|
Overview |
Appeals Process
Dangerous Buildings
Housing Assistance |
Housing Codes
Tenants and Landlords
NPC Code Compliance Report
Overview
The quality, safety and aesthetic condition of
housing and businesses in the City of Battle Creek are a reflection of community
values. The physical condition of the city’s structures is unique compared to
other infrastructure in part because it is both a product of community wealth
and essential criteria to building prosperity. While the role of city government
in establishing building codes is clearly to protect the best interests of the
community as a whole, the crafting and enforcement of these codes must also
respect the rights of individuals.
The purpose of encouraging residents to keep
their houses up to minimum housing code standards is to maintain the appearance
and safety of our community’s housing stock. Appearance violations emphasize
the exterior, not because it is more important than interior issues, but because
the general public is only presented with the exterior view of the property.
Exterior issues expand beyond the structure itself, including inoperable
vehicles, junk, trash and garbage cans. Maintaining a neat, cared-for appearance
in a neighborhood is an important deterrent to crime. Studies have shown that
neighborhoods that look run-down or "like no one cares or is paying
attention," will attract more crime, from vandalism to petty theft and
worse.
Code
Compliance Officials work in neighborhoods to ensure compliance with the
city’s housing code. The primary concern of these officials is helping
property owners bring their property into compliance with the City Housing Code.
In order to do this, they address many issues, including inoperable vehicles,
junk and trash in yards, exterior housing violations, interior housing
violations on rental property, Neighborhood Enterprise Zone certifications and
rental inspections. By addressing these issues, they assist in making the City’s
neighborhoods stronger and more attractive places in which to live. In
situations where a property owner is elderly, or does not have the financial
resources to make repairs, the Code Compliance Official will work with the
individual to help them access assistance.
|
