Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Code Enforcement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council adopts stronger code‑enforcement fines and declares failure to correct illegal grading a nuisance
Summary
The council approved updates to administrative code enforcement: standardized escalating daily fines for continuing violations, clarified definition of 'subsequent offense', and added failing to correct grading without a permit to the nuisance definition.
Provo City Council on April 22 approved an ordinance updating Title 7 (administrative enforcement) that changes several enforcement details, including a standardized daily fine schedule for ongoing code violations, clearer definitions for subsequent offenses, and a new nuisance designation for unpermitted grading left uncorrected.
Zoning Administrator Scott Johnson told the council the changes are primarily updates of existing enforcement tools; they move verbiage from fees to fines, define 'subsequent offense' (a violation of the same code provision by the same person within 36 months), and create an escalating daily fine schedule for ongoing violations: $100/day for days 1–30, $250/day for 31–60, and $500/day beyond 61 days (with higher starting points for subsequent offenses). The ordinance also adds a one‑time administrative citation option for certain grading and short‑term rental violations.
Council and public discussion focused on enforcement fairness, how the city will work with residents who need assistance to comply, and whether public works will prioritize remedial measures before fining. Staff emphasized their current process: notice of violation, an approximately two‑month enforcement and outreach effort, and then civil fines as a next step if compliance does not occur.
Council vote: the implied motion to adopt the ordinance passed unanimously, 7–0.
Why it matters: the changes clarify enforcement mechanics and create a predictable fine schedule for repeat or continuing violations; staff said the changes are intended to help target serial noncompliance while allowing case‑by‑case discretion to aid residents in coming into compliance.
