whenever possible," Stevenson said, summarizing the department’s approach and describing several high-impact cases that were ultimately resolved, including one where court action led to cleanup by property owners.

Council members pressed staff for clarifications about responsibility when trees that predate purchases later damage sidewalks. "Our code actually requires homeowners to take care of sidewalks in most cases," a staff member said; the staff response noted the distinction between city trees and private trees and said staff would follow up with a precise interpretation.

Stevenson also confirmed that the department accepts effectively anonymous reports through drop-off or voicemail and an online reporting system, though staff cautioned that anonymity limits follow-up. She announced a series of three public trainings beginning in the second quarter — the first on permitting and code compliance — and encouraged council members to direct residents to those sessions.

Council discussion highlighted the difficulty of balancing enforcement and customer service for vulnerable residents and landlords and the city’s effort to provide extensions and resource referrals when possible. Stevenson said the department coordinates with county social services and is collecting local resources to refer residents who have physical or financial barriers to compliance.