The code enforcement procedure is largely a complaint-driven process.
The complaint may be received from a resident, business representative, or city staff member via phone or e-mail.
The information collected during an on-going investigation is information that is protected by the Minnesota Data Practices Act. The complainant's name is protected information, as is any inspection data, inspection result's, letters, phone calls, emails, or photos concerning the case investigation. Only upon closing of a case through compliance or issuance of a citation for prosecution of a case does select case information become public data. The complainant's name, however, remains protected information.
To file a complaint, contact the Code Enforcement Officer through the code enforcement email or the code enforcement hotline.
Detailed information regarding the complaint is documented and an inspection of the property is conducted to determine if a compliance letter should be issued.
Inspection
Property complaints are inspected in a timely manner, with consideration of seriousness of the violation from a health, safety and welfare standpoint.
Pictures will be taken of the property to document the violation.
The inspection is conducted discreetly and with respect for the property and privacy of others.
Notification
Once a complaint has been verified by inspection, a notification letter is issued to the property owner and, if applicable, to the occupant of the premises.
The notification letter is a brief letter stating property conditions and references requirements of city code.
Occasionally, other information may be included with the letter such as a copy of the city code section and language.
Compliance
Violations that are quickly and easily remedied are required to comply within 2 to 10 days.
Violations that may require a more involved resolution are given up to 30 days.
The property owner may contact the inspector in person or by phone for further information regarding the city code, the enforcement process, or to seek a possible extension on the compliance date.
Infrequently, after all attempts to attain compliance are exhausted, the city will hire an independent contractor to bring the property into compliance and the property will be billed and/or assessed. If compliance is not achieved within the required time frame, an administrative citation may be issued.
The goal of code enforcement is compliance, not punishment.