Understanding Code Enforcement

By: Gavin Wernicki

Volusia, Fl. (November 21, 2009) –

In a one-year period, Deltona Code Enforcement picked-up 1,642 cats and dogs. 

 

First, and probably most obvious function of Code Enforcement, is they are the front line in the battle of controlling blight. It has been said that they are the imaginary line that represents that fence between gated communities and “the rest of the world.”

Code Enforcement is the proactive method of controlling and prohibiting crime by controlling and preventing blight. Code Enforcement deters crime through maintaining neighborhoods, the broken window theory, by being proactive it is effectively deterring crime. Blight begets more blight – if left unattended the area will deteriorate quickly as crime rises and property values decrease.

Besides maintaining property values and protecting people’s investments, Code Enforcement also helps in maintaining a positive tax base, which keeps jurisdictions fluid and able to sustain themselves. If Code Enforcement is not quick to address things like dilapidated structures, graffiti, trash and junk, and uses not permitted in particular zoning districts, they lose control of blight. This loss of control will have far-reaching effects on the community, as it starts working against itself. 

Economic development is also tied to code enforcement as they help maintain a viable climate for economic development. Without an attractive environment, economic development becomes stagnant or non-existent. 

Code Enforcement is also tasked at times with the changing of cultures and said to be the most challenging part of the job. They enforce rules and laws that require people to conform with community standards. These standards are an agreed upon as acceptable behavior as they become part of the community and its culture. In order to conform with ‘”our” culture, you must conform with the rules and laws. When someone “‘new” moves into a community who is unfamiliar with local rules and laws, but are accustomed to a certain lifestyle, there is a direct conflict and therefore the process of education and guidance into conformity.

 Some “everyday” violations that involve this concept involve improper uses in specific zoning districts, especially residential.

The top ten violations

• Animals at large
• Inoperative motor vehicles
• Motor vehicle parking
• Recreational vehicles parking (boats, watercraft, campers)
• Registration stickers
• Tractor-trailer parking
• Commercial vehicles parking
• Yard maintenance
• Junk, trash and debris in yards
• No permits

Code Enforcement Officers are often times misunderstood as they are affecting people’s lives, livelihoods, and their cultures. When challenged to change, people become defensive. They have a difficult job and seldom fully appreciated, but vital for our community’s health, safety and welfare.