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Code
Enforcement
Mission: to promote public awareness of City ordinances and actively
address code violations.
What does this mean
for residents and business owners?
You will undoubtedly notice inspectors in residential and commercial areas
as they routinely inspect properties for ordinance violations and investigate
complaints. If your property is in violation, an inspector will contact
you.
Does this mean inspectors
are handing out tickets/citations for every infraction?
Generally not, unless imminent danger or blatant violation warrants such
action. Frequently, property owners are unaware they are violating a City
Code. The inspector's initial communication is to provide ordinance information
to the resident/business owner via personal contact and/or a letter. This
action is then followed by a reinspection to ensure compliance.
What if the property
owner fails to comply with an ordinance?
Property owners who do not comply after the initial contact receive a
2nd letter stating the property is in violation. Continued noncompliance
results in a 3rd and final letter informing the property owner they will
receive a citation if they do not comply with the code(s). Each letter
informs the owner of the reinspection date, which is not less than five
days from the date of the letter. It is important to note that a conviction
of a code violation is a misdemeanor and can result in fines of up to
$1000 and/or up to 90 days in jail.
What are some of
the most common code violations?
· SIGNS
>>> - real estate, garage sale, contractor signs placed
on City right-of ways. (City staff collects hundreds of signs each year.)
· PARKING
>>> - motor vehicles parked on the street from 3 - 6 a.m.
when space is available in the driveway and parking on grass, aggregate,
etc.
- VEHICLES FOR SALE
- Vehicles "For Sale" or lease cannot be parked in commercial
or industrial districts or on public streets. Storage of vehicles or inoperable
vehicles is also prohibited in these locations.
· GARBAGE
CANS >>> - containers
not stored inside a building or screened area.
· ABANDONED
or JUNK VEHICLES - inoperable automobiles on private property for
90 days or more and have expired license tabs.
· PUBLIC NUISANCES
- examples include accumulation of debris/junk/pet feces and obstruction
of public sidewalks and/or streets by tree limbs, bushes, building materials,
vehicles, etc.
· PROPERTY
MAINTENANCE - buildings, structures and accessory structures not
maintained in good repair.
How can you learn
more about City codes?
There are several resources at your fingertips. The
City of Apple Valley Ordinance Code and Summary of Frequently
Requested Ordinances can be accessed on the City web site , or you may
call (952) 953-2570 with questions. New residents to Apple Valley receive
a packet of information which includes an Ordinance Summary. If you have
not received this data, you may contact the Municipal Center at (952)
953-2500 and request a copy.
Content updated on:
12-Aug-2009
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