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| Department of Code Enforcement |
News
Code Compliance & Community Relations Division Contacts
 Robin Collins, CBO CCEA., Supervisor, Codes Compliance Division - 468-5473
Shellie Lopez, Administrative Assistant II - 468-5473
Martin Bautista, Codes Compliance & Community Relations Officer II - 468-5460
Kent Lovelace, Codes Compliance & Community Relations Officer II - 468-5470
Nikki Vandermeer, Codes Compliance & Community Relations Officer II - 468-5485
FOR INFORMATION REGARDING CODE ENFORCEMENT LIENS OR LIEN PAYOFFS, PLEASE EMAIL LOPEZS@CITYOFNAMPA.US
COMPLAINT PRIORITY PROCESS Code Enforcement operates primarily on a reactive approach to dealing with violations throughout the City, in that they will be "complaint-driven". Such policy does not prohibit an officer from taking immediate action on an issue that will protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens.
Complaints will be inspected based on a priority level. Priority level 1 will be weeds, fire hazards, health hazards, open structures, and dangerous buildings. Priority level 2 will be trash, debris, junk, other nuisances, and abandoned vehicles. Priority level 3 will be zoning ordinance violations. Once an initial complaint is received, it will be categorized into its priority level for inspection. Time frames of inspection and compliance may vary based on the type of violation and the current work load. Spring and Summer are our busiest season, so please be patient as we work to help resolve these non-compliance issues. We are glad to be a partner with our community!
COMMON CODE VIOLATIONS
• Adult-Oriented Businesses
Adult oriented businesses, like all businesses, must be located in the appropriate zone. You may not run an adult-oriented business from your home.
• Apartments/Rentals in Substandard Condition
Landlords are obligated to maintain their rentals to the minimum standards set by the Uniform Housing Code and the Dangerous Building Code. Examples of violations include heating problems, plumbing problems, electrical problems, lack of weather protection and structural hazards.
• Businesses and Industry
Businesses and industry must have all required City approvals such as permits, inspections, and certificates of occupancy. These regulate many aspects of the business, such as the number of parking spaces, type of lighting, type of signage, plumbing requirements, type of land use, etc. If there has been a change in a local business that is affecting your neighborhood or home, the business may not be in compliance.
• Construction or remodeling without a permit
Property owners, agents, or tenants must get a permit to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, demolish or move a structure. In addition, they must get a permit to change the use of an existing structure (for example: to change a residence to a business; or to change a business into retail). Please contact Nampa Building Department for any questions.
• Dangerous Structures
Dangerous structures must be made safe or demolished. Dangerous conditions include potential structural failure, exposed electrical wiring, heavy fire damage, and abandoned open structures. Vacant buildings must be adequately secured by fencing and/or boarding.
• Fences
Fences must be both in sound condition and an appropriate height. Permits and approval are required for all fence installations. The zoning ordinance has different height restrictions based on the zoning, lot configuration, and location of such fence on the property. Please contact Nampa Planning and Zoning for information on fences.
• Fire Damaged Buildings
Code Enforcement is notified of structure fires and sends an officer to assess the damage and ensure the building is adequately secured. Buildings must either be repaired to meet code or be demolished. Such buildings can also be classified as an attractive nuisance.
• Garage Sales
Nampa residents may only conduct (1) garage or yard sales per calendar quarter. In addition, signs advertising garage sales may only be posted on the property where the sale is occurring for a maximum of (3) consecutive days. Signs are prohibited from being posted in the right of way, off premise, on light poles, etc. If you conduct more than the number of garage sales allowed, then you are considered to be running a business from home and are in violation of code. In addition, any posting of signs, other than on your property are in violation of the sign code and enforcement action may be taken.
• Garbage Cans left at the curb
Garbage cans must remain on private property except for the designated day of collection and the evening before.
• Illegal Dumping
You may not dump garage or unwanted items anywhere. There are landfills in the Canyon County area where you may take items that you no longer want for a fee.
• Junk, Debris & Accumulated Rubbish
Nampa residents may not accumulate garbage, rubbish, brush, debris, filth, or any other unsightly, objectionable or unwholesome matter on their property.
• Running a Business from a Home
Home businesses (home occupations) are highly regulated. Examples of prohibited businesses include, but not limited to; auto repair shops, a contractor’s yard, an adult-oriented business, and a retail business. You may not store commercial vehicles at your home.
• Signs
You may not post any type of sign in the right of way or on public property.
In residential areas, you may post the following signs on private property temporarily:
Contractor’s signs
Garage or yard sale signs
Neighborhood meeting signs
Political signs
Real estate signs
Off-premise signs are prohibited. For example, a garage sale sign can only be placed where the sale is taking place or a house for sale sign can only be placed on the property where the house is being sold.
In non-residential areas, all signs must be on private property. Permits are required for permanent signs and for some types of portable signs. For example; wall signs, freestanding or monument signs, reader boards, etc.
