Resident raises code-enforcement complaint; attorney outlines complaint-driven process

Kimberly Houston of 16850 Omega Court brought a code-enforcement complaint to the council during public comment, saying a neighbor had installed tarps and signs that concerned her. Town Attorney Anita Geraci-Carver told the council the town operates a complaint-driven enforcement policy: staff must investigate, issue a notice of violation with a deadline to remedy, and only then refer unresolved cases to the Code Enforcement Board or involve the county building department if appropriate. "The proper procedure was for town staff to investigate the complaint, issue a notice of violation with a specific time to remedy," Geraci-Carver said.

Town Planner Sean Parks advised Ms. Houston to file a formal complaint so staff could investigate; he explained the town permits three canopy types under the existing code and suggested contacting the county building department about possible permit issues. Geraci-Carver cautioned council members that sign regulation must respect state First Amendment protections. The council did not take immediate enforcement action at the meeting; staff was directed to investigate and follow the formal notice procedure if violations are found.