HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984 Code Compliance Survey City of LansingJune 11, 1984
Letter from Mayor re:
Code Compliande Survey
. CODE COMPLIANCE SURVEY.
CITY OF LANSING., MICHIGAN
march 1984
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page Number
- Introduction i
- Brief Summary of Responses S-1
- Survey Form S-5
- Code Compliance Survey Responses 1
•
INTRODUCTION
This report is based on a code compliance survey made in March 1984 by
the City of Lansing Department of Planning and Municipal Development. Survey
forms were sent to 276 citizens and neighborhood organizations, city boards,
elected officials, government employees, businesses and a number of citizens
who recently filed complaints on code violations.
The objectives of the survey were to obtain comments about the City's
performance in enforcing the existing housing, zoning, fire prevention and
health codes; to identify priorities for code enforcement in the City and to
determine the .adequacy of the existing codes in improving the quality of life
in Lansing.
Code compliance survey forms were sent to private citizens and members of
the following:
City Government Officials. and staff members
Lansing Planning Board
Board of Zoning Appeals
Board of Building Appeals
Human Resources Board
Handicappers Advisory Committee
Citizens District Councils 2, 3, and 4
Capitol Commons Citizens District Council
Northeast District Area Committee
Southeast District Area Committee
Southwest District Area Committee
Cherry Hill Planning Committee
Black Advisory Board
Hispanic Advisory Board
Neighborhood Organizations Chairpersons
Citizens who Filed Complaints on Code Violations
Business Leaders
Of the total number of 276 survey forms mailed, 103 responses (or 37.3%)
were received by the Department. Some of the questions in the survey forms
returned were not filled out. However, the information gathered from this survey
may be useful in developing a more effective code enforcement grogram for the
City.
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. SUMMARY .
0
0
BRIEF SUMMARY OF RESPONSES
DO YOU KNOW WHICH AGENCY TO CONTACT FOR THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES?
Those who responded generally know who to contact for all code enforcement
activities. However, efforts must be exerted to let the public know which
agency is responsible for each code enforcement activity. The role of the
Housing Commission in enforcing the housing code has been misinterpreted in
10 responses.
DO YOU BELIEVE THAT ENOUGH GENERAL INFORMATION EXISTS ABOUT CODE REQUIREMENTS OF
THESE VARIOUS AREAS? IF NOT, HOW WOULD YOU MAKE THESE CODE REGULATIONS MORE
READILY AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC?
The responses indicated that not enough general information exists about
code requirements. Suggestions were made to use the news media, television,
a code enforcement "hotline" and brochures distributed via "neighborhood
watch," at neighborhood organization meetings, schools and libraries in
order to educate the public.
WHAT IS YOUR EVALUATION OF THE CITY OF LANSING'S CODE ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS?
Responses were evenly distributed on "generally good, generally fair and
needs improvement in specific areas." Code enforcement needs improvement
in terms of public perception of code requirements and needs more power
behi'nd it.
WHEN YOU REGISTER A COMPLAINT ABOUT A CODE VIOLATION, ARE YOU SATISFIED WITH THE
RESPONSE FROM THE CITY?
Survey shows general satisfaction with the responses from the City. However,
no information is provided to the complainant on the action taken.
WHAT ROLE COULD YOU OR YOUR ORGANIZATION PLAY IN THE CODE ENFORCEMENT EFFORT?
Citizens and neighborhood organizations are willing to assist in monitoring
violations, in improving and strengthening codes and in distributing
information to the public.
DO YOU BELIEVE THAT ALL RENTAL HOUSING SHOULD BE INSPECTED ON A REGULAR BASIS
FOR CODE COMPLIANCE?
Responses indicated an overwhelming support for regular inspection of all
rental housing.
DO YOU BELIEVE THAT THE CITY SHOULD PUT MORE EMPHASIS ON ENERGY CONSERVATION
WITHIN THE CODES, EVEN IF IT ADDS TO THE COST OF THE IMPROVEMENT?
Majority of those who responded believed that the City should put more
emphasis on energy conservation.
S-1
WHAT IS THE MOST SEVERE CODE ENFORCEMENT PROBLEM IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?
Substandard housing
Illegal conversions
Junk yard and trash accumulation
Animal control
Maintenance,of rental housing and absentee landlords
Front and side yard or lawn parking
Abandoned vehicles
Noise
DO YOU BELIEVE THE CITY HAS ADEQUATE CONTROL OVER SIGNS?
Majority responded that the City has adequate control over signs. However,
the City should impose greater control over temporary signs on trailers and
flashing lights and there should be restrictions on size, location,design
and type on all signs.
DO YOU KNOW WHO TO CONTACT FOR EMERGENCY HOUSING ASSISTANCE?
Survey indicated overwhelmingly that respondents did not know who to contact
for emergency housing assistance.
WHAT AMOUNT OF FUNDS DO YOU BELIEVE THE CITY SHOULD SPEND ON HOUSING REHABILITATION?
It was indicated that the City should spend more funds on housing rehabili-
tation.
DO YOU BELIEVE MINIMUM CODE REQUIREMENTS ARE STRONG ENOUGH?
About 45 percent responded that minimum code requirements are strong enough.
About one-fourth of those who responded had no opinion.
WHAT ARE THE THREE ACTIONS THE CITY COULD TAKE TO IMPRO.VE THE CODE ENFORCEMENT
EFFORT WITHIN LANSING?
!. Educate the public.
2. Follow up code violations.
3. Perform more inspections.
IF A CODE VIOLATION EXISTED IN YOUR- HOME, WOULD YOU TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A PUBLICLY
FUNDED HOUSING REHABILITATION PROGRAM?
There was an overwhelming response to indicate that people will take
advantage of a publicly funded housing rehabilitation program.
DO YOU KNOW WHO TO CONTACT FOR REHABILITATION ASSISTANCE?
Majority did not know who to contact for assistance. Generally, some know
who to call but not the department administering the program.
S-2
•
s
CODE ENFORCEMENT AREAS
RANKING.
Priority
Total
Number of
Ranking
Activity
Score
Responses
1
Fire Prevention
32
75
2
Trash
15
70
3
Structural Condition
12
65
4
Abandoned Vehicles
7
70
4
General Maintenance
7
72
5
Junk Yard
6
69
6
Animal Control
7
66
7
Incompatible Uses
6
66
8
Rodent Control
7
66
9
Mechanical/Electrical
9
68
Conditions
10
Screening/Fencing
8
77
11
Occupancy/Overcrowding
7
69
12
Front Yard Parking
7
66
13
Land Use (Zoning) Control
6
69
14
Home Occupation
7
62
15
Vacant/Boarded Structures
10
68
16
Noise/Vibration
7
67
17
Off -Street Parking
8
68
18
Odor
4 , :
66
19
Rental Housing Inspection
8
69
20
Flood Plain Regulations
7
67
S-3
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CODE COMPLIANCE SURVEY RESULTS
'
Currently Receiving Adequate
Code Enforcement
Total
Number of
Score
Responses
- Fire Prevention
59
81
- Off-street Parking
46
79
- Land Use (Zoning) Control
44
79
- Home Occupations
40
77
- Floor Plain Regulations
40
78
- Odor
39
81
- Screening / Fencing
39
83
- Mechanical / Electrical Condition's
36
80
- Structural Conditions
34
77
- Noise Vibration
31
.78
- Incompatible Land Uses
30
81
- Rodent Control
26
77
Currently Receiving Inadequate
Code Enforcement'
Total
Number of
Crnrc
Dccnnre•.Ge
- General Maintenance
- Rental Housing Inspection
- Trash
- Vacant Boarded Structures
- Junk Yard
- Front Yard Parking
- Abandoned Vehicles
- Animal Control
- Occupancy / Overcrowding
Rodent Control
53
76
50
79
48
80
46
79
44
74
41
82
38
81
37
79
36
79
26
77
S -4
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. SURVEY FORM .
9 •
Terry J. McKane. Mayor
Director's Office
Department of Planning and Municipal Development
2nd Floor, Washington Square Annex
119 North Washington Square
Lansing. Michigan 48933
(517) 483-4060
March 16, 1984.
I am writing to you because I know that you have a personal interest in the
preservation and improvement of Lansing's residential neighborhoods. Because
Lansing contains the oldest housing stock in the region, many of our older
neighborhoods are showing signs of significant housing deterioration as well
as poor maintenance of properties in general'. In an effort to improve the
quality of our housing and the appearance of our neighborhoods, the Lansing City
Council requested all appropriate City departments to give a priority commitment
to the enforcement of the Housing and Zoning Codes.
