Code Enforcement

Mission

To enhance the quality of life for our citizens by preserving the real estate values of property within the city limits through the enforcement of various City codes and ordinances pertaining to private property maintenance and use.

Objective

To enforce the codes and ordinances, adopted by our City Commission, that safeguards the life, welfare and property for all citizens.

Activities

Inspect residential and commercial properties to verify complaints or concerns regarding:

  • Structures that require repair, demolition, or are vacant and not secured
  • Unlawful yard accumulations
  • Weeds
  • Trees or shrubs blocking public rights-of-way
  • Zoning
  • Graffiti
  • Other private property use and maintenance issues
Complaint Process
  • When complaints are received they are entered into a database where case progress can be tracked.
  • An initial inspection is scheduled at which time the address and complaint are verified.
  • Ownership/responsibility is determined using Clark County property records.
  • Orders are issued through the US Postal Service to correct the identified violations.
  • After the order/notice is served, re-inspections are scheduled to check the progress made toward correcting the violation.
  • If violations are not corrected within the time allowed, the City will take action to have the violations corrected.

 

Correcting Violations
  • By contract, assign work to independent contractors for the removal of the violation, including the demolition of structures.
  • Issue civil fines or criminal charges for failure to comply with ordinances.
  • Invoice and collect, through the Revenue Collections Department, for services performed by our independent contractors – properties may also be assessed.

 

Making a Complaint

Even if you’re not sure if your complaint is valid or if Code Enforcement is responsible for your complaint go ahead and make it – let us make that determination. If Code Enforcement is not the appropriate agency to remedy your complaint we will forward it on to the correct agency.

  • Anyone can make a complaint.
  • All complaints are anonymous.
  • Three Code Enforcement Officers are responsible for investigating complaints made to the Division.
  • Complaints can be called into Code Enforcement at (937) 324-7385. Or use the Report a Concern feature of the website.
  • Complaints should include the address of the property and the nature of the complaint. If the address is unknown then a description of where the property is located should be given – i.e. west of, northeast corner of, etc. If we can’t find the property then we can not address your complaint.
  • Complaints can be emailed directly to sthompson@springfieldohio.gov.
Civil Fines

Civil Fines are an enforcement option that can be used as an alternative to criminal prosecution or other court proceedings to gain compliance to orders. Most initial Civil Fines can be reduced 75% if the violation is corrected.

If a hearing is not requested for a fine or if the fine is not paid within 7 days the fine amount becomes delinquent. If the delinquent fine is not paid after an initial billing by Revenue Collections then the fine amount is sent for collection.

Specific questions regarding Codified Ordinance Chapter 1324, Code Compliance, and/or Hearings, should be directed to our Legal Department.

Mow to Own Program

Mow to Own Application

Mow to Own FAQ

Other Information / Programs

Other Information

Programs

 

Other Assistance

Springfield Police Department

  • Getting inoperable or unlicensed vehicles towed from private property
  • Barking dogs
  • Noise

Clark County Combined Health District

  • Garbage not being removed weekly by a licensed hauler
  • Animal feces not being removed

Clark County Solid Waste District

  • Illegal Dumping
Frequently Asked
What do I need to do in order to hold a block party? - In order to have a block party, a permit must be completed and submitted at least 14 days in advance. You can find the permit here.
How can the City address vacant properties in my neighborhood? - If there are property maintenance violations at a vacant property, the City will go through the regular notification process whereby the legal owner is provided notice of the violation and given a date where compliance must be reached.
Are there restrictions on the storage of recreational vehicles on residential property? - Yes. In residential districts, special vehicles-vehicles more than seven and one-half (7 1/2) feet in height or more than twenty (20) feet in length which is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, street or body of water-may be stored on a well maintained gravel pad in the rear yard that is a minimum of five (5) feet from side and rear yard property lines. Such vehicles include but are not limited to a truck, trailer, tractor, wagon, or watercraft exceeding these dimensions. Such vehicles do not include temporary construction trailers when associated with an active construction project on the premises. A space used for storage of a special vehicle is to be at least equal in size to the outer perimeter of the special vehicle.
Where can I legally park my vehicles on my property? - Vehicles must be parked on asphalt, concrete, brick/block (permeable) pavers, grass pavers/porous pavement or pervious concrete.
Can a City code enforcement officer enter onto my property with or without my permission? - An officer/inspector may conduct an inspection from a location where they are legally entitled to be such as the public sidewalk, streets and alleys. An officer/inspector may enter onto private property to deliver notices or orders in connection to the enforcement of City ordinances. Officers/Inspectors may not enter the interior of a property without the owner’s consent.
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Mr. Stephen Thompson

Planning, Zoning and Code Administrator

Code Enforcement Officers

City of Springfield

Code Enforcement Officers

Contact by phone at (937) 324-7385.

Steve Thompson – send email

Kim Fultz – send email

Shawn McBride – send email

Randy White – send email

 

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