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South Ogden introduces first code compliance officer
Summary
The South Ogden City Council introduced Guillermo Garcia as the city’s first code compliance officer and staff described a warning-first enforcement approach intended to help residents return to compliance before fines are issued.
The South Ogden City Council on April 22 formally introduced Guillermo Garcia as the city’s first code compliance officer. Mayor Castle invited Garcia to the dais and staff said the new position centralizes non-land-use enforcement under one staff member to make reporting and follow-up clearer for residents.
“I’m Guillermo Garcia. I’ve been here in Utah for 7 years already. I worked for Ogden City for 6 years,” Garcia said, describing experience in water-department enforcement and code work. Staff told council they plan a work session so members can share expectations and learn more about his role.
Staff and Garcia described the department’s recommended approach as beginning with warnings on first offenses and allowing a reasonable time for remediation before issuing fees. Garcia said he prefers communicating with property owners and using community resources — for example, local churches — to help residents who need assistance to comply.
Councilmembers asked for clarity on time frames and specific language to be included in the ordinance; staff indicated 14 days is common in other cities but recommended flexibility for different types of violations. The council approved an ordinance to amend the city code for code compliance (Ordinance 25-04) with the newly distributed language to reflect a warning-first approach.
The council asked staff to return with any needed clarifications and to distribute the revised language across the ordinance sections so residents understand timelines and the appeal/hearing process.
