Following the lead of law enforcement, San Diego's code enforcement department is opening storefront offices where residents can come in with questions and complaints.
"Neighborhood eyesores and unkempt yards have always been a source of contention for homeowners, but the opening of a new community code-enforcement storefront in Spring Valley has made it easier for East County residents to stay informed of building ordinances and settle zoning disputes.
The office, which opened last month, is the fourth of its kind in San Diego County. The others are in Fallbrook, Ramona and Bonita.
Pam Elias, the county's Code Enforcement division chief, said the county wanted a face-to-face relationship with residents. The storefront concept is modeled on the efforts of the San Diego police and sheriff's departments, which have several similar community-outreach offices in the region.
"We thought (the storefront office) would be a great idea for code enforcement," Elias said. "We're actually the first code-enforcement group in the San Diego County region that is trying something like this."
The storefront gives residents the chance to talk to county enforcement officers stationed at the office about a variety of issues, including illegal waste accumulation, unauthorized building construction and inoperative vehicles parked on the street. Complaints of weeds and yard overgrowth are also common.
Elias said homeowners in disagreement with their neighbors over zoning issues may use the storefronts to file an official complaint or simply make inquiries regarding the legality of a possible violation before acting."
FULL STORY: Residents can talk to officials about issues
Charlottesville Temporarily Has No Zoning Code
A judge ordered the Virginia city to throw out its newly revised zoning code, leaving permitting for new development in legal limbo.
Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code
The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.
Florida Law Could Eliminate Dedicated Bus Lanes
A new law calls for a minimum ridership of 6,000 passengers in the first year for new bus rapid transit lines. To date, no bus lines in the Tampa Bay region come close.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
Cal Fire Chatbot Fails to Answer Basic Questions
An AI chatbot designed to provide information about wildfires can’t answer questions about evacuation orders, among other problems.
What Happens if Trump Kills Section 8?
The Trump admin aims to slash federal rental aid by nearly half and shift distribution to states. Experts warn this could spike homelessness and destabilize communities nationwide.
Sean Duffy Targets Rainbow Crosswalks in Road Safety Efforts
Despite evidence that colorful crosswalks actually improve intersection safety — and the lack of almost any crosswalks at all on the nation’s most dangerous arterial roads — U.S. Transportation Secretary Duffy is calling on states to remove them.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie