Code Enforcement enforces the Virginia Maintenance Code through:
- Complaint response
- Inspector patrols of assigned areas
- Systematic exterior inspections
Property owners are notified by mail when violations are present. The time allowed for correcting code violations ranges from 24 hours to 30 days, depending on the nature and severity of the violation(s). Failure to comply within the time allowed may result in legal action by the city to gain compliance.
Systematic Exterior Inspections
All houses, structures, and premises in a particular area are inspected for building and property maintenance violations when numerous violations are prevalent throughout the area or at the request of neighborhood organizations. A notice of violation is issued to the responsible party or parties if violations are found.
Complete inspections of rental dwellings in designated areas of the city.
Code Enforcement seeks to work with residents in gaining compliance as much as possible. The division does grant extensions in the time allowed for correction of violations when necessary repairs are temporarily delayed due to practical difficulties. A written request addressed to the code inspector, including the address of the property, a brief explanation of the difficulty and a reasonable timeframe for repairs must be received before the time allowed for compliance has expired. All extension requests must be approved by a code supervisor. A written confirmation will be issued if the extension is granted and mailed to the property owner.