Every time I teach I learn something. I was in Cedar Rapids at the end of last week doing a presentation at the IowACE meeting. One of the […]
Building Codes / Code Enforcement / Ordinances / Zoning
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Enforcing failure to have an occupancy permit
I received a request that I post this question for all of my readers to answer. Do any of your jurisdictions have an ordinance allowing you to shut […]
Building Codes / Code Enforcement / Fire Prevention / property maintenance / Zoning
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Building Code Violations and Deadly Fires
There have been too many deadly fires this past week and the one factor they have in common is that each of the buildings had preexisting code violations. […]
Building Codes / Code Enforcement / Zoning
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How to Build a Snowman
Here’s a delightful presentation on how to build a snowman from a zoning enforcement officer’s perspective: http://www.gontramarchitecture.com/portfolio/Holiday_Video_2009/How_to_Construct_a_Snowman.swf Happy New Year
Code Enforcement / Zoning
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Zoning and Adult Entertainment
Does your jurisdiction have a provision for adult entertainment establishments in your zoning code? If not, you may be at risk. It’s possible one could open up right […]
Building Codes / Court cases / Zoning
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Mandamus and the limits of immunity
Sometimes a building code official may become a defendant in a mandamus action. A mandamus action is a lawsuit wherei nthe plaintiff tries to compel a governmental official […]
Building Codes / Zoning
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Decks Built Without Permits
Of all of the structures I see without permits in court enforcement actions, decks have to be close to the top of the list. A recent case in […]
Zoning
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Definition of Family and Zoning Restrictions
The recent case of Armstrong v. Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, 2009 WL 217867, expanded the definition of “single housekeeping unit” to include an apartment with four […]