Mayor Terry J. McKane has established an administrative task force consisting
of several City agencies which have Code enforcement responsibilities to work
cooperatively to ensure an effective enforcement program for the City. As the
Chairman of the task force, I am requesting your help in completing the attached
survey form which is designed to determine your opinions about the quality of
City Code enforcement services as well.as specific problem areas you believe
should be addressed. The information you provide will be genuinely appreciated
and seriously reviewed as the task force makes recommendations for improving
the delivery of Code enforcement services in the City..
The preliminary task force report will be shared with you and we will seek
your comments and recommendations prior to the time that we make a formal report
to the Mayor and -City Council.
Again, thank you for your time and should you have any questions, please call
me at 483-4060.
AET/vlm
attachment
Sincerely,
0,4..j
Alan E. Tubbs, Chairman
Code Enforcement Task Force
S-5
"Equal Opportunity Employer
I
CODE COMPLIANCE SURVEY
PLEASE FILL OUT AS MUCH OF THE ATTACHED SURVEY FORM
AS POSSIBLE AND RETURN WITHIN FIVE (5) DAYS IN THE
ENCLOSED, STAMPED, ADDRESSED ENVELOPE.
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SURVEY, PLEASE CONTACT
THE PLANNING AND MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AT
483-4060.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE.
S-6
CODE COMPLIANCE SURVEY
PLEASE MARK ONE (1) OF THE FOLLOWING:
Citizen Response
Elected Official Response
Government Employee Response
Business Response
Neighborhood Organization
Response
City Board Response
Other (Please Specify)
DO YOU KNOW WHICH AGENCY TO CONTACT FOR THE FOLLOWING CODE ENFORCEMENT
ACTIVITIES?
YES NO AGENCY
Housing
Zoning
Fire Prevention
Public Health
DO YOU BELIEVE THAT ENOUGH GENERAL INFORMATION EXISTS ABOUT CODE
REQUIREMENTS OF THESE VARIOUS AREAS? YES NO NO OPINION
IF NOT, HOW WOULD YOU MAKE THESE CODE REGULATIONS MORE READILY AVAILABLE
TO THE PUBLIC?
WHAT IS YOUR EVALUATION OF THE CITY OF LANSING'S CODE ENFORCEMENT EFFORT?
Generally Good Generally Fair Needs Improvement
in specific area.
Generally Poor
IF YOU BELIEVE THAT THE CODE ENFORCEMENT EFFORT NEEDS SPECIFIC IMPROVE-
MENT, OR WAS GENERALLY POOR, WHAT RECOMMENDATIONS WOULD YOU MAKE?
S-7
0
i
WHEN YOU REGISTER A COMPLAINT ABOUT A CODE VIOLATION, ARE YOU SATISFIED
WITH THE RESPONSE RECEVIED FROM THE CITY?
ALL OF THE TIME
SOME OF THE TIME
NO OPINION
PLEASE COMMENT:
MOST OF THE TIME
NEVER
WHAT ROLE COULD YOU OR YOUR ORGANIZATION PLAY IN THE CODE ENFORCEMENT
EFFORT?
DO YOU BELIEVE THAT ALL RENTAL HOUSING (single unit and multi -unit) SHOULD
BE INSPECTED ON A REGULAR BASIS FOR CODE COMPLIANCE.
YES
Mko
NO OPINION
DO YOU BELIEVE THE CITY SHOULD PUT MORE EMPHASIS ON ENERGY CONSERVATION
WITHIN THE CODES, EVEN IF IT ADDS TO THE COST OF THE IMPROVEMENT?
-YES
NO
NO OPINION
WHAT IS -THE MOST SEVERE CODE ENFORCEMENT PROBLEM IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?
an
DO YOU FEEL THE CITY HAS ADEQUATE CONTROL OVER SIGNS?`
YES NO
IF NOT, WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND?
NO OPINION
DO YOU KNOW WHO TO.CONTACT FOR EMERGENCY HOUSING ASSISTANCE? NO
YES WHICH ORGANIZATION?
WHAT AMOUNT OF FUNDS DO YOU BELIEVE THE CITY SHOULD SPEND ON HOUSING
REHABILITATION? THE SAME AS IT DOES NOW.
MORE LESS NO OPINION
DO YOU BELIEVE MINIMUM CODE REQUIREMENTS ARE STRONG ENOUGH?
YES NO NO OPINION
IF NOT, WHICH AREAS NEED TO BE STRENGTHENED?
WHAT ARE THE TOP THREE ACTIONS THE CITY COULD TAKE TO IMPROVE THE CODE
ENFORCEMENT EFFORT WITHIN LANSING?
1.
2.
3.
IF A CODE VIOLATION EXISTED IN YOUR HOME, WOULD YOU TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A
PUBLICALLY FUNDED HOUSING REHABILITATION PROGRAM?
YES NO NO OPINION
DO YOU KNOW WHO TO CONTACT FOR REHABILITATION ASSISTANCE?
YES
WHICH AGENCY?
NO
S-9 -
0
•
WOULD YOU PLEASE RANK THE FOLLOWING CODE ENFORCEMENT AREAS FROM THE
HIGHEST PRIORITY TO THE LOWEST PRIORITY, AND INDICATE WHICH ARE CURRENTLY
RECEIVING ADEQUATE CODE ENFORCEMENT.
Ar71TTTTTV nn TnD TTV
(Use numbers 1 to 22)
FIRE PREVENTION
JUNK YARDS
FRONT YARD PARKING
LAND USE (Zoning)
TRASH
ABANDONED VEHICLES
SCREENING/FENCING
OFF STREET PARKING
OCCUPANCY/OVERCROWDING
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
(Painting, Grass cutting etc.)
NOISE/VIBRATION
ODOR
ANIMAL CONTROL
HOME OCCUPATIONS
FLOOD PLAIN REGULATIONS
STRUCTURAL CONDITION
MECHANICAL/ELECTRICAL
CONDITIONS
RODENT CONTROL
RENTAL HOUSING INSPECTION
INCOMPATIBLE LAND USES
VACANT/BOARDED STRUCTURES
OTHER
ADEQUATE INADEQUATE NO
ENFORC MENT ENFORCEMENT OPINION
(use in appropriate column,)
OTHER COMMENTS OR RECOMMENDATIONS?(Attach additional sheets if necessary)
S-10
. RESPONSES .
CODE COMPLIANCE SURVEY
- Total Number of Survey Forms Mailed 276
- Total'Number Returned 103
- Responses
- Citizens & Neighborhood 74
Organizations
- City Boards, Elected Officials 21
and Government Employees
- Businesses 3
- Others 5
103
-1-
CODE COMPLIANCE SURVEY
DO YOU KNOW WHICH AGENCY TO CONTACT FOR THE FOLLOWING CODE ENFORCEMENT
ACTIVITIES?
Number
of Responses
Code
Yes
No
Total
Housing
79
21
100
Zoning
81
18
99
Fire Prevention
79
19
98
Public Health
56
40
96
Code
Which Agency
Number
of Responses
Housing
Planning & Municipal Development
23
Building & Safety Division
18
City
1
Housing Commission
10
Development
1
Community Development
1
Human Resources
1
Housing & Rehab.
1
Housing Inspector
1
Building Inspection
1
Total 58
Zoning Zoning Code Enforcement 14
Planning Division, Code Enforcement 21
City 1
Planning & Municipal Development 16
Development Department 1
Planning Commission 1
City Council 1
Building & Safety 5
City Zoning Department 2
Total 62
Fire Prevention Fire Department
35
Fire Prevention Bureau
14
Police Department
1
State and City
1
Fire Marshal's Office
4
Building & Safety
3
State Fire Marshal
3
Total 61
Public Health Ingham County Health Dept. 25
State & County 1
Public Health Dept. 6
Public Service 1
City Health Dept. 2
State of Mich. Public Health 2
-2- Total 37
CODE COMPLIANCE SURVEY
DO YOU BELIEVE THAT ENOUGH GENERAL INFORMATION EXISTS ABOUT CODE
REQUIREMENTS OF THESE VARIOUS AREAS?
- Citizens & Neighborhood
Organizations
- City Boards, Elected
Officials and
Government Employees
- Business
- Others
Number of Responses
No
Yes No Opinion Total
7 55 7 69
5
16
1
22
3
0
0
3
0
2
2
4
TOTAL 15
73
10
98
IF NOT, HOW WOULD YOU MAKE THESE CODE REGULATIONS MORE READILY AVAILABLE
TO THE PUBLIC?
Citizens and Neighborhood Organizations
- Educate the public through newspapers, schools and churches.
- Prepare and distribute on a continuous basis a summary of codes.
- Uniform interpretation of the code —each employee seems to do this
himself.
- Use the news media and public access channel, describing in layman's
terms a synopsis of legaless code language.
- Develop a code enforcement "hotline" where citizens could call for
information and to file complaints.
- Print highlights in pamphlet form and distribute via neighborhood watch.
- Send out information through lending institutions, also via newspaper
and television.
- Simplify code requirements for lay people to understand.
- Develop brochure and mail with tax statements —make available at city
departments and City Hall lobby.
- Recruit neighborhood code enforcement volunteers who can be contacted
re: code issues.
- Neighborhood must provide enough communication and inputs to the
different departments.
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0 #
- Make them part of high school civics classes.
- Announce solution of zoning ordinance infractions by residents including
landlords.
- Have code regulation sheets available at neighborhood organization meetings,
seminars or at voting spots throughout the City.
- Prepare series of articles in the paper in layman's terms.
- Have a single location and telephone number for referrals to help those
without transportation or don't know whom to call.
- Have special meetings to answer people's questions.
- Use a computer with codes and laws.
- Send flyers in specific areas.
- Send copies of regulations to Cooley, MSU, LCC and libraries.
- Send brochures to community organizations and in racks at SECU and other
places that will display.
- Publish short, well written information on individual codes and reasons
for code to be included.
- Believe Lansing's code requirements are generally well known but often
ignored.
- Send periodic articles in State Journal, TV, Radio and PSA'P.
- Place brochures in all government buildings.
- Have one place to stop and get the information instead of having -to go
to different departments.
- Have public service announcements and seminars to educate the public.
- Give brochures to landlords at time of inspections.
- Develop basic written explanations of various code requirements and
publicize if general information does not exist.
- Re-educate employees to make information available instead of making
i't difficult to obtain.
- Have large announcements in the paper instead of fine print.
- Pick one area, zero in on it through posters, newspapers, radio and TV.
- Ask the public to report any known or suspected violations.
- Consult the phone book and call the appropriate department... those that
want to know will make a small effort to find out.
-4 -
9
- Prepare a general brochure describing who to contact for various concerns,
a good directory.
- Have TV series on the news or newspaper articles with catchy words (the
word "code" turns -most people off).
- Print a form letter in the State Journal once or twice a year stating
to Lansing residents what they can do about a neighbor who is irrespon-
sible, etc. Confidentiality is the important key.
- Plane listing in the yellow pages with explanations of each agency.
City Boards, Elected Officials and Government Employees
- Have information available in general and require information to be
given to owners with building permits.
- Work more closely with area realtors in educating real estate purchasers
as regards their obligation to look into the zoning of properties they
are purchasing.
- Post information in public buildings, mail to affected parties within
500 ft. radius upon approval of use not previously permitted within the
district.
- Inform public through T.V., radio, newspapers and neighborhood
associations.
- Send some information every year with property tax notices.
-.Advertise or use public service announcements giving a toll -free number
for questions/inquiries/complaints or through cable TV.
- Have a publicity campaign for reporting most common violations.
- Have a single office take all reports of violation.
- Send flyers in publicly used buildings and in human services agencies'
offices.
- Make pamphlet available to public with examples of common code violations
and proper agencies to contact.
- Place ad in telephone book, newspaper or send booklet flyers to all homes
that can be retained for future use. People do not know their respon-
sibilities or rights in these areas, let alone to whom to complain when
a neighbor breaks a code.
- Develop a condensed version of all code requirements for each agency,
then publish a list of available materials in the State Journal at
least once a month.
- Have more direct communication with local news people.
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Business Response
Most people or businesses are not interested enough to find out until
there is a problem.
10
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CODE COMPLIANCE SURVEY
WHAT IS YOUR EVALUATION OF THE CITY OF LANSING'S CODE ENFORCEMENT
EFFORT?
Number of Responses
Generally Generally Generally Needs Im-
Total
Good Fair Poor provement
in Specific
Areas
- Citizens & Neighborhood 15 26 11 23
75
Organizations
- City Boards, Elected 8 6 4 3
21
Officials and Gov't
Employees
- Business 0 1 2 0
3
- Others 2 1 1 0
4
Total 25 34 18 26
103
IF YOU BELIEVE THAT THE CODE ENFORCEMENT EFFORT NEEDS SPECIFIC IMPROVE-
MENT, OR WAS GENERALLY POOR, WHAT RECOMMENDATIONS WOULD YOU MAKE?
Citizen and Neighborhood Organizations
- Communicate with public and complainants.
- Speed up enforcement of "possibly" minor complaints.
- Strengthen loitering ordinance.
- Publicize, so public knows when codes are being violated.
- Put more "teeth" into existing codes or make stiffer penalties
and
fines.
I
- Undertake code enforcement on a neighborhood survey basis or "worst
case" basis to correct problems that lead to disinvestment and
neighborhood decline as well as on a complaint basis.
- Ask neighborhood organizations to•help identify code violations on the
north side. Too many boarded -up homes are targets for arson. Owners
should be made to bring them back up to code after the fire.
- Provide code enforcement department with more authority to get people
to clean up their yards, etc.
- Mandate smoke detectors in dwelling units.
- Get out in the neighborhoods, have more neighborhood monitoring and
inspections...Tenants have completely devastated the neighborhoods,
carry on prostitution and have made slum areas throughout the City.
- Code enforcement is completely one-sided and no one seems to enforce
any kind of legislation to protect landlords. If improvements are
made, tenants are allowed to completely ruin properties.
-7 -
- Code enforcement needs more power by law so landlords will put much
effort to keep up property by imposing penalties like losing yearly
license or zoning C-2, vacating the house, etc., or make both
tenants and landlords responsible for maintenance of property.
- Quit laying off the good inspectors and zoning officers.
- Real estate companies need to stop selling units which have been
illegally converted to unsuspecting buyers.
- Hurry up the legal process for those refusing to conform to codes.
- Quit sending cases -to the BZA to correct errors made by the Building
Department.
- Enforce codes equally for everybody.
- Appears to be better coordinated now that the new zoning ordinance has
been adopted.
- Develop a code enforcement "hot line" where citizens could call for
information and file complaints.
- Have greater departmental support of field inspectors (less in -fighting).
- City attorney should follow through with warrants and legal actions.
- Provide faster response to violations.
- Employees should be forced to administer the codes. Relaxed enforce-
ment can be most dangerous to the City's older neighborhoods.
- City fathers and mothers talk big but have never put the resources ($)
into code enforcement when it got to the bottom line.
- Have exemption system for non -life threatening structural deficiency
for individuals who can't afford.
- Housing code especially need enforcement.
- It is hard to recommend more frequent inspections or other changes that
require extra man-hours when the City is cutting back staff. However,
a mandatory inspection on a regular annual or bi- or tri-annual basis
of rental properties, especially older converted units would be
beneficial.
- Need a way to cut through red tape on enforcement.
- Let's nail slumlords able to dodge the law for years because of loopholes.
- Large contractors can do as they please and ignore directives without
penalty. However, individuals would have their property condemned.
Hire more trained enforcement people and put more power behind them.
go
- Not enough follow-up after code violations are cited...I have seen this
happen in Potter Park Area. Inspectors do not always come when violations
are reported.
- Harder to make zoning changes to maintain integrity of downtown
residential area.
- Uniformly enforce codes without variations from area to area or
inspector to inspector.
- Need actual inspections for all rentals that are more than cursory
appearances by staff.
- Enforcement needs to be strengthened, especially for rental properties,
blocks of which are owned by one person who has numerous violations on
numerous properties, i.e., Basil properties.
- Need more rigorous follow-up on violations both by the regulatory staff
and by City legal.department, especially on rental properties.
- Give the codes more enforcement power and hire someone who will do the
job and can do the job because they have backing.
- Have stiffer animal control as to number of animals per household -and
leashings.
-.Control noise and noisy cars (bad mufflers) and cycles on the street
after dark.
- Housing code compliance really needs to be improved. Lots of housing
are not -up to code and nothing is done about it. A complete investiga-
tion on this matter needs to be done and published.
City Boards, Elected Officials and Government Employees.
- Needs improvement in residential public health, but also can improve
in other areas through greater public awareness and public information.
- Housing did a very good job. Remove this operation from L.P.D. and
return responsibility to housing.
- Code enforcement should be a major priority to save the neighborhoods
of this City. We could easily become one big slum.
- After making the above phone call (?), a simple do-it-yourself packet
could be mailed out and the caller could self -inspect. If violations
exist, a different phone number could be called and a city inspector
would come out.
- Need both information to owners:..loans or grants to improve codes.
There are many people that won't be able to afford it. Others just
don't know the up-to-date code.
In
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- Hire more people to enforce codes.
- Need to have some method to improve appearance of houses & buildings
(painting, repairing, landscaping, etc.). See that the owner is given
so many days.
- Have uniform I.D. in enforcement of code violations.
- Enforcement should not vary by inspector or area.
- Distribute written guidelines based on commonly occurring field conditions
with infield training if necessary.
- The City's code enforcement effort is only as good as the inspector in
that area.
- Stop pressure -induced decisions that result in jeopardizing public
safety and expose inspectors to legal liability and litigation.
Inspectors in the department have no insurance.
Business Response
- Little enforcement is undertaken except on a complaint basis even when
violations are obvious. City employees should be encouraged to make their
own complaints, and/or notify the proper officials.
- Many violations are apparent even from an automobile. A visual citywide
inspection could be made by auto for obvious zoning/building code
violations.
°r
- Don't be abusive on minor violations.
- Enforce codes on dilapidated houses and structures.
Others
- If it is required for one, it should affect all.
- A person should not be penalized for trying to upgrade property.
- Make code enforcement more public. Keep residents aware of who to
reach for codes.
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CODE COMPLIANCE
WHEN YOU REGISTER A COMPLAINT ABOUT A CODE VIOLATION, ARE YOU SATISFIED
WITH THE RESPONSE FROM THE CITY?
- Citizens & Neighborhood
Organizations
- City Boards, Elected
Officials & Government
Employees
Number of Responses
All the Most of Some Never No Total
Time the of the Opinion
Time Time
4 18 17 6 22 67
0 7 1 1 9 18
- Businesses 0 2 2 0 2 6
- Other 0 0 0 0 0 0
TOTAL 4 27 20 7 33 91
COMMENTS: Citizens and Neighborhood Organizations
- After making a complaint in many cases, complainant was never informed
if any or what action was taken. If you call, the answer is "we are
aware of the problem and are dealing with it." (3 responses)
- Field officer in our area, Herb Chase, is exceptional. Please support
him better.
- It took about 3-4 months before we got something done when I complained
about trashy neighborhood.
- Inspectors don't follow through after first inspection.
- Many violations are relatively minor or short lived.
- Tenants are permitted to damage property, pile trash, accumulate junk
autos, breed roaches and when assistance is asked for, no one pays
attention to the landlord.
- In most instances, you talk to a council member and he attempts to see
that the violation in taken cared of.
- I have never had much to complain about.-
- Heard of disatisfaction with results from neighbors in the CDC #2 area.
Response is slow in resulting in changes. There is little or no follow-
up unless subsequent complaints are made.
- Your response time is generally good, but again, you have no real power
of enforcement. If the guilty party knows anything, he can tie up your
people forever.
-11-
0 •
- Just citing someone for a violation is not always adequate.
- Compliance time is too lengthy as the problem has existed for a long
.period of time prior to City involvement, i.e., trash, tall grass &
weed complaints.
- Never have filed a complaint but have been tempted. (3 responses). I
would like assurance that the person complained against will have a
reasonable time to comply.
- Have only made one complaint. Our specific area does not have many code
violation problems.
- I have always found city employees to be very courteous and responsive to
my questions, complaints and criticisms.
- Otto Solomon was allowed to run rough shod over property owners without
violation enforcement.
- Any problems that I can't get satisfactory response, I shall contact
Mrs. Schmidt and/or Mr. McKane.
- They respond but enforcement should be rechecked very often.
- No feedback from City on disposition of complaint. Tracking complaint
thru system sometimes impossible.
- Lack of "follow-up" by City once a property owner is ordered to comply.
- The City's response has always been only one of immediate pacification to
appease the plaintiff without doing any actual enforcement or only to
initiate minimal, useless and expensive paperwork.
- The initial response•by City staff is usually timely but if violator
refuses to comply voluntarily nothing much happens.
- Sometimes it takes several years and a dozen calls to get action to a
complaint of mine about a code violation.
- I have only one experience which was handled promptly (noisy party after
11:00 at night).
City Boards, Elected Officials & Government Employees
- You do not get an answer back ... very slow.
- I don't know enough but I believe that the City should follow up and at
the same time, work with the person to best solve the complaint.
- I have always found City employees to be very courteous and responsive
to my questions, complaints and criticisms.
-12-
•
Business
- Many complaints receive very slow responses.
- I rarely do it.
- All complaints are answered as soon as possible depending upon success
in reaching parties involved.
- Never had to file a complaint and if I did, I wouldn't know who to
contact.
Others
- Never registered a complaint.(2 responses)
-13-
4
CODE COMPLIANCE SURVEY'
WHAT ROLE COULD YOU OR YOUR ORGANIZATION PLAY IN THE CODE ENFORCEMENT EFFORT?
Citizens & Neighborhood Organizations
- Call in and monitor as -neighbors and citizens.
- Neighborhood communication with City.
- Lobby state and city government for stronger laws.
- Provide much information to City Staff which could streamline the process of
code enforcement and allow the priorities to be planned rather than depending
on a complaint basis.
- We were active members for over two years in the District 6 Planning Committee
and SW Area Master Plan Committee in hopes of improving the situation in our
neighborhood and yet to date nothing has improved.
- CDC #2 will no longer exist after June 30, 1984 but the Potter Park Neighborhood
Association will and could possibly help in determining major problems with the
existing codes.
- Tell the public of the enforcement effort. Personally, I would like to be
involved in developing the codes and zones.
- Support and review.
- If you provide Cherry Hill Neighborhood Association with information you want
distributed, we can get it out.
- Our organization does not exist.
Increase community awareness of their rights as renters.
- Continue good state -local coordinations.
- As a private citizen, I should think, very little. I don't believe in people
trying to impose their values on others. Renters, I think are quick enough to
register complaints at the drop of a hat.
- The neighborhood organizations could help very much to point out problem areas,
but there needs to be support from government to make it work.
- Education regarding specifics of the code.
- Report any neighbor not responding to condition who will be a worse neighbor
knowing where complaint comes from. Sometimes, people are afraid of neighbors.
- Attempt to understand and explain to others, particularly those who seem to be
indifferent.
- Become more aware.
-14-
- Get in touch with right department, then follow up complaint until enforced•.
C2 responses-)
- Assist in identifying and training citizen volunteer code enforcers who could
be made available throughout the City and also be willing to help review materials.
- Report violations and potential safety hazards. (2 responses).
- Disperse information.
- Share all information received in order to make others aware.
- Sponsor a clean -.up day in NDA #4.
- Provide a forum for code enforcement discussions.
- Lansing Housing Commission rents filthy dumps. We should pursue with your help
more actively.
- Insist legal avenues for compliance are followed, not on organization despite
rumors, to the contrary.
- I don't know the code. Therefore, I can't make a. comment.
- "Urban Options" could provide information and "hands on" training in home
improvement skills, especially energy conservation and uses of "appropriate
technologies.
We already try to keep a close eye on zoning changes and violations. I think,
actually enforcing the law is the City's job.
- Give more input.
- Make our tenants more aware of what code violations they may be breaking through
or by sending monthly newsl.etter to tenants..
- Educate members about which things may be violations.
- Report those suspected violations to appropriate people.
- Become more familiar with the codes and make sure I enforce them.
- I report those people who let their houses dilapidate and at this point, I
do better than those who are paid to do it.
- I keep my own house up as a role model and am active in neighborhood groups.
Help elderly on yard work and general repair once or twice a year projects with
City working alongside.
- Work with city and neighborhood organizations to enforce the codes.
-15-
- I would be willing to be trained to know what codes are so I can report code
violations directly to an inspector or to proper agencies.
- May be try to talk to those creating the problems and tell them where to go
for help, etc. -
- Make the public aware.
- Get involved in the neighborhood. Unfortunately, the number of people actually
willing to get out and do someth.i'ng is very small which really puts the burden
on the government.
- Make public announcements in Spanish. Our Hispanic community needs to be
informed about community and municipal issues.
- As a member of the Mayor's Handicapper Advisory Committee, we would be glad
to help wi'th.better understanding and enforcement of barrier free requirements.
- Learn what codes apply to your home and life style and make others aware.
- I would be willing to s-it on a committee or board that deal specifically with
these issues, attend special meeting or get togethers regarding these issues.
City Boards, Elected Officials and Government Employees
- Disseminate information through Human Service Providers.
- Report known violations if it were easier.
Promote cleaning up of ugly lots. The organization (Jaycee) would be interested
in having a citywide project to plant flowers or trees in certain areas or on
streets.
- B.e*part of the process after it is decided. It needs to be studied very care-
fully before it becomes implemented.
- Let the proper agency know of my concern.
None.
Explore ordinances in other communities to see if any are in use which address
repair and appearance of structure.
