Committee approves active code-enforcement language, including 300-foot park buffer, for full council review

Community Development Director Kravick presented a draft ordinance to authorize active code enforcement along designated major thoroughfares and within 300 feet of city parks, saying the change would move the city from a strictly complaint-driven system to one that addresses visible violations on high-visibility corridors.

"This proposed ordinance ... allows for active code enforcement along major thoroughfares and near city parks," Kravick said, and added that the 300-foot park buffer was proposed after meetings with Mayor Bedau and Council Member Joerger. Kravick also said staff removed the requirement to bring non-complaint enforcement violations to council for consideration so inspectors could initiate action when they observe issues such as couches or mattresses in front yards while performing other inspections.

Council members asked about the list of corridors and whether 300 feet — roughly one city block — is the right distance. One council member said the corridors and buffer would help keep the city’s most visible areas presentable after recent park investments and voiced support for the change. Another member described a recent instance of staff resolving a mattress on what appeared to be city property as an example of how proactive enforcement could work.

After discussion the committee member moved to approve staff’s recommendation to forward the draft ordinance for a first reading at the next council meeting; the motion received a second and passed on a voice vote. The motion carried with no recorded roll-call tally.

The ordinance, if adopted by the full council, would list the specific thoroughfares where active enforcement is allowed and enable staff to start enforcement actions when violations are observed during other inspections. The staff recommendation will be revised per committee feedback and presented to council for formal consideration.