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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCode Compliance Program_11 Commission Memorandum REPORT TO: Honorable Mayor and City Commission FROM: Ron Price, Chief of Police SUBJECT: Code Compliance Program MEETING DATE: March 24, 2014 AGENDA ITEM TYPE: Action RECOMMENDATION: Consider information presented regarding quality of life issues and the centralization of the code compliance function. BACKGROUND: In 2012 staff began looking for more streamlined and effective ways to provide service to our community as it relates to the numerous problems that could be classified as quality of life issues. Lacking a centralized reporting process, citizens could call with a concern and be transferred to several different locations, leading to frustrations and inefficiency. There was also a fair amount of internal confusion as to which department best handled which type of complaint. In December 2012 a large cross-departmental meeting was held to catalog the numerous types of concerns that were often reported and to work toward a single point of contact reporting function. Many of the non-construction type complaints were found to have a police department nexus or had other contributing factors such as loud parties, parking violations, entry to abandoned buildings, etc. We felt that having the police department oversee many of the complaints would not only streamline the various calls, but also have a positive impact on voluntary compliance. From these meetings, the concept of a Quality of Life Initiative was envisioned. Quality of Life issues are those which adversely affect the peace and safety of those that live, work or conduct business nearby. They can cover many areas, both criminal and civil. They might include issues of noise, garbage, abandoned structures, and safe movement across sidewalks, to name but a few. The police department chose to address these issues with a team consisting of a police officer, a code compliance officer and through strong relationships with other city departments and community partners. The goal is to provide long term solutions through education and voluntary compliance. In January 2013, Officer Charley Gappmayer was assigned as the first member of this team as a Community Resource Officer. He worked closely with Sergeant Andy Knight and Captain Mark Johnson to develop guidelines for areas of responsibility. This list is a blueprint that identifies department oversight and who is best suited to handle specific complaints. This list is monitored and updated and has been distributed to all departments/staff to include 911 dispatch. 181 In July 2013, the position of Code Compliance Officer was implemented and initially staffed. The position has been held by Mark Carpenter since November. The principal function of the Bozeman Police Department's Code Compliance Officer is to perform a variety of duties in support of the City’s local code enforcement program related to land use, nuisance housing, public health and safety, parking, and other matters of public concern. This position serves as a resource and provides information on City regulations and crime prevention to property owners, residents, businesses, the general public, and other City departments and divisions. This position is not intended to be the enforcer of codes and ordinances, but rather a problem solver who will take the time to gain compliance from those who may be unaware of the different codes and ordinances in Bozeman or those who just need a little encouragement and guidance to abide by our city's rules. Our Code Compliance Officer is not a sworn police officer, but does have the authority to issue civil and criminal citations, if need be. The workload and level of community compliance has been impressive. Reports of abandoned vehicles and chronic long-term parking complaints are but one example. During this fiscal year the Code Compliance Officer has responded to over four hundred of these vehicle reports, increasingly with the onset of winter. With the goal of getting these cars moved from the street, he has been attempting to locate and speak directly with vehicle owners. This strategy has been extremely successful with a noticeable reduction in repeat problems and well over 90% compliance. This stance of face-to-face interaction has seen similar results as we deal with other issues such as snow removal, weed abatement, and garbage removal. Strong relationships are a primary key to the success of this program. Both the Community Resource Officer