The concept of Code Enforcement is relatively new. Obviously, education of the public can be the most effective tool that Code Enforcement officials have at their disposal. The biggest problems for citizens, as well as the code officers, are that code infractions often exist because people often do not realize what they are doing is against the law. For instance, a citizen may be unaware that parking a vehicle without a valid tag outside their garage violates an ordinance. Most citizens are willing to play by the rules once they know the rules.

Obviously, the best method of enforcement is to inform the public, about the standards that govern our communities and neighborhoods. It is easy for most citizens to understand the need for safety and health regulations. More difficult to understand are declines in property values, reducing visual clutter and preserving quality of life. So, the intent of this guide is to help educate the wonderful citizens of Waycross about the Code Enforcement process.

1. • Open storage of junk, garbage, trash and other debris.
2. • Major auto and/or boat repair in residential area

Storage of any wrecked, dismantled, partially dismantled, inoperable motor vehicle, recreational vehicle, trailer, boat, or special purpose vehicle is prohibited. A vehicle is considered inoperable if it is being stored or parked with any wheels missing, any tires flat, or if it does not have a current license tag. Motor vehicles or trailers of any type without current license plates must be in a completely enclosed building.

To many people’s surprise, it’s against the law to allow weeds, grass or other undergrowth to grow a height of twelve inches or more. Please keep all grass and other vegetation mowed and trimmed to help make a more beautiful Waycross.

All structures shall be maintained in good condition such as no broken windows or doors, and roof weather tight. Dwellings must also meet minimum standards for space, light and ventilation, basic sanitary facilities and equipment.

The City receives numerous complaints each year asking for assistance in dealing with such issues as abandoned vehicles, weeds, businesses in residential areas, and a variety of other various civil complaints.

In dealing with these complaints, one of the major issues that the City must address is the rights of the property owner vs. city code. This is the role of the Code Enforcement agent. The Code Enforcement agent is responsible for reviewing the complaints received and taking the appropriate action.

The following is a guide through this process:

There are different avenues in which to file a complaint: phone, letter, web site submittal, and in person. In all cases, it will be required that you provide your name and phone number/address.

Phone Complaints: The main number to call for filing a complaint with our Code Enforcement officers is 287-2944. Since they are generally out in the field, you will probably receive one of their voice messages. If you choose to leave a message, please remember to leave your name and phone number and a brief description of the complaint. It is imperative to leave your name and phone number so that one of the officers can contact you for follow up questions or for gathering additional details of the complaint.

Letter: Another option for filing a complaint with the city is by letter. Please include your name, address, phone number or other contact information for follow-up purposes. Please provide the following information: location/address of subject property, name of occupant (if known), description of the complaint. You may mail the letter or drop the letter off at Waycross City Hall or mail it to PO Drawer 99 Waycross, Georgia 31502

City Commission Meetings: This is generally not the place that citizens like to take their initial complaints, but on occasion the Council has received complaints from citizens during Public Comments. The Commission most likely will refer you a Code Enforcement Officer designated to that part of the city for follow up.

Initial Review: Once a complaint is received, the Code Enforcement officer will first review the complaint to see if it is in violation of a city code. A contact phone call may be made to the complainant verifying the information and the proposed plan of action which could include possibly either no code violation and therefore no action or a possible code violation warranting investigation and a site visit.

Initial Contact with Violator:. If a violation does exist the Code Enforcement officer will also notify the alleged violator in writing notifying them of the violation

Follow Up: The Code Enforcement officer will then complete a follow up visit on the deadline date (depending on work load and weekends/holidays), If the violation is abated, then the case is closed.

If the violation has not been resolved and if it is not resolved by a date certain, the person will be given a citation and further legal action could take place depending upon the situation. NOTE: The goal of the City is to help citizens come into compliance with the City Code.

Court Process: In spite of the efforts of the Code Enforcement officer to help a citizen resolve a City Code violation, if the citizen does not comply with the required actions needed to resolve the violation, legal action may then be initiated. In this case, the Code Enforcement officer works with the City's Legal Department in preparing the case for legal action. This may include, but not be limited to a warning letter from the Legal Department or prosecution in court.

SUMMARY: In summary, the City strives to help residents comply with the existing City codes. Usually this happens with an initial contact and providing the resident with the requirements needed to come into compliance.

1. • Most violations are reported as complaints by concerned citizens.
2. • Many violations exist because the responsible person does not know what the ordinances are.
3. • Code Enforcement is primarily educating the responsible person about ordinances with prompt voluntary citizen correction.
4. • Enforcement actions may include but are not limited to fines and liens in order to handle the code violations.

Feel free to call the Community Improvement Department @ 287-2944 or stop by City Hall, were located on the 3^{rd floor.}