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Code compliance proposes tighter outreach, transfers costs to building department in leaner budget
Summary
Doreen Grant outlined a proposed code‑compliance budget reduced about 50% via staff reductions, process changes and reallocating professional‑services costs to the building department; commissioners expressed concern about workload and staff burnout.
Doreen Grant presented the code‑compliance department’s budget and a plan to streamline enforcement while reallocating some costs to the building department. Grant said the department will focus on field enforcement, outreach and case management while relying on partnerships, targeted professional services and improved processes to maintain output with fewer staff.
Grant said the department completed roughly 3,000 inspections in 2024 and expects about 3,500 for 2025, while also noting the department has lost two staffers in the last year and now operates with three staff members. She described process changes — moving case work to GoGov, sending letters of intent before inspections, and creating an online payment path for fines and registrations — that she said improve compliance and reduce repeat enforcement work.
Why it matters: Grant said the revised approach and reallocation of certain professional services to the building department reduced the code budget by roughly half while preserving enforcement capacity. She cited revenue from earlier enforcement years (about $100,000–$146,000 in fines and license payments) as a factor in the department’s financial sustainability.
Planned ordinances and priorities
- Sign ordinance: Grant said implementing the previously developed sign ordinance is a top priority. - EV and electrical permit compliance: staff will canvass homes with EV charging infrastructure to confirm permits and to issue courtesy notices where required. - Vacant/abandoned property registry: Grant said the department will explore a vacant‑property registration program to monitor and deter squatting and related hazards.
Commissioner reaction and workload concerns
Several commissioners praised the outreach approach but asked whether the department can sustain the workload with fewer staff; Grant said the department has been operating with fewer people for months and has improved output using targeted outreach, partnerships with police and building, and vendor support. Commissioners asked about burnout risk and whether part‑time or contracted support could be used if workloads spike.
Next steps: Grant said she will continue the outreach and lien collection work, refine SOPs for administrative staff and coordinate with the building department on shared enforcement resources. No formal vote took place.
