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Oak Harbor staff review code-enforcement practices and propose fence-code changes
Summary
City code enforcement officer described a largely complaint-driven program with a 98.4% compliance rate; planning staff proposed allowing 6-to-7-foot residential fences without permits and removing a 10-foot corner-lot setback, with council asking for more process and timing detail.
Ray Helsley, Oak Harbor’s code enforcement officer, told the City Council at the workshop that the city’s enforcement program is complaint-driven and that he works part time (about 15 hours per week) to respond to reported violations. "I have a 98.4% compliance rate that pretty much stays consistent month to month," Helsley said, describing a process that starts with a notice of violation giving a 10-day period to respond and can progress to a final notice and order and, in rare cases, city abatement and liens.
Development Services Director David Cooley briefed the council on fence regulations and options for code changes. He said current Oak Harbor rules cap residential fences at 6 feet and allow up to 8 feet in commercial…
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