Here are some facts about code compliance:
• In the past fiscal year, July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023, the City received 466 complaints, and opened 242 cases. The majority of these complaints, about 80%, have to do with weeds and overgrowth in private yards.
• Once a violation is identified, staff contact the property owner to seek out voluntary compliance. In many cases, this works. In some rare cases, the City can take the property owner to court. Only about 4% of cases go to court.
• A new procedure, approved by Council last year, involves a city hearing officer, who can hear these cases, without adding caseload to our busy court system. Staff members are working to hire a hearing officer and begin this new process.
To learn more about code compliance, review our current City code, and report a suspected violation, go to www.prescott-az.gov/business-development/planning/code-compliance or go to www.Prescott-az.gov and type “code compliance” in the search bar. Or call 928.777.1320.
“Keeping our City clean, safe and free of unsightly debris, litter and trash is an important objective of mine. Every town and city has to address situations where private property falls into disarray and disrepair due to a variety of circumstances.
“In the City of Prescott, the Neighborhood Services Division deals with a variety of code compliance issues related to private property maintenance and appearance. Our code compliance inspectors handle issues including signs in City right of way, overgrown weeds and grass and storage containers or RVs placed inappropriately on property.
“Sometimes, they deal with dilapidated, and dangerously neglected vacant buildings.”
Call the City of Prescott with questions or comments at 928.777.1100
or fill out a citizen inquiry form at prescott.seamlessdocs.com/f/5xTEgE.
