What is Code Enforcement?

9Code Enforcement includes the inspection, improvement, and rehabilitation of environmental hazards on public and private property by determining the presence of health hazards, nuisance violations, unsafe building conditions, junked and inoperable motor vehicles and violations of any health regulations or ordinances. Violations may be located by the Code Enforcement Officer or reported by any person. Upon inspection by the Code Enforcement Officer, the violator is notified of the violation, instructed on possible solutions and given a time frame in which to have the violation corrected. Non-compliance may result in the City of Lufkin correcting the problem and billing the property owner for all work required, and/or a complaint being filed in Municipal Court against the violator.

The City of Lufkin is governed by a collection of rules called the Code of Ordinances. The code contains ordinances of a general and permanent nature prescribed for and affecting the public as a whole.

With the high visibility and volatility of violations which often affect everyone in the city at some point, the Code Enforcement Officer is often the mediator between complainant and a violator. A solution to a violation must be fair to all parties involved, while bringing the violation within compliance of local laws.

See the Code Enforcement Map of Lufkin Here.

Penalty

Any person, firm or individual who shall be in violation shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined in any sum not exceeding $500.00, and each and every day’s violation shall constitute a separate and distinct offense.

You may report your complaint by phone by calling 936-633-0298, by email (addresses on are on the Code Enforcement Map) or in person.

How to report a violation.

When reporting a violation, give as much information as possible.

Answer the questions – Who? What? When? Where? and How?

Steps to take when calling in a violation

  • Confirm the violation before calling.
  • Describe the problem.
  • Be able to identify the location.
  • (Example: Street address, intersecting corners, the nearest house address or any identifying markers.)
  • Give an owners name, if known.

Common Code Violations

Sign Violation

 Unknown Image It shall be unlawful for any person to post, tack, or in any manner place signs on utility poles or within the right-of-way. It is also unlawful to erect off premise signs, which is a sign or structure used for advertising or display not located on the premises on which said sign or structure is located. This includes garage sale notices, lost pet signs, advertisements, etc.

Weeded Lot

 Unknown Image It shall be unlawful for any person to allow grass, weeds or brush to grow or flourish more than 12 inches from the surface of the ground.

Inoperable/Junk Vehicle

 Unknown Image An abandoned or junked vehicle is defined as a vehicle that is self propelled and does not have lawfully attached to it an unexpired license plate or a valid motor vehicle inspection certificate; is wrecked, dismantled or partially dismantled or is inoperable. An inoperable vehicle is in violation if it remains inoperable for 72 hours on public property or thirty days on private property.

Illegal Dumping

 Unknown Image A person commits an offense if the person disposes or allow or permits the disposal of litter or other solid waste at a place that is not an approved solid waste site including on public or private property or on a right-of-way.

Unsightly Conditions

 Unknown Image It shall be unlawful for any owners of any premises, whether public or private, to place on or allow to e placed upon, any garbage, litter, junk, rubbish, refuse or any other unsightly conditions.

Stagnant Water

 Unknown Image It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation who shall own or occupy any lot or lots in the city to permit or allow the accumulation of stagnant water thereon or to permit the same to remain.

Tire Disposal

 Unknown Image Used tires may not be stored, deposited, or disposed of in a manner that may cause the pollution of the surrounding land, the contamination of groundwater or surface water, or the breeding of insects or rodents. Tires are to be disposed of in a lawful manner.

Water / Sewer Leak

 Unknown Image It shall be unlawful to permit or allow the leakage of water, sewage or other matter onto private or public property.

Litter Proliferation

 Unknown Image It shall be unlawful to sweep into or deposit in any storm sewer, gutter, street, or other public place within the City the accumulation of litter from any building, lot, public or private sidewalk or driveway. Any person owning or occupying residence or a place of business shall at all times maintain the premises free of litter.

Graffiti

 Unknown Image An owner of property commits a violation if he or she fails to remove or allow removal of any and all graffiti from his or her property, when said graffiti is visible from public property, public right-of-way or any private property other than that on which the graffiti exists.

Mobile Home Fire Resistant Skirting

 Unknown Image Fire resistant skirting with the necessary vents, screens and/or openings shall be required on all mobile homes in mobile home parks and shall be installed within ten days after emplacement of the mobile homes. (Wood lattice panels are not an option)

Covering Junked Vehicle

 Unknown Image An inoperable vehicle may be covered by a contour fitting cover for a maximum period of six months from receipt of notice of such violation. The vehicle must be totally covered and the cover must remain in new or like new condition during this probationary period. (Tarps are not an option)