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Code Enforcement

My neighbor is building a fence over my property line. Can the City help?

No. Property line disputes are private civil matters between property owners, and the City does not have the authority to determine or enforce private property boundaries.


What can I do instead?

If you believe a fence or other structure is crossing onto your property, you may want to:

  • Review your property survey or deed
  • Speak directly with your neighbor to try to resolve the issue
  • Contact a licensed surveyor to confirm property lines
  • Seek advice from a private attorney if the issue cannot be resolved informally

Why can’t the City get involved?

The City enforces public laws and codes but does not have legal authority to settle private property disputes. Determining property boundaries requires legal documentation and, in some cases, court involvement.


Example

If a fence is built a few feet over the property line, the City cannot require it to be moved unless it violates a city code (such as height or visibility rules). Ownership and placement relative to the property line must be resolved between the property owners.

I reported a property weeks ago. Why hasn’t anything happened yet?

We understand it can be frustrating when a reported issue doesn’t seem to be resolved right away. In every case, the property owner or responsible party must first be notified that there is a violation and given a reasonable amount of time to correct the issue.

Notification can take different forms. Sometimes it’s as simple as a visit from a Code Enforcement officer or another authorized City employee. In other cases, it may require certified mail, repeated attempts to make contact, or even issuing a formal citation if the responsible party does not respond.


Why does this take time?

The City is required to follow due process, which ensures that everyone is treated fairly and legally. While this can take time, it helps ensure violations are resolved properly and stand up to legal requirements.


Please know

Your complaint is important. Even if you don’t see immediate changes, the case is being actively tracked and handled in an appropriate manner until it reaches compliance or moves to the next enforcement step.

I live in a neighborhood with a Homeowners’ Association (HOA). Can the City enforce HOA rules?

No. While many neighborhoods have HOAs with their own rules and bylaws, the City does not enforce HOA regulations. If someone in your neighborhood is violating an HOA rule, it’s up to the Homeowners’ Association to address the issue and take any necessary legal action.


What can the City enforce?

The City’s Code Enforcement Department can only enforce city laws. HOA bylaws are private agreements between property owners and the association and fall outside the City’s enforcement authority.


Why is this important to know?

Understanding who enforces which rules can save time and frustration. Reporting HOA-related concerns directly to your association will usually lead to a faster resolution.


Example

If your HOA has rules about fence height, paint colors, or parking in driveways, those issues must be handled by the HOA.

What is not allowed on public streets?

No one may park—or allow a vehicle to be parked—on a public street, alley, or right-of-way for the main purpose of:

  • Displaying a vehicle for sale
  • Greasing or repairing a vehicle (except for emergency repairs)
  • Selling merchandise from a vehicle unless specifically authorized
  • Using a vehicle for storage, junk, or dead storage for more than 15 hours
  • Displaying advertising from a parked vehicle
  • Parking or storing a vehicle for more than 72 consecutive hours
  • Parking in a way that creates a traffic hazard or interferes with normal traffic flow

Why does this rule exist?

These rules help keep streets clear, safe, and available for their intended use—everyday travel and short-term parking. They also prevent abandoned vehicles, visual clutter, and unsafe conditions in neighborhoods.


Examples

  • A car with expired registration parked on the street may be cited and even towed
  • Leaving a vehicle parked in the same spot on the street for more than 72 hours is not allowed and is a citable offense
  • Parking a car on the street to display the vehicle as for “For Sale” is not permitted
  • Working on or storing a vehicle on the street is not allowed
Can I park an unregistered vehicle or park my car for other purposes on the street?

All vehicles parked on a public street, alley, or other public right-of-way must be currently registered and display valid registration (or have a valid permit in place of registration). Vehicles that are unregistered, have expired registration, or don’t display current registration may not be parked on public streets.

In addition, public streets are meant for temporary vehicle parking and travel, not for long-term storage or other uses.

Can I leave my RV, utility trailer, or boat parked on the street or in my front yard?

We get it — RVs, trailers, and boats are a big part of life for many residents. To keep neighborhoods safe and accessible, especially for fire trucks and other emergency vehicles that may need quick access to homes, these vehicles can only be parked on a public street, alley, or right-of-way for up to 24 consecutive hours in a calendar week. They also cannot be parked in the required front yard setback (typically 20ft with some exceptions).

For longer-term parking, please use a driveway area outside the front setback or a designated storage facility.


Why does this rule exist?

Large vehicles can limit visibility, narrow streets, and block access for firefighters, paramedics, and police during emergencies. This rule helps ensure emergency crews can reach homes quickly while also keeping streets clear and neighborhoods looking their best.


Example

If you park your boat on the street on Saturday at 10:00 a.m., it must be moved by Sunday at 10:00 a.m. You can’t leave it there again for another 24-hour period during the same calendar week. Parking the boat in your front yard setback is not allowed at any time.