PRACTICE AREAS

Code Enforcement
Conflicts & Ethics
Contracts & Public Works
Elections
Environment & Toxics
Franchises & Utilities
Labor & Employment
Land Use & Zoning
Law Enforcement
Litigation
Mining
Municipal Organization
Native Americans
Property Acquisition & Takings
Public Finance
Redevelopment & Housing
Rent Control
Risk Management & Torts
Solid Waste
Water

Code Enforcement

We take pride in our communities and in making sure effective code enforcement programs are in place. We have extensive experience in handling a wide range of code enforcement matters including formal and informal code enforcement processes taking advantage of all appropriate legal remedies, including collaboration with police, fire, and sheriff departments. We understand the primary goal of code enforcement is compliance, and we gear our efforts toward solving problems while minimizing costs.

Expertise

  • Enforcement of municipal, zoning and uniform codes
  • Public nuisance law
  • Abatement actions
  • Criminal prosecution of code violations
  • Civil and Gang injunctions
  • Focused Code Enforcement programs for At Risk Neighborhoods
  • Strategies for cost recovery
  • Ordinance drafting for maximum effectiveness
  • Streamlining and analyzing enforcement processes for efficiency
  • Administrative citation process
  • Administrative hearings including conditional use permit revocation
  • Training of staff, including workshops, for proper investigation, reporting and case preparation techniques

Expertise in Action

Our team of experienced attorneys is available any time to answer questions and provide assistance to code enforcement officers to ensure cases are handled efficiently and effectively. In addition, because we deal with general municipal law representation, our approach is comprehensive and creative. Besides working with the code enforcement staff, we are aware of larger trends in the community and can draft ordinances and model creative legislative solutions. At the same time, sensitive to the city’s overall legal budget, we work closely with a city’s code enforcement staff, animal control, planning staff and judicial officers to create a streamlined process and minimize litigation. Our “team” approach to solving code enforcement problems is unique. We blend creativity and experience to find the method that is best for each client and each case. Our clients are assured the best possible legal assistance at a cost-effective rate comparable to those of narrowly-focused specialty firms.