and the Code Compliance Officer have been working closely with partners within the City and those groups that are directly impacted by the issues. They are working closely with homeowner associations, landlords and property management companies, contractors and business owners to provide both education and resources. Both regularly attend monthly Inter-Neighborhood Council meetings to keep them informed of progress on problem areas as well as listen to any new concerns. The Police Department has long partnered with Montana State University and has been active in the Good Neighbor Program. Both Officer Gappmayer and Mark Carpenter will continue in that partnership this spring when they participate in a pilot education program aimed at students who plan to live off campus in the 2014-2015 school year. We are currently working to provide for a more streamlined method of community reporting. A single point of contact has been identified for dissemination of complaints. This staff member can be reached during traditional business hours and further options will be available after hours. A dedicated phone number (582-2222) and/or email (qualityoflife@bozeman.net) will place you directly in contact with the team addressing quality of life issues. We are in the process of working with Information Technology to standardize the main pages of each city department to prominently display a reporting link to better provide on-line options. The City of Bozeman Code Compliance Program, under the supervision of the Bozeman Police Department Support Services Division, works in partnership with the community to promote and maintain a safe and desirable living and working environment through awareness, education, problem solving and enforcement. This memorandum, attachments and presentation are intended to inform the commission of changes in code enforcement function and to provide an opportunity for discussion and guidance. UNRESOLVED ISSUES: None identified. 182 ALTERNATIVES: Outside of a return to the previous organizational alignment of the code enforcement function, there are no alternatives identified. FISCAL EFFECTS: There are no identified impacts to the current budget. Position funding was transferred from within Community Development to the Police Department. Support equipment was provided from existing resources. There are no anticipated requests to future budgets. Attachments: Code Compliance Program, Brochure Code Compliance Officer Duties, Public Handout Quality of Life Issues / COB Responsibilities Report compiled on: March 14, 2014 183 Being a good neighbor The City of Bozeman Code Compliance Program, under the supervision of the Bozeman Police Department Support Services Division, works in partnership with the citizens of Bozeman to promote and maintain a safe and desirable living and working environment through awareness, education, problem solving and enforcement. Staff handles community and neighborhood code issues, including illegal dumping, snow-covered sidewalks, abandoned or inoperable vehicles, weed-abatement and various zoning violations. Code enforcement exists not to punish individual property owners, but to maintain the greater good of our community by achieving compliance with adopted codes. The Code Compliance Program relies on residents in many ways; first to set an example by learning about, and adhering to, the city’s codes and second by contacting us when violations are seen. We believe facilitating voluntary compliance with city laws and codes, problem solving, and developing public outreach programs are crucial to partnering with our community to build and maintain a safer Bozeman for all.D Contacting us has never been easier! ONLINE Go to www.bozemanpolice.com and click on “Report Crime Online” regarding your complaint. CALL Call 406-582-2222 to speak with a customer service representative or to leave a message regarding your complaint. E-MAIL Send us an e-mail at qualityoflife@bozeman.net regarding your complaint. Bozeman Police Department Code Compliance Program 30 North Rouse Avenue Bozeman, MT 59715 March 2014 Code &RPSOLDQFH Knowing the rules for being a good neighbor 184 Common Complaints…. Abandoned Vehicles Junk or disabled vehicles are not to be parked on city streets or parking lots. If it doesn’t run, has expired plates, or is creating a nuisance, it may be towed at the owner’s expense. Construction Issues Sidewalks, streets and other public rights of way must be kept free of obstructions such as construction material, porta-potties and dirt or gravel piles. Nuisance