Report Code Enforcement Violation The City of Bella Vista Code Enforcement Division is responsible for working to promote and maintain a safe and desirable living and working environment throughout the city, enforcing both state laws and local ordinances to correct violations and hazards that affect the safety and quality of life of residents and guests. Code Enforcement Officers have by state law authority to define and abate nuisances. They identify and investigate issues, and then enforce city ordinances and state laws, such as issues including health and safety, storm water management, parking, public nuisances, unsightly and unsanitary property conditions, and more. They are well-trained and have the authority to issue citations for violations if property owners fail to comply. The most common violations in our city include parking in the yard or on the street overnight, unsightly conditions, signs placement or size violations, building without a permit, trash service violations, and illegal dumping. The Code Enforcement Division is also responsible for overseeing the maintenance of vacant structures and abandoned property. The Code Enforcement Division is NOT responsible for enforcing civil matters between neighbors or criminal acts committed that don’t fall within the adopted municipal code. THE CODE ENFORCEMENT PROCESS Upon initial report of the violation, a Code Enforcement Officer will inspect the property and determine a violation. The officer will collect photos and attempt to contact the owner to notify that person of the violation and the remedial action required. If no immediate contact can be made, the officer will post notice of the visit, including the officer’s name and any comments necessary, in a visible location at the property. The case will be recorded in the city’s system, and a follow up inspection will be set for a minimum of seven (7) days following the initial visit. The owner of the property will be verified, and an official letter will be sent to the address, as well as the owner’s offsite address, if necessary. Upon the second inspection, photos will be taken of remedial efforts or the lack of those efforts. If the violation is not in compliance, a citation can be issued to the owner or any resident over the age of 18. If the officer is unable to make contact, a second door hanger will be left alerting the owner there is a citation pending. Code Enforcement officers’ goals are to get properties within compliance, not write a citation. In cases where no action is being taken to correct the issue, the city will seek an administrative warrant to clean or abate the property by hiring a contractor and placing a lien on the property. Report issues by email to codeenforcement@bellavistaar.gov or on the form below, or call Community Development Services at 479-268-4980. Name: Address: Phone: Email: Attachments, if any: Issue:
