Two new books were recently published on the topic of “code enforcement”
Effective Code Enforcement
Justin Edson (Bio)
“A must read for entry level professionals, division managers, city management, and elected officials.
Are you curious about starting a code enforcement program at your municipality or making it more effective? This book provides insight to the ever changing profession of code enforcement. Whether you are just starting in the profession or you are an elected official trying to improve your operations; learn about strategies and recommendations to take your program to the next level. This includes a comprehensive look at program implementation, vision, budgeting, branding, personnel, politics, networking, problem oriented policing, and potential hurdles.
From neighbor disputes to crime prevention, code enforcement has become a staple in local government to address community concerns. This of course comes with its share of hurdles. Ever-changing political climates, culture, and budgeting constraints all play a role in how effective a code enforcement program can be. Learn through real stories and situations that have helped craft adaptable strategies to improve code enforcement from the field, corner office, and dais.
This book will discuss how to establish a program, address budgeting and resources, anticipate political energy, and achieve success. Based on years in a code enforcement leadership role, the author discusses a theory on effective code enforcement. In short, the theory details the flash point at which the budget can truly become effective and impact personnel, resources, programs, problem-oriented policing, and so much more.”
Strategic Code Enforcement
Joseph M. Schilling (LinkedIn), Diane Silva Martinez (LinkedIn), Doug Leeper (LinkedIn)
“The definitive guide to creating, administering, and enforcing land use regulations and building, housing, and nuisance abatement codes and procedures. A complete update of Solano Press’s Code Enforcement: A Comprehensive Approach, reflecting changes in the field and the legal, policy, and political complexities confronting code enforcement professionals today, such as zoning reform, housing preservation, hoarding, homeless encampments, and vacant properties. Outlines core principles and practices for data-driven decision-making, proactive leadership, creative management and cross-agency, cross-sector collaborations to advance community goals. Highlights innovative strategies and models from pioneering cities across the country, and examples of statutory and case law from California and other states. An essential reference for local government policymakers, planning and housing directors, municipal attorneys, prosecutors, code enforcement practitioners, and their nonprofit and community partners.
Chapters cover:
The elements of proactive, strategic code enforcement—the major actors, external forces, and core principles and practices
- Legal, regulatory, policy, and planning foundations for code enforcement
- Managing code enforcement operations
- Investigating code enforcement cases
- Selecting and using code enforcement remedies
- Using administrative remedies
- Pursuing criminal prosecution
- Taking civil judicial action
- Defending code enforcement actions
- Handling complex cases (e.g., substandard housing, reclaiming vacant and abandoned properties, chronic nuisances, fair housing/group homes, mini-dorms/short term rentals, and code enforcement and the First Amendment)
For more information, please click on the following links
Designed for communities building a new code enforcement training program or strengthening an existing one, the Center for Community Progress released a comprehensive, five-part curriculum that helps departments shift from traditional, punitive code enforcement to a strategic, compliance-focused approach:
• Establishing the Purpose of Code Compliance
• Technical Knowledge, Codes, and Processes
• Critical Skills Development: Problem-solving, Conflict Resolution, Equity, and More
• Coordinating with Internal Government Partners
• Coordinating with Other Public and Community Partners
To access the curriculum, please click here.
The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP) has released a new blog posting explaining that vacancy and blight taxes can motivate property owners to reuse vacant buildings and provide modest municipal revenue, but they work best alongside other tools like land banking, code enforcement, or rehabilitation programs.
To view the full posting, please click here.
About ITEP:
ITEP is a non-profit, non-partisan tax policy organization. We conduct rigorous analyses of tax and economic proposals and provide data-driven recommendations to shape equitable and sustainable tax systems. ITEP’s expertise and data uniquely enhance federal, state, and local policy debates by revealing how taxes affect people at various levels of income and wealth, and people of different races and ethnicities. We also help make the case for raising enough revenue to truly meet all our societal needs. Our work is designed to provide the best possible information and to put forth a vision of a more racially and economically equitable tax system at all levels of government.