Environmental Violations 
Environmental problems include:

• Uncollected trash and garbage, litter and debris
• Fallen trees, stumps, dead trees and cut brush
• Demolition remains
• Appliances or furniture in yard
• Auto parts and scrap metal
• Grass over 9 inches tall

Departmental Procedures:

• The Inspector verifies a code violation and issues a written notice to the property's owner describing the problem, asking the owner to comply within 5 days.
• If there is no compliance, the Clean-Up Crew will clean the property and the property owner will be billed for the cost of clean-up. Minimum charge is $111.00.
• The City's Department of Solid Waste can remedy many problems that involve removal of trash and debris. They can be reached at 277-8823. 

Housing Violations 
Some of the basic housing code violations include: 

• Roofs that are not weather tight.
• Substandard or inoperable plumbing, electrical wiring or heating systems.
• Deteriorated and unsound structures.
• Open cracks and breaks in foundation walls.
• Lack of adequate heat and hot water.
• Holes and rotting boards in exterior walls 

Departmental Procedures 

1. An Inspector determines if there are a significant number of structural defects to make the house unsafe. Minor violations are also noted since they may lead to more serious problems.
2. A letter is sent to the property owner requesting the property owner to repair the violations in 15 or 30 days, depending on the seriousness of the violations.
3. If there is no compliance at the end of the designated period of time, the property owner is asked to appear before the Code Enforcement Hearing Officer.
4. At the hearing, a repair date is established with the property owner.
5. If the repairs are not made by that time, the case is referred to the Legal Department for legal action.
6. Extension may be granted to property owners who have exhibited a willingness to rehabilitate their property. 

Abandoned Vehicles  
A vehicle is considered abandoned if it meets the following description:   

• On private property and over 3 years old, mechanically inoperable and in a location visible from public property for 20 days OR
• On public property and partially dismantled or missing major mechanical parts OR
• On public property for a period of three days without being proven operable. 

Departmental Procedures

1. The Inspector verifies that the vehicle is considered abandoned according to Indiana State Law.
2. The vehicle is ticketed with a red tag advising the owner that the vehicle must be proven operable or removed.
3. If the vehicle owner has not complied within 72 hours, the vehicle is towed.
4. If the vehicle is valued at under $500, the vehicle is sold for scrap immediately.
5. If the vehicle is valued at over $500, the owners will receive written notification allowing them 15 days to reclaim their vehicle. 

Department of Code Enforcement 
227 West Jefferson Blvd. • Suite 1300 S 
South Bend, Indiana 46601
574.235.9486