The Chicago Tribune has taken on lenders over the devastation that has befallen neighborhoods while they sit back and let property deteriorate. I’ve noticed a phenomenon in my […]
Code Enforcement / Foreclosure / Ordinances / property maintenance
Posted on:
No end in sight for foreclosures and dropping home prices
Thirteen percent of U.S. homes are now vacant according to a new report in the Huffington Post. Prices are dropping but people who have the money to buy […]
Code Enforcement / Foreclosure / Ordinances / Politics / Politics and building codes / property maintenance
Posted on:
Inspectors support bill holding lenders responsible
There’s a bill pending in Illinois which would allow local governments to pass ordinances that would make lenders responsible for the upkeep of vacant properties in foreclosure. Needless […]
Building Codes / Code Enforcement / Court cases / Ordinances
Posted on:
Death at construction site
There’s a very sad story about the death of a worker in New York City at a development owned by someone who keeps getting sued by the city […]
Code Enforcement / Ordinances / property maintenance
Posted on:
Licensing Landlords
It always disheartens me when an important rental inspection ordinance encounters opposition. Based on personal experience, I am convinced that a well executed ordinance can prevent buildings from […]
Building Codes / Code Enforcement / Ordinances / property maintenance
Posted on:
Demolition and Preemption
Inspectors often get frustrated with how slow demolition suits proceed through the court system under their state statutes. Most states establish a a strict procedure that must be […]
Code Enforcement / Ordinances
Posted on:
Mowing Season
It’s that time of year again when I get questions about notice to offenders who don’t cut their grass. Some of the inspectors complain that owners of property […]
Building Codes / Code Enforcement / Fire Prevention / Ordinances / property maintenance
Posted on:
Which Code Should I Use?
I recently did an all day training for the Illinois Fire Inspectors Association and I found myself talking about using multiple codes for violations. Fire inspectors often work […]
Ordinances
Posted on:
The Importance of Definitions
I can’t stress enough how important it is to have definitions in ordinances that are clear and understandable. Recently I tried to help out a friend who was […]