1 Code Enforcement Building Department

2 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.

3 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?

4 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.

5 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 Telephone # (509) Jackie Mcwherter is the Code Enforcement Officer and she reports to the Building Department Manager, Steve Brown.

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7 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.

8 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.

9 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.

10 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.

11 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.

12 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.

13 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 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.