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Code Attorney

Linda Pieczynski's Legal Blog

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Code Enforcement / property maintenance / Zoning

Facebook and code enforcement

Posted on: April 15, 2012

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

Enforcing failure to have an occupancy permit

Posted on: January 19, 2012

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

Building Code Violations and Deadly Fires

Posted on: December 31, 2010November 9, 2011

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

How to Build a Snowman

Posted on: December 27, 2010November 9, 2011

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

Zoning and Adult Entertainment

Posted on: December 1, 2010November 9, 2011

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

Mandamus and the limits of immunity

Posted on: January 6, 2010November 9, 2011

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

Decks Built Without Permits

Posted on: September 4, 2009November 9, 2011

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

Definition of Family and Zoning Restrictions

Posted on: August 24, 2009November 9, 2011

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 […]

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