- The Board of Zoning Appeals is willing to assist the Lansing area realtors
with voluntary education of prospective property purchasers regarding zoning.
- Generally speaking, I believe that the public is not aware of the code require-
ments of the City of Lansing.' Citizen awareness regarding building and zoning
codes might make it possible to enlist the public to help in enforcement.
Neighborhood groups organized along the -lines of the "Neighborhood Watch"
program could help in reporting code violations within their respective
neighborhoods. A handbook containing a condensed version of Lansing's zoning
code could be made available to educate the public. No doubt, most violations
occur due to ignorance on the part of the violator.
-16-
- It is unreasonable to expect'code enforcement officers to monitor the entire
City. If properly educated, neighborhood groups and individuals could assist
in monitoring their respective neighborhoods for code violations and report
them to the proper authorities.
- We would make every effort to have any or all code violations corrected.
- Present input will improve with time.
Business Response
- We should be encouraged to turn in complaints. Complaints should receive
prompt action and notifi•cati'on to the complainant of the results of the
inspection.
- Better compliance.
- Being a realtor, I could help with inspections.
Others
- Citizens should make an effort to acquaint themselves with code laws, procedures
of code enforcement and be cooperative in obeying code enforcement officer's
orders.,
-17-
CODE COMPLIANCE SURVEY
DO YOU BELIEVE THAT ALL RENTAL HOUSING SHOULD BE INSPECTED ON A REGULAR BASIS
FOR CODE COMPLIANCE?
Number of Responses
Yes No No Opinion Total
- Citizens & Neighborhood 57 11 1 69
Organizations
- City Boards, Elected
Officials & Government
Employees
- Businesses
- Others
17 3 0 20
0
3
0
3
3
1
1
5
TOTAL 77
18
2
97
DO YOU BELIEVE THE CITY SHOULD PUT MORE EMPHASIS ON ENERGY CONSERVATION
WITHIN THE CODES, EVEN IF IT ADDS TO THE COST OF THE IMPROVEMENT?
Number of Responses
Yes No No Opinion Total
- Citizens & Neighborhood
Organizations 43 21 3 67
- City Boards, Elected
Officials & Government
Employees
- Businesses
- Others
7
11
2
20
0
3
0
3
2
1
2
5
TOTAL 52
36
7
95
No
CODE COMPLIANCE SURVEY
WHAT IS THE MOST SEVERE CODE ENFORCEMENT PROBLEM IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?
- Lack of enforcement or -consistent enforcement.
- Illegally converted housing in older neighborhoods.
- Landlords trying to maximize their profits.
- Lack of interest in behalf of the Department in enforcing the code.
- Selective code enforcement... when individuals are discouraged from making
home improvements and landlords are allowed to make structural changes
without zoning hearings.
- 700 S. Magnolia, 500 S. Francis, Lansing Housing Commission filthy dumps,
zoning violations (autos, trash haulers, etc.)
- Weed control on vacant lots. (2 responses)
- Deteriorating rental housing.
- Cars parked on front lawns or yards appears to be ignored. (5 responses)
- Trash and litter in yards should be hauled away by City and property owner
billed. (3 responses).
- Cannot answer this fairly since I have no information about code enforcement.
- Substandard housing - Landlords are not required to bring condition up to
code before it is rented.
- Junk yards, barking dogs. (3 responses)
- Vehicles stored in back yards.
- Absentee landlords who refuse to keep homes up to code.• (3 responses)
- Low income housing.
- Slum landlords refusing to keep up the property.
- No problem, good neighborhood. (5 responses)
- Absentee landlords renting to undesirables (drugs, animals, etc., noise).
- Lousy signs in primarily residential areas.
- Houses in industrial zones making code enforcement impossible... junk yard,
junk cars, house trailer (now gone) at those homes.
-19-
Warehouse on N. Larch is a real eyesore, but it is not zoned residential.
-'General maintenance in residential areas (trash:in yards & outlawns -
mattresses and furniture).
- Poor enforcement of landscaping and buffering ordinance in commercial areas.
Existing ones are too weak. Require too little and too much left to
negotiations at time of building, site plan review. (See E. Lansing/Meridian
Township) site plan review.
- Weeds, no grass cutting in public areas. (2 responses).
- Fire prevention (top priority), litter (2 responses)
- Walks not properly cleared in business areas during winter..O.K. in
residential areas.
- Junk and trash in north end of Lansing. Clean-up is a very important part
to prevent neighborhood deterioration.
- No severe problems.
- Exterior appearance of some properties... codes should be made so that they
•can be enforced according to the complaints. Either they can't be enforced
or aren't being enforced presently.
- Public health.
- Pigeon problem, bird population in Northside neighborhoods.
- Houses (3) in the 900-1000 block of Mel Avenue on the southside of the
street have been eyesores for over 6 years despite meager fines assessed
on the property. Also, the "garage" on the southwest corner of Mel and
Washington is a terrible eyesore and an "unattractive" nuisance for kids
to boot.
- Trespassing and loitering around schools, private property and abandoned
homes and buildings.
- Speed of recognition of any violation.
- Smoking in elevators.
- Noxious weed cutting requirement..they are too strict and other people are
dumping on our site.
- General maintenance of facades, walks, drives, landscape.
- Lack of traffic signs.
- Hard to say without a thorough knowledge of the codes.
- Can see' exterior problems, trash, junk cars but have no way of knowing about
wiring, plumbing, etc.
-20-
- Since most of the homes in my neighborhood are -fairly old, I assume most of
them don't meet current standards.
- Speeding vehicles thru,neighborhood, especially,in the summertime.
- Minimum problems in my neighborhood.
- Not shoveling sidewalks in winter (2 responses).
- Lots of backyard mechanics working on more than one car *at a time.
- Physical condition, overcrowded lots and public facilities.
- Lack of good definable noise ordinance.
- Sidewalk and front yard parking, dogs running loose and trash sitting out for
days.
- Enforcement of the building and zoning codes with respect to multiples.
- Fire hazards.
- Overcrowded, unsafe, structural design for converted rental units (1 to 8).
- No obvious ones.
- Don't know.
- House on 139 S. Magnolia... it looks like a garbage pit. (a dozen complaint in
5 years).
- Trash in yard .. ex. 239 S. Magnolia. Occupant leaves trash bags & garbage
in her yard, refuses to clean them up. Have to call zoning to get her to•cut
her lawn after it grows to a foot high in summer.
- Need a law or code whereby the zoning office must inspect a house before it
is available for welfare family renter to deter the abuses of slum landlords.
- Need a law whereby aesthetics are taken into consideration.
- Need efficient court action. Warrants are disregarded for years. No action is
taken. Fines should be meted out and action needed for repairs, paint, clean up.
- Evidence of housing deterioration along Pennsylvania Ave .... could become a greater
problem in the future.
- Animal control.
- Continued blockage of drainage pond caused our property to flood from 1970-73
causing extensive property damage.
- Placing of orange bags anytime of the day and week is disgraceful.
- City becomes more and more careless (sloppy) in the appearance of parks.
-21-
K
4
City Boards, Elected Officials & Government Officials
- None in my neighborhood (.5 responses)
- Animal control, trash in yards, poorly kept gardens, poor general exterior
maintenance, poorly designed additions which spoil aesthetics of area, ugly
utility buildings.
- Everything on some old homes.
- Many persons with fixed incomes have electrical, roof, heater and many other
housing code problems. Because it takes too much money, the City has to be
considerate to senior citizens, poor people, low income. Make sure that
landlords are not to•increase the rent because of code enforcement.
- Junk yards (2 responses)
- Housing that needs repairs and painting, smoke, noise from teenagers and loose
dogs and cats.
- Parking on street, rental housing inspection, trash, abandoned vehicles, noise.
- Junk cars parked on driveways.
- No apparent ones as we live in a relatively new area.
- None.
Others
- Houses in disrepair
- Trash in yards
- Parking and zoning violations
-22-
CODE COMPLIANCE SURVEY
DO YOU BELIEVE THE CITY HAS ADEQUATE CONTROL OVER SIGNS?
Number
of Responses
Yes
No
No Opinion
Total
- Citizens & Neighborhood
Organizations
29
22
24
75
- City Boards, Elected Officials
12
6
1
19
& Government
Employees
- Businesses
2
2
0
.4
- Others
2
0
1
3
TOTAL
45
30
26
101
IF NOT, WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND?
Citizens and Neighborhood Organizations
- Enforcing codes in the future probably can't do much about existing mess.
- Too many signs like "Dead End."
- No commercial signs within 1,000 feet of residential neighborhoods.
- Control...I don't know; maintenance lacking.
- Political signs not removed. Other signs are left in unreadable condition
until complaints are made.
- Greater control over temporary signs and flashing lights. Temporary signs
on trailers are too big and bright.
- Many signs block view of traffic.
- Would like a tough sign control ordinance.
- Any sign not in good condition, broken or not lighted should be removed
at once.
As a shopper, signs must be visible and not a traffic bottle neck.
- Often it is very difficult to locate business from street numbers alone. Signs
are important. -23-
•
- Clear sight distance and setback regulations should be enforced.
- Sign size limitation.
- No flashing lights. They confuse motorists with emergency vehicles.
- Too many signs..need more control.
- Outlaw small portable signs ... large increase on big signs which need to be
controlled.
- More regulations on size,.design, and type, expecially the lighted signs...
distracting with flashing lights pose a hazard to traffic.
- Better patrol of the areas and prompt replacements.
- I don't know if the City has adequate controls, but if it does, people
aren't using them enough ... i.e., too many.oversized, awful, offensive signs.
- No "yield" signs in our street - Irvington Ave., many close calls. I called
City Hall about the problem and never got a response.
- Damaged signs should be replaced as soon as possible.
- Many street signs missing for months.
- Could be lots better.
- What kind of signs?
- Garage and rummage sale signs stay up for months... real eyesores.
- I would like to see them regulated somehow.
- Enact stronger codes that limit signs.
- More restrictions.
City Boards, Elected Officials & Government Employees
- Create -task force to study sign problem with authority to solve problem.
I would be willing to serve on'such a task force.
- Study the problem and make recommendations to City Council.
- Size restrictions.
- Billboard placement guidelines.
- More control when land use changes ... more inspections.
- Concentrate on new signage and remove dilapidated sinage.
- The question is not specific. If you mean street signs, considering the
constant destruction of some by a few ignorant people, I feel the City does
a better job in this area than say 10 years ago.
-24-
0
- It is very difficult to control because so many_, different people put up
the signs and you can't really prove who did.
- I'm not sure they should have control over signs ... may just'set a good example.
- Yes -.small signs and building signs.
No - Billboards and handbills.
- Eliminate billboards within city limits.
- Establish fines for posting handbills on telephone poles, etc.
11 Others
- No Comments.
-25-
0
CODE COMPLIANCE SURVEY
DO YOU KNOW WHO TO CONTACT FOR EMERGENCY HOUSING ASSISTANCE?
Number of Responses
Yes No
- Citizens & Neighborhood Organizations 29 39
- City Boards, Elected Officials and 8 13
Government Employees
- Businesses 0 1
- Others
TOTAL
37 53
WHICH ORGANIZATION:
NUMBER OF RESPONSES
Housing Commission
4
Red Cross
5
Housing Assistance Foundation
12
Economic Crisis Center
2
Development Division
1
Salvation Army
1
Ask any tenant
1
Neighbor or friendly family
1
Human Resources Department
2
A.C.L.U.
1
Cristo Rey Center
2
Loaves and Fishes
2
Capitol Area Community Services
1
Emergency Housing Assistance Foundation
1
Department of Social Services
2
City Human Services
1
Housing Authority
1
Emergency Services... City Hall
1
Food Bank
1
-26-
Total
68
21
1
CODE COMPLIANCE
SURVEY
WHAT AMOUNT OF FUNDS DO YOU BELIEVE
THE CITY
SHOULD SPEND
ON HOUSING
REHABILITATION?
Number of
Responses
Same
More
Less
No
Total
as it
Opinion
Does Now
- Citizens & Neighborhood
12
34
7
8
61
Associations
- City Boards, Elected Officials
4
5
2
8
19
& Government Employees
- Businesses
0
0
1
0
1
- Others
2
1
0
1
4
TOTAL
16
40
10
17
85
COMMENTS:
- No idea what is being spent. (2 responses)
- Provide tax abatement incentives to private owners.
- You don't do much. .
- Our sense is that current funds for housing rehabilitation is also being
squandered and I don't see more money as the answer until the City's housing
rehab management is improved.
- Not sure of current trends and who these funds usually go to.
- I don't feel the City should use General Funds to rehab houses. They should
make available low interest money for the purpose.
-27-
0
CODE COMPLIANCE SURVEY
DO YOU BELIEVE MINIMUM CODE REQUIREMENTS ARE STRONG ENOUGH?
Number of Responses
Yes No No Opinion Total
- Citizens & Neighborhood 27 24 20 71
Organizations
- City Boards, Elected Officials 12 5 2 19
& Government Employees
- Busi.nesses 1 0 0 1
- Others 2 0 1 3
TOTAL 42 29 23 94
IF NOT, WHICH AREAS NEED TO BE STRENGTHENED?
Citizens and Neighborhood Organizations
- I would need to know code requirements to respond. (2 responses)
- All rental housing should be required to meet the codes at least annually.
- Building codes should be rewritten and stronger penalties should be explored.
- Codes may be too strong in some instances.
- Must have speed of recognition of violation.
- Lack of (or unwillingness) of attorneys to act.
- Too lengthy enabling action clauses.
- Slow (heavy docket) court action.
- Weak, ineffective, reticent final penalties.
- Impose fines for tenants whb produce the problem not the innocent (compliant)
landlord.
- Absentee landlords and energy conservation measures.
- Inspections with follow-ups.
NO
0
0
- Improvement of storage of junk in North Lansing (Turner St., N. Larch and
N. High Street.) The largest offender is Mr. Bass:el.
- Present codes are sufficient from what I have heard.
- Biggest problem of neglect is in single and double family rental home.
- Shoul'd equal or surpass State Construction Code or B.-O.C.A. code.
- Energy conservation and upkeep of exterior by landlord.
- Enforcement (3 responses).
- Code shall keep up with the times (not Union needs) i.e., plastic pipes.
Codes need to be practical.
- More rapid enforcement, follow up and rechecks, stiffer fines (2 responses).
- Building permits on renovations and additions to structures which are never
finished (Mel Avenue).
- Tall grass, trash and weeds.
- On new construction, they are strong enoubh.
- Yard maintenance, paint jobs, and total structure appearance.
- Electrical code.
- If owner occupancy is a high priority, appearance needs to be addressed. Who
wants to move into a neighborhood with deteriorating housing, poor landscaping,
peeling paint jobs and broken trims. (2 responses).
- Punishment for 'continued violation should be adequate to prohibit future
violations.
- Codes strong enough but not enforced.
- How can I know if minimum code requirements are strong enough unless I know the
codes by heart? (2 responses)
- Building inspection.
- Areas of general maintenance or appearance that impact surrounding properties.
- Multi -unit rental properties and government owned subsidized housing.
- Need improvement on the housing code and enforcement.
City Boards, Elected 0fficials•and Government Employees
- Not sure whether minimums are not -strong enough or if we need to enforce present
code.
- It's disgusting to drive by neighborhoods and see trash and debris strewn
across a lot or on a yard of an occupied home.
-29-
- Need to have every two years public information to be aware.
- Plumbing, heating and electrical.
- Need enforcement on wood stoves and fireplaces (smoke).
- Tenant responsibilties and exterior appearance of structure and site.
- Not aware of specific codes. Publishing of codes needs to be done.
-30-
0
WHAT ARE THE TOP THREE ACTIONS THE CITY COULD TAKE TO IMPROVE THE CODE ENFORCEMENT
EFFORT WITHIN LANSING?
Citizens and Neighborhood Organizations
- More publicity regarding violations.
- More punishment for violators.
- More money made available for loans to bring up to code.
- Neighborhood code enforcement efforts involving the support of neighborhood groups,
aimed at worst cases.
- Consistent follow-up on complaints with rechecks in 3, 6, and 12 mos. when needed.
- Periodic inspection of all housing, rental and.owner occupied (e.g., every 5 years).
- More good qualified trained people to inspect and enforce.( two responses )
- Stronger laws.
- Educate the public. What is "code enforcement" and what to do when there is a
problem.( 6 responses)
- Much stiffer fines.
- More inspectors on a routine basis. ( 3 responses)
- Quicker enforcement to ensure compliance.
- An effective follow-up program on violations. ( 4 responses )
- Contact neighborhood organizations requesting a list of existing codes that they
are having problems with, along with any suggestions they might have to improve
upon them.
- Update codes so they can be easily or legally enforced.
- Sufficient inspectors to handle the complaints in a reasonable amount of time.
- Be positive in approach.
- Look at Cedar & Larch, north of Washington, and see the garbage at curb side.
- Try innovative setbacks on lot variations.
- Provide publicly funded low cost loans.
- Coordinate code enforcement more vigorously.
- Tickets/annual inspections.
-31-
- More public meetings.
