HomeMy WebLinkAboutCode Compliance Program_9
Commission Memorandum
REPORT TO: Honorable Mayor and City Commission
FROM: Ron Price, Chief of Police
SUBJECT: Code Compliance Program
MEETING DATE: August 18, 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.
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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 initial year the Code Compliance Officer has responded to over seven hundred of these vehicle reports.
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. This past spring,
Officer Gappmayer and Mark Carpenter furthered that partnership as they participated 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.
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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: August 11, 2014
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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 Violations:
Knowing the
rules for being a
good neighbor
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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.
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Code Compliance Officer Mark Carpenter
30 North Rouse Avenue
582-2222 (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 Parked and being used as advertising on a city street
Non-registered, junk, or disabled vehicles left on city street
Weeds/Vegetation 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.
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Situation Situation Specific Department / Contact / Phone / Other
Page 1 of 4 Revised 06/04/14
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 582-2386
Building permits Building 582-2386
Compliance/Enforcement of building permits Building 582-2386
Fire life safety issues - (Non-Emergency - lack of egress windows, smoke detectors)Building 582-2386
Rental safety inspections Fire Jack Coburn 582-2350
Bicycles Bicycle auctions/registration Police Ed Kibbey 582-2966
Lost or found bicycles Police BPD 582-2000
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 Police - after hours
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 Tara Hastie 582-2260
Landscaping materials impeding flow of stormwater Public Works Michelle Dipzinski 582-3202
Landscaping requirements for property Planning Tara Hastie 582-2260
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Situation Situation Specific Department / Contact / Phone / Other
Page 2 of 4 Revised 06/04/14
Improper dumping of landscape materials (concrete washout, sediment, paint) into storm drains Public Works Michelle Dipzinski 582-3202
Landscaping 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
Licenese/Permits Building (issuing)Building 582-2386
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
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 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
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Situation Situation Specific Department / Contact / Phone / Other
Page 3 of 4 Revised 06/04/14
Impounded (as abandoned)Police Mark Carpenter 582-2037 Police - after hours
Impounded (booted / immobilized)Parking 582-2000
Impounded (under investigation)Police Investigating officer 582-2000
Mailbox Parking 582-2000 Police - after hours
Parked in yard Police Mark Carpenter 582-2037
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 Parking 582-2000 Police - after hours
Snow covered cars on city street Police 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 Michelle Dipzinski 582-3202
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 Michelle Dipzinski 582-3202
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
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Situation Situation Specific Department / Contact / Phone / Other
Page 4 of 4 Revised 06/04/14
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
Transients City/private/public property Police Police 582-2000
Vacation Rentals Allowed based on zoning Police Mark Carpenter 582-2037
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
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