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1. What is code enforcement?

Code enforcement is a broad term used to describe actions that city staff take to ensure that city ordinances are followed. These ordinances often address operation of businesses, environmental issues, maintaining properties, parking, and other concerns of public health, safety and welfare.

2. What do code enforcement officials do?

City staff involved in code enforcement activities primarily work in the Police and Community and Economic Development departments. They perform different tasks to bring violators into compliance, such as, building or property inspections, educating and notifying property owners of violations, coordinating with State and County staff, and issuing citations when necessary.

3. What types of violations can the City enforce?

Violations may include parking issues, weeds, yard waste and debris, inoperable vehicles, abandoned vehicles, yard parking, sidewalk and street obstructions, illegal dumping, pest control, storm drain pollution, homeless camps, people living in trailers, business license violations, illegal camping, failure to remove snow, additions to a building without a permit. and other similar issues.

4. Are there issues the City cannot enforce?

Code enforcement officers are unable to enforce if no violation of a code or statute has occurred. Listed below are several examples that code enforcement officers typically cannot resolve:

• Property line disputes.
• Unkempt properties, i.e., peeling paint, failing roof, dead grass, fallen fence, broken concrete.
• Landlord’s failure to repair the roof or control parking issues at an apartment.
• Tree branches or limbs hanging over the property line.
• Legal parking on a public street (there are rules about what type and how long a vehicle can be parked on a street).
• Barking or dangerous dogs or other animals. These concerns should be directed to Murray City Animal Control.
• Certain actions on private property such as vehicle impounds are outside a code enforcement officer’s jurisdiction. Many other violations such as the ones listed above, however, are enforceable in residential yards and business yards/lots.
• Although citations may be issued, code enforcement officers are not able to perform or facilitate the actual clean-up of waste/debris or vehicles from residential and/or business yards.

5. Can the City enforce homeowners' association (HOA) codes, covenants and restrictions (CC&R's)?

The short answer is “no”. Although residents in an HOA are required to meet the same standards as other residential areas in the city, the additional restrictive covenants required by an HOA are an agreement between the homeowner and the HOA and can only be enforced by the HOA.

6. How do I file a complaint?

The best way to file a complaint is through the City’s website. Look on the home page of www.murray.utah.gov for the “Report a Concern” option. Clicking on this link will bring up a fillable form. Using the website is the fastest way to make sure all the different City staff who help with code enforcement can see the complaint and respond. It also helps us to track progress as a team, and keep you informed if you wish. A complaint can also be filed by calling the following:

• Police department dispatch at 801-840-8400
• Police department receptionist at 801-264-2673
• Community & Economic Development at 801-270-2420

7. How long does it take for someone to respond to my complaint?

Most complaints are assigned to a code enforcement officer within 24 hours. Most often, the first step is a city inspection of the property or situation. Depending on the backlog and circumstances, a Code Enforcement officers can perform the inspection and respond to the complainant within 1-2 working days.

8. How long does it take to resolve a violation?

After the city gives notice, the property owner is given a reasonable amount of time to resolve the violation. For example, a complaint about tall weeds on a property is usually resolved within 14 days. Most property owners are willing to resolve a violation on their own after receiving notice. If the property owner is unwilling to cooperate, complaints can take more time to resolve, especially if a citation is issued and the item has to be taken through court proceedings

9. What are legal actions the City might take to resolve a violation?

Most issues can be resolved without taking legal action. However, depending on the violation and the willingness of the property owner to cooperate, the complaint may result in a citation and is referred to the city prosecutor. In some instances, cases are taken to court and can take months to resolve.

10. Am I responsible for violations that existed prior to my purchase of the property?

The short answer is “yes”. A new owner could be required to cut weeds or remove inoperable vehicles from a yard area no matter how short a time they have been in possession. If a prior property owner or occupant was charged, that person will be responsible for answering to the condition of the property at the time the violation occurred. If a new owner or occupant takes control of the property and violations still exist, the new owner is responsible for bringing the property into compliance.

11. Does the City patrol areas looking for violations?

Code enforcement officers spend most of their time responding to complaints. However, they will follow up on issues that have come to their attention while in the field working on other complaints or issues.

12. When are code enforcement officers available?

Code enforcement officers are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. If immediate attention is needed after hours, please contact Murray Police dispatch at 801-840-4000.

13. What other agencies work with the City to resolve code enforcement complaints?

Many problems, such as; pest/vermin control, meth contaminated homes, unsafe living conditions, and homeless camps; are under the jurisdiction of the Salt Lake Valley Health Department (SLVHD). Murray City code enforcement officers do coordinate with SLVHD on these matters. They also work closely with several other agencies, including, the Murray City fire marshal, Utah State Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, Murray City Power, Murray City storm water, Murray City building and business licensing divisions, and others when required.