- Mailings.
- Higher minimum standards for repair of houses.
- 30 to 60 day requirements for repair and bringing up to code (setting time frame).
- Property tax for disrepair rather than for improvement; our coffers would overflow.
- Take interest in South End of Lansing.
- Take enforcement on all codes equally.
- Provide more safer and sanitized housing.
- Letting people who complain know what is happening.
- Getting the funds & manpower needed.
- Assessment inspection.
- Tougher compliance laws with no loopholes.
- Regular interaction with and involvement of neighborhood organizations - put
them to work.
- More lenient with developers & businesses.
- Campaign to inform citizens of regulations, enforcing agencies and funding/financing.
- Provide tax incentives for people who make changes to achieve compliance.
- Enroll support of neighborhood organizations.
- Citizen education w/tax notices (perhaps) or any form.
- Citizen participation in volunteer "policing" efforts.
- Enforcement agency sensitization regarding the intent of Barrier Free Design.
- Serve Warrants.
- Better inspections.
- Make funds available in the form of low interest loan•§ and if possible outright
grants.
- Make certain you have solid codes and people to enforce them and action taken
after a complaint is registered... and results demanded and fines strictly given.
- We need a law whereby the zoning office must inspect annually and approve a
welfare family rented house. Strict code enforcement must be maintained in this
area to make it very difficult for slum landlords to let the structure fall apart
or look like 289 S. Magnolia.
•
- Publicize favorable results.
- More help.
- Faster processing.
- Quicker action.
- Closer follow-up government housing.
- General maintenance of property.
- Utilize volunteer code enforcers.
- Simple, clear information on codes --simplify code so everybody can understand it.
- Landlord enforcement.
- Accelerated legal process.
- Make monies available to assist the low income homeowner.
- Enforce the codes without favoritism to invididuals.
- Routine inspection and certification of rental housing.
- Public access phone number - "Hotline."
- Follow through by City Attorney's office.
- Zoning enforcements - abandoned cars, grass cutting, haulers, etc.
- Hire more city attorneys solely for code enforcement.
- Clarify and shorten the enabling clauses of the code.
- If possible, seat more judges.
- Bench -mark the city - divide specific enforcement areas.
- Put resources ($) behind the effort - backbone.
- Education of employees - codes, Dept. policy.
- Building codes need rewriting.
- Yearly inspection of all rental housing.
- Random inspections by area, then target funds/loans.
- Assist in receiving problems & follow-up.
- Tax incomes or otherwise to maintain properties tip-top.
- Improve management of hosuing rehab program.
- Stronger codes and enforcement for maximum occupancy in rental housing.
-33- I
•
- Court hearings.
- Contempt proceedings.
- Clamp down on junk housing owned by absentee landlords.
- Get rid of junk cars in yards.
- Cite more residents for flaking paint/bare-spots.
- Neighborhood watch groups could be on the alert for other problems.
- Stiffer penalties for non -enforcement.
- Affirmative action.
- More inspectors out in the streets - not behind desks. (3 responses)
- Prohibit all flood plain development.
- Show more concern over single and two family houses.
- Neighborhood appearance; empty lots, high weeds, trash, etc.
- Allowing any Pool Hall to be licensed in any resi. neighborhood.
- Close enforcement of the codes.
- Extensive remodeling, such as in several public buildings downtown.
- Stop using double standards.
- Rotate people in public service positions more often.
- Educate enforcement people as to.what to look for. Many times they look right
past the problem.
- More power by law.
- Stronger penalties for repeat violations - owners and offenses.
- Enforce existing code.' Useless on books and not enforced.
- Better ability in keeping complainant secret.
- Some form of procedure with follow thru.
- Notify people through direct mail.
- Print in State Journal.
- Work with CDC people and ask their help.
- Strictly enforce compliance time limits.
- Publicize violators.
-34-
•
LI
4
- We need swift court action to bring offenders into line, especially those who
rent their property.
- Make specific offices more readily accessible.
- Joint effort between -police., inspectors and judicial.
- Law enforced for renters to oversee property abuse by renters.
- Complete investigation of entire city to determine which homes, apartments and
other buildings are not up to code, (2) why they are not, and the owners.
- As a result of the investigation, specific recommendations need to be made and
implemented with time tables attached and of course penalties for non-compliance.
Better public information.
City Boards, Elected Officials and Government Employees
- See the Owner.
—Make code regulations information more available.
- Publish offenders name with pictures in State Journal.
- Less time given by the City to correct violations.
- Qualified inspectors.
- Survey of neighborhoods.
- Public information on public code thru churches, radio and newspaper.
- Community organization on a yearly basis.
- Make the people aware of types of violations.
- Central phone line.
- Larger fines for violators.
- More frequent inspections.
- More vigorous enforcement, including going to court.
- Require inspection prior to any sale of property.
- Provide court appearance ticket (summons) for code violations that are not
complied with after 2nd re -inspection (especially when there is no progress).
- Enforcement on all rental properties, on all resale properties on the seller.
- Scheduled, targeted, rotating inspections.
- Enlist neighborhood groups to help by reporting code violations.
-35-
- Properly educate neighborhood groups and individuals to assist and monitor
their respective neighborhoods for code violations.:
- Make available to public a handbook containing a condensed version of Lansing's
zoning code.
- Public awareness.
—Legal enforcement of codes.
- Training of enforcers.
- Publish their responsibilities in this area and advise that the public can report
violations and appeal action.
- Motivate inspectors to do their jobs more thoroughly.
- Put on a citywide campaign urging civic pride and responsibilities thru radio,
TV, ads, etc.
- Increase the number of inspectors.
- Provide more training and increase pay per qualifications, provide backing and
legal enforcement improvements.
- Periodic revision of ordinances.
- Work cooperatively with neighborhood associations.
- Inspect rental property periodically.
Rncinoeccc
- Improve attitude of enforcement staff.
- Compliance with present zoning and building codes.
- Establish billboard ordinance (not building signs).
Others
- Get info to the public.
- City attorney should be involved without question in all cases where enforcement
is concerned.
- Have a method of legally making violators obey code violations at once.
- Levy fines of so much moeny per day for those who go over time limits.
-36-
CODE COMPLIANCE SURVEY
IF A CODE VIOLATION EXISTED IN YOUR HOME, WOULD YOU TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A
PUBLICLY FUNDED HOUSING REHABILITATION PROGRAM?
Number of Responses
Yes Probably No No Opinion Total
- Citizens & Neighborhood 54 3 13 4 74
Organizations
- City Boards, Elected Officials
and Government Employees
9
1
10
1
21
- Businesses
1
0
2
0
3
- Others
2
0
1
2
5
TOTAL
66
4
26
7
103
DO YOU KNOW WHO TO CONTACT FOR REHABILITATION
ASSISTANCE?
Number of
Responses
Yes
No Total
- Citizens & Neighborhood
32
32
64
Organizations
- City Boards, Elected Officials and
9
11
20
Government Employees
- Businesses
2
1
3
- Others
1
4
5
TOTAL
44.
48
92
WHICH AGENCY
Citizens and Neighborhood Associations
- Planning and Zoning - However,the programs are not designed to help people..
.only to build the size of the Department (Planning and Municipal Development).
- Bob Harris's office (2 responses).
- Human Resources Department.
- Community Development - (2 responses)
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C
- Planning and Municipal Development (10 responses)
- Housing and Redevelopment
- Planning Department (2 responses)
- MSHDA
- Development Division (�5 responses)
- CDC #2, "CDC".
- Redevelopment & Planning
- Possibly Housing Commission
City Boards, Elected Officials & Government Employees
- Development Division of Planning and Municipal Development (5 "responses)
- Community Development (2 responses)
- Redevelopment
- Housing Redevelopment Division
Businesses
- Redevelopment
Others
- Residential Rehab. Division
IKO
•
CODE ENFORCEMENT AREAS
RANKING.
Priority
Total
Number of
Ranking
Activity
Score.
