Communities that take a proactive approach to code enforcement by patrolling the community and responding to complaints and concerns submitted by residents, businesses, and property owners are more successful in addressing issues before they escalate to a point of mandated abatement or referral to the court system, which also increases the city’s (taxpayers) direct and indirect costs of abatement, demolition, and emergency services. 

Effective code enforcement measures seek to achieve voluntary compliance as a means of avoiding other punitive methods of enforcement. It is not the intent of the code enforcement officer to fine anyone, as the goal is to work with any violators to bring them into compliance. Code enforcement officers have a very challenging and demanding role, and their role is often misunderstood. They must be good problem solvers, communicators, mediators, and educators to be effective. How effectively they perform their duties can have a major impact on the property values and image of the community. Clean, orderly neighborhoods attract new families and businesses. 

We recommend that if a notice of violation or summons to appear was issued to you, please read through the entire notice. If you have any questions regarding the notice you received, we ask that you contact the code enforcement officer who issued the notice to inform them of your plan of action to correct the violation, request an extension of time—should one be necessary—or ask for assistance, if needed. 

Code enforcement requires a collaborative effort between the local government and the community and is essential to enhancing the quality of life by helping to sustain safe, healthy living conditions for residents and businesses of the community. Together let’s maintain our strong sense of community pride here in East Peoria.