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
Judge Rules in Favor of Massachusetts TOD Law
The court rejected an argument that the MBTA Communities law, which requires zoning for multifamily housing, is an “unfunded mandate.”
Single-Stair Design Contest Envisions Human-Scale Buildings
Single-stair building construction is having a resurgence in the United States, where, for the last several decades, zoning codes have required more than one staircase in multi-story housing developments.
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)