How code enforcement works in Sedona

Sedona, AZ - August 15, 2008 - What do vacation rentals, holiday lights, and overgrown weeds have in common? They all are regulated by a city code, and it is up to Community Development’s Code Enforcement Division to see that those regulations are followed. Code enforcement is an important component in assuring residents that their quality of life will be preserved.

Code enforcement, which has been a core city service since Sedona was incorporated in 1988, plays a vital role in maintaining a beautiful Sedona. Like other cities around the nation, Sedona’s code enforcement program focuses primarily on responding to complaints from citizens about possible code violations. Someone sees that the weeds in front of an absent neighbor’s house are nearly three feet high and calls code enforcement. Someone else suspects that the house across the street is being rented as a vacation home and registers a complaint. Or, a citizen files a complaint about a business that leaves holiday lights up all year.

How does code enforcement work? When a complaint is received, Sedona’s code enforcement staff immediately schedules an inspection. The property owner is informed about the regulations and the penalties that could be imposed for violations. Code enforcement’s experience has been that many owners, new to the city, are not familiar with many of our codes, and that once they have the information, the majority voluntarily comply with the regulations. A courtesy notice is issued giving the owner a period of time in which to remedy any possible code violations, and a follow-up inspection is held to ensure that the property is in compliance with the codes. This approach not only effectively enforces codes, but avoids litigation costs for the city, maintains positive relationships between the city and the citizens it serves, and generally achieves compliance much more quickly than formal legal action would.

If an owner fails to correct a code violation, a formal notice of violation is issued giving the owner a period of time – generally 15 or 30 days -- in which to correct the violation. Code enforcement re-inspects and, if the violation is still outstanding, a civil citation may be issued requiring the owner to appear before a judge. The judge can issue a fine or impose other legal penalties. Code enforcement is also authorized to file formal charges through the city prosecutor’s office, and the city has done so.

Code enforcement’s goal is to see that city codes are complied with, and we will do what is necessary to ensure that outcome. We strictly enforce the codes, but we do so incrementally, allowing the owner the opportunity to comply before bringing the full weight of the formal legal system to bear.

The current staffing level of 1.25 code enforcement inspectors makes it nearly impossible to undertake extensive proactive enforcement of all the city codes. Notwithstanding, during June 2008 the Code Enforcement Division conducted 482 enforcement inspections, issued 64 notices of violation and closed 33 code violation cases.

Code enforcement cannot be in every neighborhood every day, so we rely on concerned citizens to let us know about possible violations. If you are concerned about a situation that you think might be a code violation, call Development Services Supervisor Jim Windham at the number below and discuss the situation with him. He can tell you what the code requires and take your complaint if you think that a violation has occurred. We follow-up on every complaint and will let you know the outcome.

We are all privileged to live in such a beautiful place. The city remains committed to its code enforcement operation to preserve what we cherish about Sedona, and looks forward to working with residents to ensure Sedona’s future.

If you have questions about code enforcement or want more information, call Jim Windham at 204-7114.

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