Code enforcement reports permit counts, vehicle removals and plan to roll out new inspection software

City code enforcement staff presented an end-of-year summary of permitting and enforcement activity and outlined a multi-month rollout of new inspection and permitting software intended to streamline tracking and public access.

The report, delivered by the city’s code-enforcement lead (name not specified), said staff counted about 33 permits tracked for 2024 with line-item counts that included 25 building permits, 43 electrical permits, 30 plumbing permits, 16 mechanical permits, two demolitions, one sign permit and 16 roof permits. Since taking over code duties in September, staff said they had flagged 22 inoperable or unregistered vehicles parked on the street; owners removed the vehicles without tow action, and two summonses were issued and later dismissed in court.

Enforcement on grass and nuisance issues included 25 grass inspections, 106 violation notices, 75 cut orders and 31 properties resolved via verbal contact without issuing formal notices. Staff reported 18 environmental or nuisance notices; a small number of cases remain pending in court or mediation.

Staff described one hazardous-building notice issued and two new house construction permits on Gerke Court, with eight inspections conducted so far on those projects. The inspector said one house already has drywall and the other had its rough inspection recently.

To improve operations, staff said the office is switching spreadsheet formats for internal tracking now and plans to complete implementation of a commercial inspection/permitting software platform (First Due) over the next one to two years. The city expects the new system to allow online permit submission and payment, mobile inspections via phone or tablet, better monthly and zone-based tracking, and an integrated portal that can also store household preplan information for first responders (for example, occupant needs or accessibility details). The city reported the full suite of software modules would cost roughly $12,000–$13,000 per year if the municipality purchases all modules.

Staff also said window permit stickers will return for visible permit identification while staff complete the software implementation. The department is dividing the city into inspection zones and assigning staff to geography: West, East and commercial oversight, to speed response and consistency.

Commissioners asked how inspections are currently recorded; staff reported carbon-copy permits and spreadsheet notes are used today and will be replaced by the mobile software once implemented.

The report concluded with a request to commissioners to raise any questions; commissioners thanked staff and expressed support for the software rollout and zoning plan.