Code Enforcement
Property Code Enforcement
About
Effective code enforcement enhances the quality of life for residents by:
- Protecting the health and safety of the public
- Preserves property values in the city
- Encourages pride in our community
- Encourages private and public investment in a neighborhood making Wooster a desirable location for residents and businesses to flourish.
The Building Standards Division works collaboratively with Planning and Zoning, Fire Prevention, the Public Properties and Maintenance Division, and the Wooster Police Division to ensure continued high standards for the City and businesses located here.
Compliance Program
The Property Code Compliance Program consists of:
- Complaint Investigations and
- Systematic periodic inspections in targeted areas of the City. These are areas with mostly older legacy housing that have higher maintenance needs.
Generally, complaint-driven inspections result in a violation 80% of the time, while targeted inspections result in a violation about 20% of the time. However, they effectively cover large areas and identify violations that may go unreported. Each type of inspection has advantages and limitations.
Activity
The Division performs over 1,000 Property Maintenance and Zoning Code inspections annually. About 90% of the cases with violations are closed for one of the following reasons.
- The owner resolved the issue/s or
- The City abated the violation, meaning the City mowed the grass, removed the garbage and debris from the property, or hired a contractor to perform other work. When this is done, the City will assess the cost of the work to the owner.
- The case was prosecuted in court, and penalties for non-compliance were imposed.
10% of the time, the violations are open and pending resolution.
Each year, on average, 5 - 10 houses are demolished.
How We Work
Inspectors investigate every complaint received or observed. After verifying a violation, the inspector will attempt to contact the owner and send them a letter notifying them of the code violation. Generally, we deal with owners and not tenants, as it is the owner's responsibility to manage their property.
Inspectors explain the City’s code requirements and the reasons behind them. This educational component helps strengthen partnerships and reduces the number of cases that need to be resolved by legal action. We will work with owners to resolve violations. The case is referred for prosecution if it is not resolved within the prescribed time. Most violations are resolved within a few days, but some situations may take months. Most of the time, a reasonable timeframe can be agreed to as long as a plan is in place. The City’s goal is voluntary compliance, not prosecution and penalties.
We have created a place for you to submit any questions, complaints, or observations about the City.
Submit Code Enforcement Complaints
2018 International Property Maintenance Code 302.4 Weeds
All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of twelve inches. All noxious weeds shall be prohibited. Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs provided; however, this term shall not include cultivated flowers and gardens. Upon failure of the owner or agent having charge of a property to cut and destroy weeds after service of a notice of violation, they shall be subject to prosecution in accordance with Section 106.3 and as prescribed by the authority having jurisdiction. Upon failure to comply with the notice of violation, any duly authorized employee of the jurisdiction or contractor hired by the jurisdiction shall be authorized to enter upon the property in violation and cut and destroy the weeds growing thereon, and the costs of such removal shall be paid by the owner or agent responsible for the property.
2018 International Property Maintenance Code 308.1
Accumulation of rubbish or garbage. All exterior property and premises, and the interior of every structure, shall be free from any accumulation of rubbish or garbage.
City of Wooster Codified Ordinance 1169.10
Any vehicle shall be parked only in parking areas specifically constructed for such a purpose and shall not be parked on lawns, treelawns or sidewalks.
2018 International Property Maintenance Code 304.2
Protective treatment. All exterior surfaces, including but not limited to doors, door and window frames, cornices, porches, trim, balconies, decks, and fences, shall be maintained in good condition. Exterior wood surfaces, other than decay-resistant woods, shall be protected from the elements and decay by painting or other protective covering or treatment. Peeling, flaking, and chipped paint shall be eliminated, and surfaces repainted. All siding and masonry joints, as well as those between the building envelope and the perimeter of windows, doors, and skylights, shall be maintained weather-resistant and water-tight. All metal surfaces subject to rust or corrosion, and all surfaces with rust or corrosion shall be stabilized and coated to inhibit future rust and corrosion. Oxidation stains shall be removed from exterior surfaces. Surfaces designed for stabilization by oxidation are exempt from this requirement.
2018 International Property Maintenance Code 304.7
Roofs and drainage. The roof and flashing shall be sound, tight, and not have defects that admit rain. Roof drainage shall be adequate to prevent dampness or deterioration in the walls or interior portion of the structure. Roof drains, gutters, and downspouts shall be maintained in good repair and free from obstructions. Roof water shall not be discharged in a manner that creates a public nuisance.
2018 International Property Maintenance Code 302.8
Motor vehicles. Except as provided for in other regulations, no inoperative or unlicensed motor vehicle shall be parked, kept, or stored on any premises, and no vehicle shall at any time be in a state of major disassembly, disrepair, or in the process of being stripped or dismantled. Painting of vehicles is prohibited unless conducted inside an approved spray booth. Exception: A vehicle of any type is permitted to undergo a major overhaul, including body work, provided that such work is performed inside a structure or similarly enclosed area designed and approved for such purposes.
2018 International Property Maintenance Code 302.7
Accessory structures. All accessory structures, including detached garages, fences, and walls, shall be maintained structurally sound and in good repair.
2018 International Property Maintenance Code 304.10
Stairways, decks, porches, and balconies. Every exterior stairway, deck, porch, and balcony, and all appurtenances attached thereto, shall be maintained structurally sound, in good repair, with proper anchorage and capable of supporting the imposed loads.
2018 International Property Maintenance Code 304.13.1
Glazing. All glazing materials shall be maintained free from cracks and holes.