MISSION

The mission of the Code Enforcement Division is to protect and improve the quality of life, health and welfare of the community through enforcement of the housing, health and zoning regulations.

Zoning and Code Enforcement Customer Service (361) 826-3030

The Code Enforcement Division of Neighborhood Services enforces ordinances which regulate tall weeds, zoning, substandard structures, junk motor vehicles, signs, and other property maintenance issues. When a violation is identified by code enforcement staff, property owners and occupants will be notified by mail and/or posting of signs on the property. In some cases, such as substandard buildings, public hearings must be held prior to any enforcement action. Other cases must be referred to the Municipal Court for prosecution.

Each type of complaint received by code enforcement staff has a specific process required by law and an inspector must verify the violation. Each case requires an average of approximately three inspections. Each case demands time and attention and may include follow up through a contract to clean, mow, or demolish.

SIGNS- Signs are structures and are required to have a building permit. The number, size and height is controlled by the Zoning Ordinance. "Portable" signs are prohibited. Billboards are further controlled via additional laws within the City Code. Contact the division for specific information at (361) 826-2489. ("Billboard" Ordinance City Code {3-35} through {3-44.)

HIGH WEEDS/MOWING- Right-of-way maintenance is the responsibility of the adjacent property owners, except where special contracts note otherwise. Park and Recreation is responsible for maintaining golf courses, parks, medians, parkways and public facilities. The City Code Enforcement is responsible for Private Property Enforcement.

A JUNK MOTOR VEHICLE - A junk motor vehicle on private property must be under a cover and not visible from the street. If the vehicle is inoperable but being stored or repaired at a business, the area must be zoned for such. If in violation, the owner will receive a notice to remove or cover the vehicle within 10 days.

VACANT LOT OR BUILDING- A complaint about a vacant lot or building (e.g. high weeds, rodent infestation, or an uninhabited decaying structure) takes a minimum of 32 days to resolve and includes inspecting the property, identifying the owner, contacting the owner, allowing a fifteen day period, by State law, for the owner to correct the problem, contracting out the work if the owner does not respond, and allowing five days for the contractor to complete the work.

CARE OF PREMISES - A care of premises complaint (e.g. an inhabited property with high weeds, rodent infestation, or decaying structure) takes a minimum of 50 days to resolve and includes inspecting the property, identifying the owner, contacting the owner, waiting a fifteen day period, by State law, for the owner to correct the problem, conducting up to two more inspections with time allowed for corrective action on the part of the owner, and filing charges with Municipal Court if the owner does not respond. The Municipal Court process may take up to an additional 90 days. Fines may be assessed; however, injunctions are made on extremely dangerous cases.

SUBSTANDARD BUILDING - A substandard building complaint (e.g. a building built on substandard foundation, fire hazardous wiring, etc.) takes a minimum of 135 days to resolve and includes inspecting the property, identifying the owner, contacting the owner, allowing a thirty day period, by State law, for the owner to correct the problem, conducting up to two more inspections with time allowed for corrective action on the part of the owner, and scheduling the case to go before the Building Standards Board if the owner does not respond. The Board meets quarterly and the hearing results are forwarded to the property owner. The amount of time given to repair or demolish the structure is determined by the Building Standards Board. If the property issue is still not resolved, demolition proceedings are begun.