Waxhaw Happenings October 2019 | Page 6

CR ACK ING THE CODE: WA X H AW ’ S C ODE E N F ORC E M E N T DI V I S ION The Town of Waxhaw would like to recognize and thank the Code Enforcement Division for their successful efforts in improving the beautification of our town and enhancing the safety and well- being of our citizens. Many communities similar in size to our town, do not have their own Code Enforcement Division, this is often something that is handled at a county level. Our Code Enforcement Division is responsible for enforcing property maintenance codes throughout the town. These codes ensure owners maintain their property which helps to protect citizens’ health, safety and welfare. Code Enforcement has a direct impact on preserving the livability and property value of Waxhaw neighborhoods. Some examples of issues Code Enforcement is responsible for investigating include, excessive vegetation and/or weeds. This is not monitored based on the principle of esthetics, such as how an HOA would operate, but rather from a health and wellness perspective. Code Enforcement’s goal is to avoid allowing an environment that would be conducive to the livability of wild animals or standing water which would attract mosquitos and bacteria. In addition, the Code Enforcement team is responsible for monitoring excessive junk on a property such as trash and debris and unusable motor vehicles. Many of Code Enforcement’s duties are directly related to preserving the safety of Waxhaw’s residents. For example, they enforce the Minimum Housing Code which protects renters and holds landlords accountable for maintaining a livable and safe environment for their renters. They keep an eye out of unpermitted construction work, illegal dumping, and dilapidated or unpermitted accessory buildings.