Codes Enforcement for Kansas City
By: Mark Forsythe
December 1, 2006
Neighborhoods experiencing higher than average property crime often have higher
incidences of homes with property code violations. Run down property attracts crime.
It's called the "Broken Windows Theory." Chronic property code violations not only
attract crime and depress property values, they make a neighborhood an unwelcoming
place for anyone considering making a home there.
The codes enforcement process in Kansas City must be improved. The City Manager
is already in the process of hiring and training twelve new Codes Inspectors. I
support this and intend to get to know all of them quite well. Our inspectors need
to know that a councilperson is their ally, not a taskmaster sending them out to do
my bidding. I will encourage cross-training by Regulated Industries so liquor code
violations may be addressed as well.
Not all codes violations occur during business hours. We need to allow flex-time
for our inspectors so they can address issues that only seem to occur nights or weekends.
Until we begin to treat our codes inspectors like professionals, we cannot expect them
to adapt, change and even take part in revamping our codes enforcement process.
As your City Councilman I will make myself available to testify as your neighborhood
advocate in Housing Court. For too long repeat offenders have been let off with warnings.
If the court will not provide relief for our neighborhoods, perhaps the presence of a
councilman as your advocate will impress the need for justice.
Punitive enforcement is only one component of an overall strategy. There are no
magic bullets when it comes to care and upkeep of our neighborhoods. It takes an
active community, and citizens willing to take ownership of the problem. Together we
can insure our beautiful housing stock will remain in good condition for generations
to come.
