Code enforcement lists officers by zone and says department handled 10,440 violations last year

Heather Lanham, the city’s supervisor for code enforcement and animal control, told residents the department is organized into zones so people can more easily recognize their assigned officer. “So zone 1 is gonna be from Duncanville Road over to Cockrell Hill…for area 1, you're gonna have a Darius Ebbs,” Lanham said while listing officers assigned to each zone.

Lanham said the department continues to manage a heavy caseload: “From January through December, we had 10,440 violations,” she said, and added that with current staffing she expects the number to grow to about 11,000 this year. She described the typical staffing pattern—roughly six code staff (listed as 5.5 full-time equivalent in her remarks)—and said officers balance proactive area surveys with responding to complaints.

Lanham emphasized that the zone approach is meant to improve recognition and local responsiveness: residents should be able to identify officers such as Tommy Phillips, Cheryl, Jonathan Johnson and the part-time code officer Blake Peoples when they are on the street. She asked residents to say hello and report issues so the department can use the extra “eyes” in the community.

The presentation included practical guidance on the department’s priorities (safety, health and property standards) and the expectation that complaints will be addressed promptly; Lanham said the office aims to follow up on complaints and perform reinspections in routine order. The department did not promise additional hires at the meeting and said staffing intentions and development timelines fall under other departments (planning or building inspections).