Government Command Center 16 items
Municipal Code Enforcement Due Process Checklist
Ensures a local code enforcement program provides constitutionally adequate notice, opportunity to be heard, and appeal before penalties or abatement.
14th Amendment Due ProcessMunicipal Code
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Inspection Authority
- Do code enforcement officers have authority to inspect established by ordinance? *
- For non-consensual inspections of private property, is an administrative search warrant obtained where required? *
- Are observations from the public right-of-way and consented entries documented with date, time, and photos? *
- Are officers trained on the specific code provisions they enforce? *
Notice of Violation
- Does the written notice of violation cite the specific code section violated and describe the condition? *
- Does the notice state the corrective action required and a reasonable time to comply? *
- Is the notice served by a method reasonably calculated to reach the property owner (personal, mail, or posting)? *
- Does the notice advise the recipient of the right to a hearing or appeal? *
Hearing & Adjudication
- Is an opportunity for a hearing before a neutral officer or board provided before final penalties? *
- May the respondent present evidence and witnesses at the hearing? *
- Is a written decision with findings issued after the hearing? *
- Are hearing records retained in accordance with the records retention schedule? *
Abatement & Appeal
- For imminent-hazard or emergency abatement, is expedited due process with prompt post-abatement review provided? *
- Are abatement costs and liens assessed only after notice and an opportunity to contest? *
- Is a route for judicial review or appeal to a higher authority available? *
- Are penalties applied consistently across similarly situated properties to avoid selective enforcement? *
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