Code Enforcement

Active enforcement of the Property Maintenance and Zoning Codes is an important component of maintaining the quality-of-life residents, businesses, and property owners have come to expect in the City of Reading. Through these Codes, the City ensures all property is preserved to a minimum standard of care and maintenance that is universally applicable regardless of size, location, or use.

However, the City understands that not every code matter requires the same response. Therefore, the City makes every effort to work with property owners to achieve compliance in a reasonable manner. The issuance of citations or prosecution through the courts is used only as a last resort.

When alerted to a potential violation either through personal observation or a citizen report, the Code Enforcement Officer generally follows a basic protocol:

1. Contact – An initial contact is usually made in person to make notification of the violation. The owner, resident, business, or tenant is then requested to correct the violation in a reasonable time frame. If personal contact cannot be made at the time the violation is observed, the Code Officer will either leave a note at the property or send a Courtesy Letter in the mail.
2. Corrective Action – Depending upon the nature of the violation, corrective action may take as little as a few days or as long as several months. If no contact is received from the party at fault, the Code Officer will return in a reasonable timeframe – typically 7-14 days – to determine if the violation was self-corrected. If so, the case is closed without further action or notification.

   Note: It is important to contact the Code Officer as soon as possible to request additional time for abatement. Most of the reasonable requests for a time extension are granted without issue. In extreme cases, the City reserves the right to immediately abate the violation if there is an imminent threat to life or property. Costs associated with such abatement action will be assessed as a lien on the property.

3. If the violation does not appear to be self-corrected, then we would proceed with the issuance of a Violation Notice. This Notice will set guidelines for corrective actions needed and a timeline for completion.
4. Citation Issuance – If after a reasonable time the violation is not corrected or no response is received, a citation for each code violation may be issued. Each citation carries a charge of a minor misdemeanor. An offending party must pay the fine or dispute the citation in Mayor’s Court where additional costs or requirements may be levied. If the violation remains, a new citation will be issued. Charges and fines will escalate with each subsequent citation.
5. City Abatement – If the property remains in violation, the City may initiate abatement and assess all costs – including fines and court costs – to the owner as a lien on the property.

In the end, the City encourages the owner, resident, business, or tenant to self-correct any observed code violations. Reasonable time is often granted to obtain compliance. However, in extreme cases, the City will take the necessary action(s) to ensure the violation is corrected to protect the health, safety, and general welfare of the community.

Reporting Potential Violations

When reporting a potential violation, please have the address if possible, or other descriptive information if the violation will not be visually obvious from the public street.

Randy Cook
Zoning & Property Code Official
513-733-3725 Ext 126
rcook@readingohio.org

Report a Potential Violation