10.6. SR 10-07-2019 EGty1� ,.,�� Request for Action
River
To Item Number
Mayor and City Council 10.6
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Work Session October 7, 2019 Zack Carlton,Planning Manager
Item Description Reviewed by
Direction on Code Enforcement Procedures Cal Portner, City Administrator
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Provide direction regarding a standard policy for extended code enforcement cases.
Background/Discussion
Over the last summer and early fall city staff initiated 154 code enforcement cases for issues ranging from
long grass and debris/trash to illegal home based businesses. Staff has successfully addressed the majority
of these cases through formal letters and speaking with property owners, typically without any issues.
However, a handful of cases have proven difficult to resolve and staff would like to discuss the preferred
next steps with City Council.
The typical process for code enforcement violations includes a letter informing the property owner about
a code violation observed on their property. The letter includes the specific code section and language
from the ordinance, and gives the owner two weeks to contact the city or address the violation.
After the two-week time period, staff conducts a second inspection and either closes the case if the
violation has been addressed or sends a second letter re-affirming the violation and providing the owner
with two additional weeks to contact the city and discuss an alternate timeline or address the violation.
Very few cases have not been addressed within the four-week timeline,but staff is seeking Council
direction for follow-up action on cases that need additional attention. There are generally two options, a
fine—which is outlined in the city's fee schedule, or a misdemeanor charge. The preferred option would
be outlined in a letter from our attorney to the property owner after the third inspection at four weeks.
A third option for city initiated remedies (trimming trees/shrubs,mowing lawns, and removing trash) has
also been used,but is typically reserved for mowing overgrown lawns as four weeks is too long to wait for
long grass violations.
Attachments
■ Code Enforcement Fine List
The Elk River Vision
A PehoMing community 2a itb revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional POWERED By
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity INAMIRE1
FINGERPRINTS $10
15/DayIMPOUNDEDVEHICLES (at public works garage or police department)
LOCKOUTFEE $20
PARKING FINES* See Exhibit B
An additional surcharge may be added to the fine by the State of Minnesota.
20/per yearPARKINGPERMITS (for employees)
30/hourPOLICERESERVESERVICE
OFFDUTYOFFICERSERVICE $85/hour
SECURITYALARMS
20Permit
Alarm 1-2 – No chargeFalseAlarms
Alarm 3-5 - $50
Alarm 6-7 - $100
Alarm 8-9 - $250
10 & Over - $500
Failure to obtain alarm permit - $100
Other civil alarm violations - $100
CODE ENFORCEMENT VIOLATIONS
A late payment fee of 10% ofthe fine will be assessed for each 30-day period, or part thereof, that the fine remains unpaid after the
due date.
ANIMALS
50ExceedingMaximumNumberAllowed
100FecesClean-up
MISCELLANEOUS
200ExteriorStorage
200Firewood
55Garbage & Refuse
55Snow & Ice Removal
500UnsafeConditions, Critical
VEHICLES
50Commercial/Overweight Vehicle Parked in Residential Zone
200JunkVehicles
200OverweightVehicles
55ParkingCodes
200ParkingonUnapprovedSurfaces
50VehiclesDisplayed “For Sale” on Public Street
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ZONING
200AccessoryStructure
500DwellingUnitOccupiedbyMoreThanOneFamily
200FencingSetback & Maintenance
200HomeOccupation
250HomeOccupation, Prohibited
200LongGrass
200Nuisance, Junk & Debris Violation
500PropertyMaintenance, Critical
200PropertyMaintenance, Non-Critical
200SignOrdinanceViolation
500SwimmingPoolViolation, Critical
200SwimmingPoolViolation, Non-Critical
200ZoningCodeViolation, Other Than Noted Above
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