Commission adopts tougher, clarified code‑enforcement rules with stepped fines and appeal process

The commission adopted a comprehensive code‑enforcement text amendment on July 15 after planning staff revised the draft to address commissioner feedback and planning commission comments. The changes clarify the enforcement process, rework fine amounts and add an emergency abatement standard with appeal rights. Nut graf: The amended enforcement code preserves due process while giving county enforcement tools. Staff replaced a flat $100/day fine with a stepped civil fine schedule that increases for repeated violations (presenters described a structure that phases from lower amounts up to larger daily fines after multiple notices, with fines typically triggered after a 30‑day compliance period). The ordinance also aligns criminal citations with state law (land‑use related criminal penalties limited to class C misdemeanors), clarifies notice and appeal routes (administrative enforcement with appeals to the county’s hearings officer, and judicial review thereafter) and narrows language on emergency abatement so staff may act only to eliminate imminent threats to health or safety and must document and allow later appeals. Presenters said the amended text provides a multi‑step process: courtesy notice, notice to comply (10 days), notice of noncompliance with 30 days to correct or request extensions, then progressive civil fines that can be appealed to the county hearings officer. The amendment includes a search‑warrant pathway for inspections when an owner refuses entry, consistent with state criminal procedure rules, and retains a right of judicial review after administrative remedies are exhausted. Ending: The commission adopted the code amendment and an ordinance number and asked staff to publish the ordinance and implement training for enforcement officers and the public so property owners understand the notice, remediation and appeal process.