For instance, a housing code will say that there should be adequate hot and cold running water but will not specify what kind of pipes there have to be to carry the water to the tap. That is performance. A building code, on the other hand, specifies exact materials and construction and installation methods for the systems and structure of houses. Building codes generally apply only to new construction and to substantial repairs or improvements made to existing housing. Therefore, for instance, whereas a building code may require certain kinds of plumbing or wiring in new construction, if you have an older property that has plumbing or wiring that is no longer recommended, as long as it works and is safe, it will be okay as far as housing codes go.
Many counties have ordinances about noxious weeds and other nuisances.
These ordinances have language about over- grown grasses and weeds, as well as prohibitions against storing of junk, etc., on residential property. Some counties also have ordinances defining and controlling abandoned or junk cars. If your local unit of government has any of these codes, it should have inspectors to enforce them. Voluntary inspections should be available at no charge. Most codes allow for extensions of time, if needed.