TYPES OF CASESCases that come before the Department include violations of property maintenance, zoning, solid waste, and illegal dumping ordinances.
Blight violations are civil cases. Formerly processed as criminal misdemeanors, they were - until recently - adjudicated at the 36th District Court. Such violations often became part of a large backlog at that court, and many cases were not effectively prosecuted. The new method of handling blight violations, under the DAH, is designed to be more efficient.
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
The Property Maintenance Division of the DAH hears cases filed by Buildings and Safety Engineering Department. In these cases, Blight Violation Notices are issued by building and health inspectors and by police officers. Violations in these cases include, but are not limited to:
- Failure to obtain certificate of compliance
- Failure to obtain a certificate of rental registration
- Rat harborage
- Failure to remove snow and ice
- Inoperable vehicles
- Failure to maintain exterior of property
- Failure to comply with emergency orders
ZONING
The Zoning Division of the DAH hears cases filed by Buildings and Safety Engineering. In these cases, Blight Violation Notices are issued by building inspectors. Violations in these cases include, but are not limited to:
- Violations of special land use grants
- Change of land use without a permit
- Change of building use without a permit
- Failure to obtain the required certificate of maintenance of grant conditions
SOLID WASTE AND ILLEGAL DUMPING
The Illegal Dumping and Solid Waste Division of the DAH hears cases filed by the Department of Environmental Affairs. Blight Violation Notices in these cases are issued by health and environmental inspectors, police officers and Neighborhood City Hall managers. Violations in these cases include, but are not limited to:
- Early or late placement of courville containers at the curb
- Improper set-out of bulk waste
- Improper storage of solid waste
- Animal and fowl excrement violations
- Illegal dumping