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New building services coordinator outlines enforcement priorities: RV dwellings, signs, substandard properties
Summary
Eric Windell, the city’s new building services coordinator, told the council April 15 he opened 16 code cases since starting and has abated six, and outlined plans to address RVs used as dwellings, illegal signs, and substandard structures.
Eric Windell, the city’s new building services coordinator and code enforcement officer, updated Cleveland City Council on April 15 on enforcement priorities including RVs used as dwellings, illegal signs, and substandard properties.
Windell told council he has opened 16 enforcement cases since beginning work and has abated six. He said the city is developing GIS ‘hot‑zone’ mapping to prioritize problem areas and is coordinating procedures with a third‑party contractor (TCG), the municipal judge and the prosecutor to ensure citation and administrative warrant processes are in order.
On RVs, Windell said an RV is not considered a legal dwelling under the current city ordinance (adopted February 2018) and that using an RV as a secondary or permanent residence is a code violation except in narrow emergency circumstances. He described common violations — sanitary lines or utility hookups visible from an RV — and said temporary occupation is allowed only under limited emergency provisions in the ordinance. A council member asked whether RV parks are treated differently; staff clarified RV parks and RVs on private lots are distinct regulatory categories.
Windell said code enforcement has begun removing unpermitted “bandit” signs around town but that permitted signs — for example, a sanctuary church sign with a permit — remain. He also described recent voluntary demolitions of two substandard structures; he said one property at 301 Birch received a final notice after a second fire and city staff are awaiting the owner’s response about a voluntary demolition.
Windell emphasized a compliance‑first approach, saying most property owners cooperate when given time and clear expectations. He said administrative search warrants may be used, when legally appropriate, to inspect substandard properties and verify structural hazards before demolition or abatement actions.
Why it matters: The enforcement priorities address neighborhood appearance and safety, with potential effects on property owners, tenants and public‑safety responders. Changes or stricter enforcement on RV habitation could affect residents rehabbing older houses who temporarily live in RVs and will require clearer guidance or ordinance amendments if council wishes to change the current rule.
Council did not adopt any ordinance changes at the meeting; Windell said he will enforce the code as written and work with council if they direct changes to the ordinance language.