Properties Yards are not to be used as storage areas for vehicles, building materials, tires, indoor furniture, appliances, or other items. Property or buildings that have become dilapidated or run-down may be considered a public health and safety hazard. Sidewalks Residential sidewalks should be free of snow and ice within 24 hours after a snowstorm. This also includes any low-hanging limbs or overgrown vegetation which may hinder a pedestrian path. Garbage Leaving unwanted items on a public right of way or vacant lot is illegal. If you have items to discard that won’t fit in your garbage can, call City Sanitation at 406-582-3200 for a special pick-up. Signs Streets Sidewalks and streets need to be clear of obstructions, to include basketball hoops, household items, overhanging tree limbs or shrubbery, and items marked for sale or free. Vegetation & Weeds Tall grass or weeds on property should be removed as they detract from the appearance of the neighborhood and may invite illegal camping, dumping and other types of criminal activity. Advertisements such as bandit signs may not be posted on utility poles, street signs or in public rights of way. Parking Avoid costly fines by not blocking sidewalks, fire hydrants and crosswalks. Always park with the direction of traffic. 185 Code Compliance Officer Mark Carpenter 30 North Rouse Avenue 582-2037 (Desk) 451-1349 (Cell) M-F, 8 am - 5 pm Issue Specifics Business Licenses Compliance/Enforcement Construction Issues Dirt/gravel/construction material/ porta potty in road Noise complaints Unkempt garbage Garbage Left on public street, boulevard, alley, vacant lot, (furniture, appliances, etc) Licenses/Permits Encroachment (compliance/enforcement, not issuing) - items in the public right of way Noise Noise complaints from events in city parks/streets (repeat problems/not in-progress) Noise complaints from events at the fairgrounds (repeat problems/not in-progress) Nuisance Property Appliances/excess garbage in yard (exterior) Hoarding Parking Abandoned/junk vehicle Parked in yard Parked for more than 5 days on city street Snow covered cars on city street Sidewalks/Boulevards Encroachment issues/compliance - signs, construction material, porta-potties For sale/free items on street (appliances, furniture, etc) Snow not shoveled Signs Signs placed in right of ways, boulevards, streets Streets Basketball stands in street (winter issue) For sale/free items on city street/boulevard Snow pushed into street from private property Vehicles Being used as advertising on a city street Marked "For Sale" & parked on city street Weeds/Vegetation Trees Blocking/interfering with sidewalk Obstructing view Overgrown on property The principal function of the Bozeman Police Department's Code Compliance Officer is to perform a variety of duties in support of the City’s local code enforcement program related to land use, nuisance housing, public health and safety, parking, and other matters of public concern. This position will serve as a resource and provide information on City regulations and crime prevention to property owners, residents, businesses, the general public, and other City departments and divisions. This position is not intended to be the enforcer of codes and ordinances, but rather a problem solver who will take the time to get compliance from those who may be unaware of the many different codes and ordinances in Bozeman or those who just need a little encouragement and guidance to abide by our city's rules. Our Code Compliance Officer is not a sworn police officer, but does have the authority to issue civil and criminal citations, if need be. 187 Situation Situation Specific Department / Contact / Phone / Other Page 1 of 4 Revised 12/17/13 ADA Building access/ramps/sidewalks pertaining to ADA Facilities James Goehrung 582-3232 Handicap parking stall questions Facilities James Goehrung 582-3233 Handicap parking signage/markings Facilities James Goehrung 582-3232 Animals Animal bites Police John Edelen 582-2249 Police - after hours Barking dogs Police John Edelen 582-2249 Police - after hours Chickens/Other livestock Police John Edelen 582-2249 Police - after hours Dead in roadway Police John Edelen 582-2249 Police - after hours Dog/cat feces Police John Edelen 582-2249 Advised Event Dogs/Cats at large (off-leash)Police John Edelen 582-2249 Police - after hours Poison/traps to kill rodents Police John Edelen 582-2249 Police - after hours Wildlife Police John Edelen 582-2249 Police - after hours Building Building code complaints Building Paula Frojae 582-2386 