Examples of Code Enforcement problems

Examples of Types of problems the Code Enforcement Department can handle:

Trash and debris– Any garbage, trash, appliances, old furniture, or scrap material must be removed from the property.

Inoperable vehicles on private property– Vehicles without current license plates or are not in operating condition shall not be parked or stored other than in a completely enclosed garage.

Dangerous or substandard buildings– Building and housing codes protect the safety of a property’s residents or visitors. The Village of Posen is very concerned with illegal or non-permitted room additions, garage conversions, or open and accessible abandoned buildings.

Parking in yards– Motor vehicles parked or stored on any residential zoning lot shall be placed on a parking surface composed of asphalt or concrete wholly encompassing the area underneath the vehicle.

Painting – Protective treatment–All exterior surfaces, including doors, door and window frames, cornices, porches, trim, balconies, decks and fences shall be maintained in good condition. Exterior wood surfaces, other than decay-resistant woods, shall be protected from the elements and decay by painting or other protective covering or treatment. Peeling, flaking and chipped paint shall be eliminated and surfaces repainted.

Windows– All glass materials shall be maintained free from cracks and holes. Boarded up windows are not allowed except for emergencies.

House Numbers– All buildings shall have approved address numbers placed in a position to be plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. These numbers shall contrast in color with their background to make them clearly visible. Address numbers shall be a minimum of 4 inches high with a minimum stroke width of one-half inch.

Animals – No more than 3 domestic animals are allowed on a property. Pets are required to be licensed with the Village.

Fences – All fences must be maintained structurally sound and in good repair.

Swimming pools– Every outdoor swimming pool, whether above-ground or level with the ground, having a maximum depth of over 18 inches shall be completely surrounded by a fence not less than five feet in height. The walls of any aboveground swimming pool shall not be deemed to constitute such a fence in and of themselves. Properties that have swimming pools must have self closing and self latching gates to prevent accidents.

Grass and weeds– Grass, weeds, or plants, other than trees, bushes, flowers, agricultural crops, or other ornamental plants are prohibited to grow to a height exceeding 8 inches on improved lots or 12 inches on unimproved lots. Open areas containing such growth in excess of these heights shall not be considered a nuisance provided such open areas are a minimum of 100 feet from the property of a complainant or the public right-of-way.

Garage sales– One garage sale per year is allowed per address, with the exception of the Village wide garage sale becoming a second. A permit is required and can be obtained from Village Hall. Up to four signs advertising the sale are permitted to provide directions to the general public as to how to reach the sale. Such signs may be posted on parkways, provided that all such signs must be freestanding and self-supporting. Such signs may not be posted more than one hour prior to the sale and must be removed within one hour following the conclusion of the sale. It shall be unlawful for any person holding a sale to post any sign or signs on utility poles, trees and/or street signs within the village.

Home operated businesses– Some home businesses that do not generate customer traffic, noise, or have visible storage of material may be allowed under a Home Occupations Permit. Other types of businesses that disrupt the neighborhood are not allowed.