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Code enforcement says it will pursue more aggressive tools for vacant downtown properties
Summary
Code Enforcement presented procedures and staffing (four officers, two hires pending), described nuisance categories, motel inspections, and said a revised policy will enable more frequent citations and potential special assessments to address vacant and abandoned downtown buildings.
Lance Barado, Director of Licensing and Code Enforcement, briefed the advisory board on code enforcement operations and policy updates.
Barado said the department is small—four field officers with two hires planned—and handled about 3,600 cases in FY25. The department focuses on private property maintenance, abandoned structures, nuisance conditions and long‑term motel units; it runs an annual inspection program for motels with 28‑day‑plus stays. Standard enforcement follows a compliance‑first cadence: courtesy letter, 14‑day warning, citation and re‑inspection fees. For dangerous conditions the city can abate and lien the property.
To address persistent downtown vacancies and derelict properties, Barado said staff are drafting a revised policy that would enable more frequent citations for chronic nuisance properties and explore special assessments (placing costs on property tax bills) to ensure remediation rather than accumulating unenforced fines. He noted tradeoffs: daily fines can pressure some owners to act, but may be ineffective if owners lack funds; liens remain until sale or refinance.
Next steps: Barado expects the policy memo to appear on Council materials soon and will coordinate with the Treasury and City Attorney’s office on special‑assessment processes.
