Much of their time was spent inspecting new buildings with little time spent enforcing the housing code. As a result, many landlords and absentee property owners neglected to make necessary repairs and houses were left to decay. ECDD's experience working with the community also prepared the agency to handle residents' complaints and concerns about code violations. Using CDBG funds, the city stepped up enforcement efforts by doubling the number of officers from three to six. The increase in officers allows for inspections and follow-up to be conducted in a systematic way.
Officers inspect each house in their assigned neighborhood for code violations.
Initial inspections take place from street right of ways. Officers look for deterioration, paying special attention to the roof, windows, doors, and exterior walls. If a home appears to have structural problems, officers talk to the occupants or owners to gain entrance and issue citations for violations. Under the new system, officers conduct an average of 245 inspections and issue 154 citations per month. Previously, officers inspected only 16 homes a month and issued 16 citations.