Compliance/Enforcement of building permits Building Paula Frojae 582-2386 Fire life safety issues - (Non-Emergency - lack of egress windows, smoke detectors)Fire Jack Coburn 582-2350 Rental safety Fire Jack Coburn 582-2350 Bicycles Bicycle auctions/registration Police Ed Kibbey 582-2966 Business Licenses Compliance/Enforcement Police Mark Carpenter 582-2037 Issuance Finance DeJannel Goodwin 582-2327 Construction Issues Burning Fire 582-2000 Dirt/gravel/construction material/ porta potty in road Police Mark Carpenter 582-2037 Police - after hours Noise complaints Police Mark Carpenter 582-2037 Police - after hours Unkept garbage Police Mark Carpenter 582-2037 Police - after hours Soil/Gravel/Other materials impeding flow of stormwater Public Works Michelle Dipzinski 582-3202 Improper dumping of construction materials (concrete washout, sediment, paint) into storm drains Public Works Michelle Dipzinski 582-3202 Tracking of mud or other debris from truck tires into roadways from active construction sites Public Works Michelle Dipzinski 582-3202 Missing required best management practices within or adjacent to active construction sites Public Works Michelle Dipzinski 582-3202 Fences Height/placement/design issues/osbstructing views/sight alignment Planning Tara Hastie 582-2260 Garbage Left on public street, boulevard, alley, vacant lot, accumulation (furniture, appliances, etc)Police Mark Carpenter 582-2037 Missed garbage service (owner calls to complain)Finance Bernie Massey 582-2332 No garbage service (required of city household)Finance Bernie Massey 582-2332 Grafitti City/Private/Public property Police Patrol Officers 582-2000 Home Businesses Restrictions on size/type/conditional use permit req'd Planning Tara Hastie 582-2260 Landscaping Vegetation/Tree requirements on boulevards Planning 582-2260 Landscaping materials impeding flow of stormwater Public Works Michelle Dipzinski 582-3202 Improper dumping of landscape materials (concrete washout, sediment, paint) into storm drains Public Works Michelle Dipzinski 582-3202 Tracking of mud or other debris from truck tires into roadways from active landscaping sites Public Works Michelle Dipzinski 582-3202 Missing required best management practices within or adjacent to active landscaping sites Public Works Michelle Dipzinski 582-3202 188 Situation Situation Specific Department / Contact / Phone / Other Page 2 of 4 Revised 12/17/13 Licenese/Permits Business (issuing)Finance DeJannel Goodwin 582-2327 Business (compliance/enforcement)Police Mark Carpenter 582-2037 Encroachment (issuing, not enforcing) - items in the public right of way Public Works Katherine Maines 582-2273 Encroachment (compliance/enforcement, not issuing) - items in the public right of way Police Mark Carpenter 582-2037 Open Container (issuing, not enforcing)Public Works Katherine Maines 582-2273 Open Container (enforcement, not issuing)Police Patrol Officers 582-2000 Licenese/Permits Parking permits Parking/City Hall Ashlee Portnell 582-2337 Park reservations - Lindley, Lindley Pavillion, Beall Center, etc Recreation Doreen Olean 582-2290 Sign permit Planning Tara Hastie 582-2260 Lighting Bulb entirely inside an opaque fixture and all light is directed downward Planning Tara Hastie 582-2260 Lighting not adequate/non-existent Planning Tara Hastie 582-2260 Medical Marijuana General questions Police Patrol Officers 582-2000 Noise Construction related Police Mark Carpenter 582-2037 Police - after hours Idling trucks in residential areas Police Patrol Officers 582-2000 Loud music/parties Police Patrol Officers 582-2000 Noise complaints from events in city parks/streets (in-progress)Police Patrol Officers 582-2000 Noise complaints from events at the fairgrounds (in- progress)Police Patrol Officers 582-2000 Noise complaints from events in city parks/streets (repeat problems/not in-progress)Police Mark Carpenter 582-2037 Noise complaints from events at the fairgrounds (repeat problems/not in-progress)Police Mark Carpenter 582-2037 Nuisance Property Appliances in yard Police Mark Carpenter 582-2037 Repeat loud parties/noise complaints (not in-progress)Police Charley Gappmayer 582-2025 Vacant house/property being used by squatters or vandalized (in progress)Police Patrol Officers 582-2000 Vacant house/property being used by squatters or vandalized (on-going problem / not in progress)Police Charley Gappmayer 582-2025 Occupancies Business Occupancy Levels Fire Duty Officer 582-2350 Residential - No more than 4 unrelated people in a home Police Charley Gappmayer 582-2025 Rental property complaints