GOALS OF CODE ENFORCEMENT

    1.  To preserve the quality and value of public and  private property.

    2.  To eliminate conditions which threaten the life, health, safety and

         general welfare of the public.

    3.  To maintain a quality standard of living for all who live and work in

         our community.

ABOUT CODE ENFORCEMENT

City inspectors enforce specific city ordinances related to dangerous or substandard buildings, environmental health issues and zoning laws. Inspectors also pursue criminal and civil solutions to eliminate nuisances with the City of Port Lavaca.

Code inspectors conduct surveys and investigate complaints concerning dangerous buildings, substandard structures, excessively high grass and weeds, accumulation of trash and debris, illegal dumping, 'junked' items*, and other general nuisance-related violations.

*All violations concerning items with a registration number are investigated by the Police Department (i.e., cars, boats, campers, etc.)

WE NEED YOUR HELP

Often the best way to solve a problem is to become a part of the solution. You can help make Port Lavaca a cleaner, safer community by keeping your property clean. Become active in your neighborhood association, which focuses a lot of attention on quality of life, is also a way to become part of the solution.

Citizen's involvement in keeping a neighborhood clean is important. Most common concerns are substandard structures, high weeds and grass, trash and debris accumulation, open storage, illegal dumping, junk vehicles and front yard parking. For illegal dumping and unsafe buildings, call (361) 552-9793 Ext. 229 and report it to the Investigator.

Sometimes people violate city codes because they don't realize what they are doing is not acceptable. You may call (361) 552-9793 Ext. 229 to report any code violations or to learn more about codes and how you can comply with local ordinances.

Most people want to comply with the laws of the community where they live, but some don't. Reporting violators is important to the overall quality of life in our community and it helps our city inspectors do a better job. To expedite service and response, make sure that you have a specific address or block before calling and any additional information that will help get the problem cleaned up.

Citizen's involvement in keeping a neighborhood clean is important. Most common concerns are substandard structures, high weeds and grass, trash and debris accumulation, open storage, illegal dumping, and junk vehicles. For illegal dumping and unsafe buildings, call the Investigator at (361) 552-9793 Ext. 229.

COMMON CONCERNS

Abandoned & Junked Vehicles

Junked vehicles visible from a public place or public right-of-way are detrimental to the safety and welfare of the general public, tend to reduce the value of private     

property, invite vandalism, create fire hazards and harm the economic welfare of the city.

High Weeds & Grass

High weeds and grass can become a fire hazard as well as a breeding place for mosquitoes and rodents. Consequently, grass or weeds higher that 24 inches are not in compliance with the city ordinance. Following a notice by mail, property owners will have 10 days to remove the high weeds and grass. If the problem is not resolved, legal action could be taken in Municipal Court.

if the property is vacant, the city can send a mowing contractor to cut the high grass and weeds and issue a bill and administrative service fee to the property owner. A lien can be placed against the property if the bill is not paid.

The city also contracts to remove weeds that have grown higher than 48 inches. This action can be taken without prior notification in the interest of public health and safety. The city will send a bill to the property owner for this service.  

Illegal Dumping

Illegal dumping harms the environment and creates a danger to public health and safety. Violators caught illegally dumping trash and debris are ticketed immediately. Residents are asked to record license plate numbers of illegal dumper's and report the incident to City Hall immediately, making it easier for the city to catch the culprit. To report illegal dumping call the Investigator at (361) 552-9793 Ext. 229.  

Substandard Structures

A residential dwelling is considered substandard when it does not meet the standards or specifications established in the Standard Housing Code, which requires that all structures comply with building, plumbing, electrical and mechanical codes. The Standard Housing Code enables the city to require repair or demolition of dwellings that may endanger the life, health and safety of occupants or the public. This ordinance requires owners to maintain their buildings and to properly dispose of all waste to prevent infestation of insects and rodents.

When a complaint is made about a substandard structure, the City of Port Lavaca surveys the premises to determine if the concern warrants further action. Typical violations include peeling house paint, roof repairs, missing or torn window screens and foundation problems. Property owners will have 120 days to bring the property into compliance with the city code. If a property owner fails to respond, then citations can be issued in Municipal Court. If the property is unfit for human habitation, then it can be "red-tagged" and demolished.

The City of Port Lavaca also inspects buildings used for commercial or industrial purposes. If such buildings are found unsafe, then the property owner will have 60 days to make repairs.