Code Enforcement

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Code Enforcement

• Building Department

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Introduction

• I would like to share how the Code Enforcement
  process works and answer some of the questions
  that the public often asks about the process.

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1. What is code enforcement and why is it needed?
2. What department is code enforcement in?
3. Code Enforcement Complaint Procedure
4. Why is code enforcement reactive and not
   proactive?
5. Why do I have to fill out a form to request an
   investigation of violations?
6. Why does the process take so long?
7. Why does it appear some complaints are enforced
   and others are not?
8. Why do I have to clean up my property and my
   neighbors do not?
9. What are some common enforceable examples of
   request for investigation?
10. What are some common requests for investigation,
    not under the jurisdiction of code enforcement?

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What is Code Enforcement?

• The Code Enforcement Officer is a zoning
  official. By comparing actual land use against
  that which is allowed by the adopted ordinance,
  the Code Enforcement Officer determines
  compliance or noncompliance. The purpose of
  code/zoning enforcement is intended to promote
  public health, safety and welfare by regulating
  land use and development, i.e. a business may be
  out of place in a single-family neighborhood. A
  large collection of trash and debris on one
  parcel may affect adjacent parcels etc.

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What Department is Code Enforcement in?

• Code Enforcement is located in the
• Benton County Building Department at
• 5600 N. Canal Dr. Suite C, Box 105-A,
• Kennewick,WA 99336.
• Telephone [phone]
• Jackie Mcwherter is the Code Enforcement
  Officer and she reports to the Building
  Department Manager, Steve Brown.

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Why is code enforcement reactive and not
proactive?

• In an effort to be fair, by not singling out
  individuals or areas, Benton County has
  implemented a policy of investigation and
  enforcement by public request only. In addition,
  Benton County has just one Code Enforcement
  Officer. Enforcement action upon random areas
  within the County would require more personnel,
  resources and legal review for such action.

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Why do I have to fill out a Request for
Investigation form?

• In order to facilitate consistency and
  efficiency, a minimal amount of information is
  required to locate, identify and respond to both
  the offender and the complainant.

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Why does the process take so long?

• Requests for investigation are reviewed in
  the order received. If the property is found to
  be in violation of the adopted codes, refer to
  Code Enforcement Complaint Procedure page number
  3 for estimated timelines for compliance and or
  penalties.

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Why does it appear some complaints are enforced
and others not?

• Enforcement is directly related to what is
  adopted and addressed in the Benton County Code.
  No action can be taken otherwise.

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Why do I have to clean up my property and my
neighbors do not?

• In order to be consistent and fair, code
  enforcement action is initiated by public request
  only. As a result, a request for investigation
  may not have been filed on the adjacent
  properties.

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What are some common enforceable examples of
request for investigation?

• Illegal construction (construction without
  required permits), trash and debris,
  inoperable/junk/hulk vehicles, number and type of
  animals in a specific zone. Use of recreational
  vehicles as dwellings.

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What are some common request for investigation,
not under the jurisdiction of Code Enforcement?

• Noise Benton County Sheriff
• Vicious Dogs Benton County Sheriff
• Solid waste Benton Franklin Health Department
• Septic and drain fields Benton Franklin Health
  Department
• Blowing dust Benton Franklin Clean Air
  Authority
• Animal Control currently Benton County has no
  animal control
• Maintenance of access easement As per Benton
  County Code 9.04.034 maintenance of access
  easement is not the responsibility of Benton
  County.
• Weed Control applicable only to residential,
  commercial or industrial zones. Not applicable
  to fences, shrubs or to buildings setback thirty
  feet or greater from property lines.