regarding landlords Police Patrol Officers 582-2000 Rental property complaints regarding structure/building/codes Building Paula Frojae 582-2386 Parking Abandoned/junk vehicle Police Mark Carpenter 582-2037 cars, trailers, boats, RV's Appeal parking ticket Parking Ashlie Portnell 582-2337 Driveway Parking 582-2000 Police - after hours Fire hydrant Parking 582-2000 Police - after hours General parking question/concern Parking 582-2000 Police - after hours Handicap Parking 582-2000 Police - after hours Impounded (as abandoned)Police Mark Carpenter 582-2037 Police - after hours Impounded (booted / immobilized)Parking 582-2337 Impounded (under investigation)Police Investigating officer 582-2000 Mailbox Parking 582-2000 Police - after hours 189 Situation Situation Specific Department / Contact / Phone / Other Page 3 of 4 Revised 12/17/13 Parking Parked in yard Police Mark Carpenter 582-2037 cars, trailers, boats, RV's Parked for more than 5 days on city street Police Mark Carpenter 582-2037 Private property Parking 582-2000 Police - after hours Restricted zones Parking 582-2000 Police - after hours RV's must be in garage or back yard - not driveway Police Mark Carpenter 582-2037 Sidewalk blocked Police 582-2000 Police - after hours Snow covered cars on city street Parking Mark Carpenter 582-2037 Special requests for parking Parking Scott Lee 582-2903 Street maintenance Parking 582-2000 Wrong side Parking 582-2000 Police - after hours Parks Reservations (Lindley Center, Beall Center, city parks, etc)Recreation Doreen Olean 582-2290 Sheds Built in front/side yard Planning Tara Hastie 582-2260 Certificate of appropriateness Planning Tara Hastie 582-2260 Size maximums Planning Tara Hastie 582-2260 Sidewalks/Boulevards Damaged/in need of repair Engineering 582-2280 Encroachment issues/compliance - signs, construction material, porta-potties Police Mark Carpenter 582-2037 Police - after hours For sale/free items on street (appliances, furniture, etc)Police Mark Carpenter 582-2037 Snow not shoveled Police Mark Carpenter 582-2037 Vehicles parked on/blocking sidewalks Parking 582-2000 Police - after hours Signs City owned street signs/signals damaged, missing, requested or miscellaneous issues Signs 582-3200 Installations/changes/size issues/designs Planning 582-2260 Signs placed in right of ways, boulevards, streets Police Mark Carpenter 582-2037 Streets Basketball stands in street Police Mark Carpenter 582-2037 Construction material in street Police Mark Carpenter 582-2037 For sale/free items on street Police Mark Carpenter 582-2037 Potholes Streets 582-3208 Road closure complaints (construction related, city permitted events)Streets 582-3200 Snow pushed into street from private property Police Mark Carpenter 582-2037 Police - after hours Snow pushed into driveway from city plow Streets 582-3200 Stormwater Illegal dumping of any pollutant into local waterways, stormwater inlets, ponds, and ditches Public Works Michelle Dipzinski 582-3202 Police - after hours Flooding concerns due to blocked ditches, inlets, swales, or ponds Public Works Michelle Dipzinski 582-3202 Sediment accumulation on roadways, sidewalks or ditches from construction & landscaping sites Public Works Michelle Dipzinski 582-3202 Broken stormwater manhole lids, inlets, and pipes Public Works Michelle Dipzinski 582-3202 Police - after hours Missing stormwater manhole lids, inlets, and pipes Public Works Michelle Dipzinski 582-3202 Police - after hours Sinkhole or Slump in Roadway or Sidewalk Public Works Michelle Dipzinski 582-3202 Suspected pollution occuring in local waterways which may/may not be related to stormwater Public Works Michelle Dipzinski 582-3202 190 Situation Situation Specific Department / Contact / Phone / Other Page 4 of 4 Revised 12/17/13 Transients City/private/public property Police Patrol Officers 582-2000 Vehicles Being used as advertising on a city street Police Mark Carpenter 582-2037 cars, trailers, boats, RV's Marked "For Sale" & parked on city street Police Mark Carpenter 582-2037 (see Parking above for more) Water Hydrant issues Water John Alston 582-3200 Wetlands Engineering 582-2280 Weeds/Vegetation/Trees Blocking sidewalk Police Mark Carpenter 582-2037 Obstructing view Police Mark Carpenter 582-2037 Overgrown on property Police Mark Carpenter 582-2037 Down trees/limbs on public property Forestry Ryon Stover 579-7201 Overgrown vegetation in detention ponds causing flooding Public Works Michelle Dipzinski 582-3202 Inlets clogged with vegetation preventing proper drainage Public Works Michelle Dipzinski 582-3202 191