New efforts launched at local code enforcement

By BRAD KELLAR
Herald-Banner Staff

GREENVILLE March 24, 2008 12:12 am

— City officials are about to boost their efforts at getting Greenville’s homes and businesses in line with local codes, by launching a month-long public awareness campaign.
The City Council is also scheduled Tuesday to adopt stronger codes, especially for non-residential structures, during Tuesday’s regular session, starting at 6 p.m. in the Municipal Building, 2821 Washington Street. A work session to discuss the adoption of the 2006 International Property Maintenance Code is also set for 5 p.m. Tuesday.
“Mission Possible — Transforming Greenville” is the theme for April, which the Council intends to declare Tuesday as “Code Compliance Month”. During April, city staff members will be stepping up code enforcement measures throughout the city.
The adoption of the 2006 International Property Maintenance Code is expected to assist in cracking down on code violations, as it will replace the 1988 Housing Code currently in use by the City of Greenville.
According to a memo provided to the Council by Director of Community Development John Adel, the city has existing codes which can address health and nuisance standards such as tall grass and weeds, trash and debris and junk vehicles. While the 1988 Housing Code allows the city to work many basic housing code violations, Adel said it does not allow the city to enforce building maintenance standards for non-residential structures.
The adoption of the 2006 International Property Maintenance Code, Adel said, will provide an updated set of building maintenance standards for residential structures, and allows for the enforcement of building maintenance standards for non-residential structures, including safety and security issues, broken windows and exterior maintenance. The code also strengthens other zoning requirements such as the maintenance of signs and parking lots.