HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 7027 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 7027
via,* June 11, 1985
10 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
Subject, ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL UPDATE
Background
During March, 1984 (1 . R. No. 692b) , the City Council was advised and
brought up to date on the activities and performance levels of the
Environmental Control Division (ECD) relating to code enforcement in the
areas of Housing, Zoning, Health and Weed Control .
As stated during that report, some questions were raised concerning the
reduction in the overall level of activity- in the areas of housing
inspections. The Environmental Control Administrative staff has not in
the past nor will it in the future relegate housing to a secondary role;
however, the total number of complaints for the division combined with
an updated legal interpretation as to the manner in which the inspectors
conduct housing inspections, results in a reduction in the absolute num-
ber of code enforcement violations.
Housing Inspection Activity
Prior to the formation of the Environmental Control Division in October
of 1982, all housing inspections were the responsibility of the Depart-
ment of Housing and Community Development. At that time, the housing
inspectors concentrated on housing code violations.
After the formation of the Environmental Control Division, the Depart-
ment of Law advised that the Housing Ordinance (Ordinance No. 8006) was
not, in its present form, to be used for cosmetic purposes, but to pro-
tect the citizens and the property. Currently, Inspectors will not
"write up" a structure simply because it might not be pleasing to the
eye. Structures are inspected for conditions such as faulty plumbing
and electrical wiring, foundation damage and gas lines entering struc-
tures from underground.
Other factors contributing to the reductions in overall housing activity
are: (1) extensions granted to property owners by the Building Stan-
dards Commission and City Council ; (2) the inability to cite absentee
property owners because charges may only be brought against individuals
when the Inspector issuing the citations can positively identify the
alleged perpetrator; and, (3) tremendous increases in the number of com-
plaints worked as a result of front yard parking, high weeds and illegal
dumping.
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- ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 7027 - p.3
~6E fORT�#� To the Mayor and Membem of the City Council June 11, 1985
x Subject: ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL UPDATE
415
Housing inspections are given the same priority as the other areas of
inspection which the Environmental Control Division is responsible to
administer. In order to increase the number of housing violation surveys and
dwellings the following alternatives may be considered by the City Council .
1 ) Make appropriate changes to the existing Housing Ordinance so that it can
be enforced.
2) Request the Building Standards Commission to only give extensions on
substandard dwellings in extreme emergencies.
3) Prosecute violators more aggresively.
4) Require a certain amount of dwelling surveys to be completed per month.
(Given the same number of inspectors this action would cause the activity
enforcing the other ordinances to decrease),
The staff is available to answer any additional questions the Council may
have concerning the activities of the Environmental Control Division.
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Harman
an
C ity Manager
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L ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS