HISTORY OF CODE ENFORCEMENT:

In 1999, the City of Frankfort created a Code Enforcement Board. The Planning and Building Codes Department is responsible for protecting the public's health, safety and welfare through effective enforcement of City codes and ordinances.

The City has two primary uniformed Code Enforcement Officers. Each Officer and Inspector has been certified in the enforcement of local ordinances. The staff performs inspections daily in response to complaints and personal observation of violations of the building, zoning, and property maintenance codes.

Building code violations include: building a structure without a permit and increasing impervious surface (placing concrete or asphalt, spreading rock, etc.) Review, approval and issuance of a building permit are required for the protection of citizens and visitors. If a structure is erected which does not meet the City's wind load requirement, it could become a flying projectile during strong winds and, if concrete is placed without proper engineering, storm water could flood adjacent property owners or City Streets.

Zoning code violations include: operating a business without a license, building into setback areas, or building without a permit. The intent and purpose of zoning codes are to maintain order and allow controlled development of land within the City of Frankfort.

Property maintenance violations include: accumulation of trash and debris, illegal vehicles, dilapidated buildings and structures. A nuisance is defined as whatever is dangerous to human life or health, or causes the ground, water, air, or food to be hazardous to the public's health, or is offensive to the senses.

HOW PROPERTIES ARE BROUGHT INTO COMPLIANCE:

The City of Frankfort has a Code Enforcement Board consisting of five (5) citizens appointed by the City Mayor. The Code Enforcement Boards duty is to determine if a code violation exists, establish a date for compliance and a fine if not brought into compliance. The Board cannot grant variances or deviate from the code. It is requested that Code Enforcement Board members not be contacted about cases that may be presented to them at a public hearing.

When a code violation exists on a property, the Code Enforcement Officer contacts the person in charge of the property, informs them of the code violation and, depending on the gravity of the violation, either, verbally requests compliance or issues a written courtesy warning or notice of code violation. The violator is always informed of the specific code(s) in violation and possible ways to bring the property into compliance.

The standard amount of time given to bring a property into compliance is 30 days. There are, however, three exceptions to this standard: a "repeat violation", a violation which presents imminent public danger and a violation that is irreparable or irreversible in nature, such as, demolition without a permit.

After a notice of code violation has been issued and the time allowed to bring the property into compliance has expired, the officer will initiate a hearing before the City's Code Enforcement Board. At this hearing, the officer will present the case to the Board and explain why the property is in violation. The person in charge of the property is also given an opportunity to present their case. If the City prevails in prosecuting the case, an Administrative Fee of $100.00 and a repeat of the process if the property remains in violation. It is important to remember that the Board cannot grant variances or deviate from the code.

To view a copy of the Property Maintenance Code click here .