Responses
1
Fire Prevention
32
75
2
Trash
15
70
3
Structural Condition
12
65
4
Abandoned Vehicles
7
70
4
General Maintenance
7
72
5
Junk Yard
6
69
6
Animal Control
7
66
7
Incompatible Uses
6
66
8
Rodent Control
7
66
9
Mechanical/Electrical
9
68
Conditions
10
Screening/Fencing
8
77
11
Occupancy/Overcrowding
7
69
12
Front Yard Parking
7
66
13
Land Use (Zoning) Control
6
69
14
Home Occupation
7
62
15
Vacant/Boarded Structures
10
68
16
Noise/Vibration
7
67
17
Off -Street Parking
8
68
18
Odor
4
66
19
Rental Housing Inspection
8
69
20
Flood Plain Regulations
7
67
-39-
CODE COMPLIANCE SURVEY RESULTS
Currently Receiving Adequate
Code Enforcement
Total
Number of
Score
Responses
- Fire Prevention
•59
81
- Off-street Parking
46
79
- Land Use (Zoning) Control
44
79
- Home Occupations
40
77
Floor Plain Regulations
40
78
- Odor
39
81
- Screening / Fencing
39
83
- Mechanical / Electrical Conditions
36
80
- Structural Conditions
34
77
- Noise Vibration
31
78
- Incompatible Land Uses
30
81
- Rodent Control
26
77
Currently Receiving Inadequate
Code Enforcement
Total
Number of
Score
Responses
- General Maintenance
53
76
- Rental Housing Inspection
50
79
- Trash
48
80
- Vacant Boarded Structures
46
79
- Junk Yard
44
74
- Front Yard Parking
41
82
- Abandoned Vehicles
38
81
- Animal Control
37
79
- Occupancy / Overcrowding
36
79
- Rodent Control
26
77
—40-
CODE COMPLIANCE SURVEY
OTHER COMMENTS OR RECOMMENDATIONS - CITIZENS & NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATIONS
1.
2.
3.
3
5.
- Light a fire under the City Attorney's office
- Our area (Square One) stinks
- Dept. employees lack interest in citizen participation
- Total re-education of employees
- Housing assistance employees not Helpful
- People in program forced to use contractors .
not all that good w/undesirable reputation
- Dept. employees in weatherization program
don't know enough about the program and
what is cost effective.
- In dealing with department, no information
is offered (voluntary).
- Most of the department employees center
around employee attitudes
- In creating these departments we have created
a monster no one can control
- Employees should serve at the discretion of
the ELECTED OFFICIALS in terms of policy
procedures
- If the employees cannot adjust to the policies
of the new administration and are hostile they
should be removed, demoted or fired through
legal means.
- Put your resources into area who get most return
and easiest to enforce
- Front yard parking - help cure occupancy over-
crowding which is impossible to enforce
- Trash general maintenance
- Some people in area complain about coal loading
at Otto Eckert Power Plant
- Maintenance of City property (land and building)
should set an example worth following.
- Irritating paint and/or oil distillates from
Oldsmobile plant.
- Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this
survey. You have made me aware of something I
had no knowledge of. I would like to be more
informed.
- Some cities have very little codes and seem to
do•much better. Why?
- Businesses are too slow to follow,the screening
and buffering ordinance. Can you imagine the
frustration of residents adjacent to those
businesses.
-41-
•
0
OTHER COMMENTS OR RECOMMENDATIONS - CITIZENS & NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATIONS
6. - Not communicated properly to authorities, too long
to go to channels.
- Better regulation of landlord and better screening
of tenants.
- Not enough enforcement of general appearance as in
Parker and High. Peeling is terrible.
- Black bags sat at 1018 N. Penn. four weeks.
- Roach control should be controlled by maintenance
not health authorities.
- It takes long for complaints after inspectors turn
them in to get action from the City Attorney.
- Inspectors don't have authority to inspect rental
property without complaints.
- Emphasis on occupant/owner desire to comply. Punitive
efforts should be used in worst cases and as a last
resort.
7. - Not enough personel.
8. - There should be allowance made for overnight parking
in residential streets. City allows rental housing
downtown with no parking facilities thereby encroaching
on adjacent business lots.
- LCC/Lansing General/Sparrow Hospital have been allowed
to expand to the detriment of people living in the area.
- The City is too quick to allow development to increase
the tax base, including flood plain area, which
brought disasters to ourselves.
9. - City could improve general maintenance on its own
property - mowing and tree maintenance especially.
10. City harass property owners constantly yet ,according to
newspaper comment City Hall has only one stairway and
is a firetrap. There are no public restrooms. The
south wall leans into the north along Michigan Ave.
next to the Old Bank of Lansing. Yet this building
contains the people that try to enforce all the
rules... disgusting.
11. - Study traffic patterns into S. Grand Ave. to reduce
traffic flow, speeds heavily enforced and increase
hours street 496 may not be used.
12. -'Do a lot more in area of "house lotteries." as in
Louisville, New Orleans, Savannah, Mobile.
13. - General maintenance kept up and clean property is a
bonus for the neighborhood.
14. - Odor is a major problem at 2252 Tecumseh River Dr.
due to odor from Sewage Plant.
15. - Trash is the biggest city problem. Schools should
have programs addressing the problems and have
different classes police the school grounds every
week.
16. - Off street parking and after 2:00 A.M. parking should
be of minor concern. City should spend more time on
enforcement in business community and homes. Law
enforcement should be pro -active rather than re -active.
-42-
OTHER COMMENTS OR RECOMMENDATIONS - CITIZENS & NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATIONS
17. - Worked with city for more than 2 yrs,to correct
problems in our neighborhood yet the area continues
to deteriorate. Our assessment went down $400 this
year. We are tired of living where few people care
about their property. We are moving to Okemos.
18. - Very stiff enforcement of 1-3 families per single
family structure and couple it with number of
people in 1 to 3 family total, i.e., 10 people for
2 families, 13 for 3 families.
19. - More downtown owner input on task force.
20..- Stronger enforcement of River Island Plan.
21. - Stiffer enforcement of existing laws.
22. - Would like to see certain areas of the City made
more attractive such as the Logan St. area, around
Kingsley Ct., U.S. 27 North of Motor Wheel and the
general North Lansing area. The improvement of
downtown Lansing proves this can be achieved. The
whole of Lansing needs to look better.
23. - Excessive front yard parking where construction
vehicles travel the streets, cars were moved to
have one set of wheels on the shoulder or just
barely on the pavement and the other set on the
property to prevent blocking traffic.... Vehicle
storage in residential property.
24. - Would like to see house at corner of Lathrop &
Walsh St. to be boarded or sold or rented (vacant
for 2 years), owner trying to sell/rent/boarded.
Windows replaced in the fall and it sits just
waiting for some kids to throw rocks at it.
25. - The streets surrounding Irvington Ave should
'have yield signs. It's an important avenue
because there is a school close by & it connects
Cedar & Pennsylvania. There are many children
who walk to school. It is very dangerous.
26. - Unless you are closely involved in governmental
affairs, I don't believe you can make a reasoned
evaluation.
- I know there is an ordinance against front yard
parking and in many families where children are
still living at home, there is not room in the
driveway. There should be allowances made for
overnight parking.
-43-
OTHER COMMENTS OR'RECOMMENDATIONS CITY BOARDS, ELECTED OFFICIALS AND
GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES
1. - I am not terribly interested in enforcing codes-,
except in rental housing unless and until adequate
sources are made available to residents. I, for
example, am aware of several code violations in my
own house and am bringing them up to standard as
rapidly as possible. However, the work goes slowly
because I lack the capital to buy materials needed and
cannot afford to borrow the necessary funds at
commercial rates.
2. - Animal control very poor; trash in yards and at curb
constant problem; front yard parking too frequently
permitted; general condition of the city is very poor.
3. - Snow removal from private homes.
4. - Generally speaking, I believe that the public is not
aware of the code requirements of the City of Lansing.
Citizen awareness regarding building and zoning codes
might make it possible to enlist the aid of the public
to help in enforcement. Perhaps neighborhood groups
organized along the lines of the "Neighborhood Watch"
program could help in reporting code violations within
their respective neighborhoods. A handbook containing
a condensed version of Lansing's Zoning Code could be
made available to educate the public. It is unreason-
able to expect code enforcement officers to monitor the
entire city. If property educated, neighborhood groups
and individuals could assist in monitoring their
respective neighborhoods for code violations and report
them to the proper authority.
5. - Emergency fumigation program; "how to" program where
owner or tenant can receive practical advice and informa-
tion on home and landscape maintenance; in rental housing
owner should be cited for substandard conditions which
should include removal of dilapidated outbuildings,
fences, retaining walls, weeds and dead trees; tenants
should be cited for garbage in or out of structure and
negligent housekeeping that could endanger health.
6. - There was a ramshackled house with lean-to on West Holmes
Road between Pleasant Grove and Catherine Street on the
south side of the street occupied by an elderly black man.
When he died, I thought surely, the city would demand that
this place be torn down. It is occupied again and is an
eye -sore to a fairly decent neighborhood. Thank you for
being interested.
OTHER COMMENTS OR RECOMMENDATIONS - BUSINESS RESPONSE
- Most of the above (ranking code enforcement areas) fall
under the heading of harassing the citizens. Try a new
approach of demonstration projects then teaching the
benefits which result from the project to others.
-44-
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