In Sacramento County it is the job of the Code Enforcement Division to maintain and improve property values and the quality of life for residents, visitors and business owners.

Staff with Code Enforcement investigate violations of housing, zoning and vehicle abatement laws in the unincorporated portions Sacramento County. They work to achieve voluntary compliance through notification and education. When necessary, they use legal procedures including boarding structures, removing junk and rubbish and junk vehicles, civil citations, criminal citations, and demolition of dangerous buildings.

This job was made significantly more difficult by the recession due to a variety of factors.  As with all government agencies, staffing cuts left less Code Enforcement workers to do an already taxing job. Perhaps more importantly, it lead to a rapid rise in Code Enforcement cases as an increasing number of homes went into foreclosure and were turned over to banks or investors.  Many homes remained empty for long periods of time and become unsightly or dangerous.

Despite these challenges Code Enforcement has maintained their diligent fight against blight in our community, launching a Neighborhood Livability Initiative to address issues related to vacant, abandoned and problem properties.  Here are the results of their 2015 and 2016 sweeps in District 2:

• Rutter Park: 2,000 parcels inspected, 378 found in violation.
• Kennedy/Florin Elementary: 1,900 parcels inspected, 421 found in violation.
• Orange/Stacy/66th Ave: 350 inspected, 77 found in violation.
• Southwest Sacramento: 1,200 parcels inspected, 237 found in violation.
• Stevenson Ave: 450 parcels inspected, 76 found in violation.

Sweeps such as these help achieve the primary goals set out by Code Enforcement: reduced crime and improved quality of life, while promoting health and safety.

But the hare working men and women with Code Enforcement cannot do it alone!  There are ways that neighbors and business owners can help achieve these goals as well. The following are easy and inexpensive ways to do just that:

• Keep all property free of trash, debris and overgrown, dead or unmanaged landscaping
• Fence or secure properties that might attract trespassers or vandals
• Keep grounds and structures clean and tidy
• Do not tolerate illicit activity
• Report violations and nuisances (including through Sacramento County’s 311 phone hotline and mobile app)

Working together, Code Enforcement and constituents can preserve the beautiful neighborhoods of Sacramento County.  Find out more information about code enforcement on their website at http://www.code-enforcement.saccounty.net/