Enforcing Our Codes
Walker County Codes Enforcement Officers started a targeted campaign this month to address out of compliance properties and make the public more aware of several commonly violated codes, which have been on the books for years.
Over the first three months of 2017, with only one Codes Enforcement Officer, Walker County investigated 114 cases, an increase of 128% over the same period last year. 79% of these cases deal with junk, junk cars, household garbage and dilapidated structures. Most of this was done with just one Codes Enforcement Officer on the street.
As of April 1st, there are now three full-time Codes Enforcement Officers making rounds, along with a new Director of Codes, Inspections, Planning and Animal Control. During the first two weeks of this month, officers worked 96 cases. In 2016, this department investigated only 15 cases the entire month of April.
The northwest end of Walker County is the first location to be addressed. This zone covers the area between Old Chattanooga Valley Road and McFarland Avenue, from the state line south to Highway 2.
After making initial contact, a Codes Enforcement Officer will give a resident who is out of compliance 30 days to show progress addressing an area of concern. During a follow-up visit, if no corrective action has taken place, the resident may face a fine. If a resident is disabled or in financial distress and fears they will be unable to make any progress, Codes Enforcement Officers may connect that resident with a community organization that may provide assistance.
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