Code office opens Web site

Spokane’s code enforcement office – the agency that goes after junk cars, illegal dumping and excessive accumulations of garbage – has a new look on the Web at www.beautifyspokane.org.

The office recently opened the new site to help residents with their complaints or to explain what is and isn’t a violation of property use in the Spokane municipal code.

“We wanted to have a direct link with the public,” said Heather Trautman, supervisor of the office. “We want to have better communication with the public.”

Residents who have complaints can obtain forms from the Web site and submit them by facsimile or in person at the code enforcement office at City Hall. Forms are also at City Hall and at neighborhood COPS shops.

The Web site also explains what is or is not a violation. In some cases, problems are the responsibility of another agency.

For example, barking dog complaints go to SpokAnimal CARE.

A question-and-answer section and photographs are used to explain the law and services.

The Web site was built by code enforcement clerk Michelle Hecker.

“There are lots of codes, so there are lots of potential violations,” Trautman said.

Tall dry weeds, excessive garbage, illegal dumping, vacant and dangerous buildings, parking in front yards and illegal business operations may be violations.

The city’s complaint form has been revised to make it easier to fill out, and complainants now may ask for confidentiality on the form.

Once a signed complaint is received, the office sends out a confirmation card with a complaint number.

The city handles about 3,000 complaints a year, and this year complaints are running at that level.

However, illegal dumping is up to 456 tons this year compared with 489 through the end of 2006.

Trautman said the department is working on the illegal dumping problem in part by taking out an ad in a local classified publication warning haulers against illegal dumping and advising residents they could be held liable if their trash is found illegally dumped by a hauler.

The office recommends asking for a receipt from one of the region’s solid waste facilities before making full payment to a hauler.