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City proposes expanded code enforcement, new neighborhood signs and outreach to speed nuisance compliance
Summary
City staff proposed boosting code enforcement staffing to 12 officers, launching large QR‑linked neighborhood signs to simplify reporting, and publishing a plain‑language property‑maintenance guide to speed compliance and reduce repeat nuisance listings.
City staff reported on a multimonth assessment of the Safe and Clean Neighborhood Services program and proposed operational changes the council supported to improve enforcement and public outreach.
What staff recommended
- Increase field code enforcement staffing: Staff said current code enforcement staffing is eight officers and recommended raising authorized manning to 12 to provide a dedicated officer for each ward plus additional officers to focus on high‑need areas, training and supervisory capacity. - Public outreach materials and QR signage: The department unveiled a new neighborhood sign design with a QR code that links residents to an online portal for non‑emergency reporting, bulk pickup schedules and a plain‑language “how to fix” guide explaining the city’s property maintenance code. - Process and paperwork improvements: Staff proposed standard operating procedures, cross‑training between building and code officers, and incentives for inspector certification to speed permit and compliance processing.
Early results and next steps
Staff reported the division already exceeded its monthly target of DND (dilapidated/nuisance) actions in March with the current complement and said extra hires would support a goal of 90–99% compliance over the following year. The city will begin distributing QR signs to neighborhood watch groups and schedule community meetings where staff will explain permit paths and how owners can avoid DND listing.
Council reaction
Council members praised the outreach tools and the focus on training; several asked staff to attend neighborhood‑watch meetings to explain the new materials and enforcement timetables. Staff said they will schedule visits and that the division will continue the assessment as hiring and process changes are implemented.
Ending
Council supported the proposed operational enhancements and directed staff to continue implementing the staffing proposal, outreach materials and standard operating procedures; any hiring will follow normal HR and budget approval steps.
