Common Abatement Problems in Code Enforcement
When it comes to abatement, code enforcement officers face a variety of challenges as they go through the process of remedying or mitigating violations of local building codes, zoning regulations, health and safety codes, and other municipal ordinances.
All code officers are busy, working multiple cases with overlapping timelines on any given day. The more code enforcement officers can encourage voluntary compliance, the more efficient they can be with their time and resources, as well as that of their agency or municipality. Of course, voluntary compliance isn’t alway achievable. When that is the case, officers should look for the most time- and resource-efficient means of abating the problem. In this post we take a look at some common abatement problems, as well as a few solutions for overcoming them.
Limited Resources
Problem: Code enforcement departments often have limited budgets, staff and equipment to handle a large number of violations effectively. This can result in delays in addressing issues and slow progress in abatement efforts.
Solution: While it isn’t within a code enforcement officer’s power to obtain more resources in terms of time or personnel, there are a few things they can do to make the most of the resources they already have.
First, by conducting an analysis of their team’s standard operating procedures, code enforcement professionals may find ways to streamline their processes for individual cases. When you’re processing upwards of 10 cases per day, saving 5-10 minutes per case really adds up in the long run. For a more in-depth look at streamlining processes, establishing a framework for prioritization, and making the most of your time, check out the webinar Unlocking Efficiency in Code Enforcement.
Second, while the budget may not have room to hire additional personnel, it may have room for tools that can increase efficiency. Tools such as code enforcement software coupled with tablets and mobile printers can cut back on manual processes, increase field-mobility (saving unnecessary trips back to the officer) and make case management much easier, leaving officers more time to focus on tasks that require problem-solving.
Vacant and Abandoned Properties
Problem: Abating violations on vacant or abandoned properties can be particularly challenging, as determining ownership and holding the responsible party accountable may be complex.
Solution: One tactic that many municipalities have successfully used to abate problems with vacant and abandoned properties is setting up a vacant property ordinance registry. For more information on VPROs, check out our webinar “How to Combat Vacant Property Blight with VPROs.”
Lack of Public Awareness
Problem: Some residents may not be aware of the importance of code enforcement and the impact it can have on the community. Often, many property owners are unaware of municipal codes until they run up against them. When first-time offenders find themselves unwittingly in defiance of municipal code, they may opt for inaction, either because they aren’t aware of what needs to happen to be in compliance, or they think that if they ignore the problem it will disappear.
Solution: When lack of awareness is the primary culprit, education is always the answer – and clear, concise notices are a helpful tool in getting there. If it’s possible to make contact with the property owner during the initial investigation, walk them through the steps necessary to achieve compliance, as well as the consequences of not complying. However, even if you can make direct contact for in-person education, all this information should also be clearly outlined in your notices so that property owners have a guide to how to remedy the situation. If your notices leave room for confusion, it might be time for an update.
Language and Cultural Barriers
Problem: In areas with diverse populations, language and cultural barriers can hinder effective communication and cooperation with property owners and occupants, making it difficult to explain the violations and the necessary abatement actions.
Solution: To overcome language barriers, many officers will use a translation app when interacting with property owners. If you live in an area where a large number of your citizens are non-English speakers, it’s also a good idea to have notice templates in multiple languages to help overcome that barrier.
Financial or Physical Constraints
Problem: One common abatement problem that many code enforcement officers often run into is that some property owners are unable to remedy the issue, either because they lack the financial resources or physical ability to do so.
Solution: One valuable but oft-overlooked trait that code enforcement officers offer their communities is their knowledge of available resources. Many officers that we have worked with over the years have a list of local organizations they partner with to assist owners who have trouble maintaining their properties, whether it’s local volunteer organizations, non-profits or even just an online group that can help connect the property owner with the ability to find resources on their own. Consider adding a page to your team’s website outlining available resources, or have a flyer printed up you can distribute to those citizens who might be less tech-savvy.
Comcate: Your Partner in Code Enforcement
Comcate has been in the code enforcement industry for more than 20+ years. During that time, we’ve seen the struggles that code enforcement professionals face – which is why we developed affordable, flexible software designed specifically for code enforcement activities.
Whether you’re looking to streamline processes to better manage case volume and improve voluntary compliance or aggregate and organize case data to improve reporting to your superiors, Comcate’s Code Enforcement Manager software allows officers to accomplish more. If you’re looking for assistance with any area of code enforcement, please schedule a free consultation with one of our representatives today.
Schedule a Meeting with Comcate Today!
Learn how Comcate can help make government delivery simple, and offer a modern digital experience to help you increase transparency, efficiency, and performance across your departments. If you have any questions about implementing our software, please fill out the form below or call us directly at (415) 632-1248.
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