Everman code enforcement blitz addresses more than 275 violations; staff seeks voluntary compliance

City staff told the Everman City Council Aug. 12 that a recent Operation Clean and Clear code enforcement blitz identified more than 275 violations across the city and generated hundreds of follow-up calls from residents after inspectors left notice of the issues.

Staff described the blitz as a multi-department, nonpunitive effort to gain voluntary compliance by educating property owners and occupants. The multidisciplinary team included more than 20 staff from public works, law enforcement, the fire marshal and code enforcement, and focused on high-visibility violations such as trash and refuse, overgrown trees, junk vehicles and parking violations.

Officials said the goal was education rather than immediate fines. Staff left notices at properties and then handled a significant volume of phone inquiries; many of the issues identified have already been abated. Code enforcement will follow up during the next several weeks to ensure compliance, and if violations have not been corrected staff said they will begin a formal process that can include certified letters and further enforcement.

Council members asked whether violations reappear on weekends and suggested aligning cleanup efforts with twice-yearly community cleanups so residents have disposal options. Staff said the city’s new code enforcement officer is in training and will include weekend coverage as needed; staff also said they are considering more frequent blitzes, possibly annual or twice yearly.

The council praised the operation’s community outreach emphasis but acknowledged that some residents were upset to receive notices. Staff said they will continue outreach and education while reserving formal enforcement for repeat or uncorrected violations.