Page 23 - November December 2016 Issue Updated 2nd
P. 23
Applying the Broken Windows Theory to Code Enforcement in Urban Communities
the broken windows theory to help reduce these activities has to be done in a
strategic and targeted manner.
Speciic Strategies
D
E Enforcement efforts geared towards addressing instances of disorder should be
the principal focus. Likewise, regulations that are put into place to eliminate
C disorderly behavior, activities, and appearances have to be enforced in a consistent
E and expeditious manner. While focusing on property aesthetics has a high value,
P residents and business owners who are exposed to abandoned properties, illegal
T
I uses, unlicensed activities, and crime, are much less likely to feel safe or willing
to make further investment into their homes and businesses and may rather look
O towards getting out of that environment when possible. Priorities should always
N be established in conjunction with stakeholder input in order to focus the attention
of code enforcement on solving speciic problems that promote disorder. A mutual
understanding has to be in place, especially if your jurisdiction has to balance
limited resources as not all violations will be able to be given the same high level
of attention by code enforcement staff. Together, most community members can
develop programs and foster environments of compliance with the code through
alternative methods and programs. Here are some programs and ideas that may
provide assistance to code enforcement oficers by augmenting their efforts to allow
them to focus on other priorities:
• Registration and maintenance requirements for abandoned and vacant properties.
• Landlord registration and inspection programs for rental properties.
• Low cost lot clearing programs for owners of vacant lots performed by local
public works or vendors on a routine basis.
• Good neighbor post cards for distribution by neighborhood civic associations.
• Volunteers.
• Use of other government ield staff trained to identify code violations and provide
public information or courtesy notices.
23
the broken windows theory to help reduce these activities has to be done in a
strategic and targeted manner.
Speciic Strategies
D
E Enforcement efforts geared towards addressing instances of disorder should be
the principal focus. Likewise, regulations that are put into place to eliminate
C disorderly behavior, activities, and appearances have to be enforced in a consistent
E and expeditious manner. While focusing on property aesthetics has a high value,
P residents and business owners who are exposed to abandoned properties, illegal
T
I uses, unlicensed activities, and crime, are much less likely to feel safe or willing
to make further investment into their homes and businesses and may rather look
O towards getting out of that environment when possible. Priorities should always
N be established in conjunction with stakeholder input in order to focus the attention
of code enforcement on solving speciic problems that promote disorder. A mutual
understanding has to be in place, especially if your jurisdiction has to balance
limited resources as not all violations will be able to be given the same high level
of attention by code enforcement staff. Together, most community members can
develop programs and foster environments of compliance with the code through
alternative methods and programs. Here are some programs and ideas that may
provide assistance to code enforcement oficers by augmenting their efforts to allow
them to focus on other priorities:
• Registration and maintenance requirements for abandoned and vacant properties.
• Landlord registration and inspection programs for rental properties.
• Low cost lot clearing programs for owners of vacant lots performed by local
public works or vendors on a routine basis.
• Good neighbor post cards for distribution by neighborhood civic associations.
• Volunteers.
• Use of other government ield staff trained to identify code violations and provide
public information or courtesy notices.
23