Banners, flags, pennants and streamers are strictly PROHIBITED within the City of Nampa.
• Stagnant Water
Stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Property owners and tenants must drain stagnant water on their properties. Typical sources of stagnant water include; pools, tires, and buckets.
• Trees and shrubs
Property owners/tenants must trim trees that overhand the street or sidewalks so there is at least 14’ of clearance above the street and alley way and at least 8' above the sidewalks. All shrubs and vegetation on a corner need to be maintained at 30" or below and all tree branches trimmed as not to create a vision obstruction of oncoming traffic.
In addition, any trees or shrubs must be kept maintained so that they are not obstructing any vision of traffic signage (stop signs, street signs, etc.), fire hydrants, or vision at street intersections.
Trees that are near or located in the right of way are required to be trimmed by a Certified Arborist. Please contact Nampa City Forrester for information on qualified contractors.
• Weeds/Grass over 8 inches in height
Grass and weeds must be less than 8” in height. Idaho State law requires that all noxious weeds must be eradicated in addition to mowing.
Property owners/tenants are responsible for the maintenance of front yards, side yards, back yards, and all right of way, sidewalks, alleys, canals/ditches adjacent to their property.
SIGN ORDINANCE SURVEY RESULTS ARE IN!
The City of Nampa is preparing to update the City’s Sign Ordinance section of the Municipal Code. Residents and business owners were invited to express their ideas and opinions, specifically the requirements for temporary and portable signage. Business owners and residents of the community participated in a written survey related to different types of signage and the safety, appearance, usefulness, quantity, and location of such signage. There was also an online survey that asked questions more related to the opinions and wants of the community. We believe this community involvement was a very need exercise. The Mayor, City Council and staff will be utilizing the results from such surveys to help seek solutions that may improve the needs and wants of the business community yet still preserve the climate and beauty of the City of Nampa. The uncontrolled proliferation of signage can turn a prospering community into an inhospitable place with tattered and confusing messages. Consequently, sign regulations are necessary to balance the need to communicate, with the desire to minimize traffic hazards, reduce clutter, and maintain a high quality of life. A summary of the Sign Survey has been provided for you below in our REPORTS section.
WATCH OUT FOR THOSE WEEDS!
Recent rains have left many residential and commercial property owners with the challenge and chore of getting rid of weeds and overgrown grass. Not only do overgrown weeds and grass pose a fire risk, they can be code violations and blight in our neighborhoods. The Nampa Code Compliance Division is encouraging residents to take steps now to control weeds and grass before they become a problem. Please keep grass and weeds cut and trimmed in your yard and adjacent sidewalks and right of way so that they do not exceed eight (8) inches in height. This will ensure compliance with Nampa City Codes.
About Parking Enforcement Services
Parking services, as part of the Code Compliance and Community Relations Division, provides safe and accessible parking for downtown Nampa and your neighborhoods and parks. The goal of parking services is to educate the public concerning parking policies and regulations, maximize the capacity of the existing parking supply through increased turnover, encourage compliance of the City's parking regulations, and to provide sound parking enforcement for the health, safety and economic vitality of the City. The City of Nampa has an ordinance that specifically addressed parking regulations. Some areas within our City that have specific limited-duration parking is in our Downtown area. Our Downtown has a combination of leased only parking stalls, two-hour parking, and some free parking areas. In addition, some residential neighborhoods near schools have time limited parking during school days only. Pay close attention to the signage around you as the signs will help delineate the type of parking that exists.
Citizen Complaint Affidavits
We request that all complaints have the complainant’s name, address, phone number, date of complaint, and nature of complaint to ensure evidentiary requirements. The purpose for this is to ensure the most reliable public service with validated complaint information. However, the City of Nampa Code Enforcement will accept anonymous complaints.
Foreclosed or Vacant Properties
Please help the City of Nampa address the vacant and neglected houses you have in your neighborhoods. Together, we can make a difference!
To report a vacant home in your neighborhood in the City of Nampa that is not being maintained, please call the Code Enforcement Division at (208) 468-5473 or submit an online complaint form.
Information on Graffiti Prevention and Removal as a Home Owner or Business Owner
Get more information about solutions to graffiti in our "downloads" section below. You will find helpful hints on prevention and removal methods as a homeowner and/or business owner. The information also provides links to national organizations with more useful tips and connections to community based resources.
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Mission
The Code Enforcement Division works in partnership with the City of Nampa residents and business owners to promote and maintain a safe and desirable living and working environment. We work with residents, neighborhood associations, public service agencies, business owners, and other City of Nampa departments to enhance the quality of life in our city by eliminating unsightly or hazardous conditions. Code Enforcement covers a variety of codes and ordinances that the city has adopted over the years to address issues and concerns that affect all aspects of our city's quality. We are committed to enforcing the City of Nampa's ordinances to abate and prevent nuisances within the community, always striving towards voluntary compliance. |
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