Enforcement Process

The primary goal of code enforcement is to maintain the highest quality of life possible for residents by ensuring healthy and safe neighborhoods. That happens through enforcement of the Lowell Municipal Code, and specifically addressing issues that have been identified as a public health hazard, safety hazard or nuisance. The most common violations in Lowell include the following:

• Accumulations of garbage, junk and debris clearly visible from a street or alley
• Vegetation that needs to be cut back so that it doesn’t impact sidewalks or streets
• Grass and weeds greater than 12 inches in height
• Dismantled vehicle parts stored on private property clearly visible from the street
• Unregistered or inoperable vehicles parked within the public right-of-way

These code violations are identified through quarterly neighborhood sweeps conducted by staff or by the submission of a formal complaint (forms are available online below or at City Hall). In either case, the following steps are completed to ensure compliance:

• A door hanger is placed as a courtesy reminder for the specific code violation. The reminder provides 10 days to correct the violation.
• A follow-up inspection is conducted. The owner and tenant (if applicable) of the property is issued a warning letter if the violation has not been corrected and provided 10 days to abate or protest the violation.
• A second follow-up inspection is conducted. If the violation remains, the owner and tenant of the property may be issued a citation and/or notice of abatement. The cost of administration and abatement is assessed to the owner and/or the tenant.

Please note that cases involving vegetation or other violations which may pose an immediate health, fire, or traffic hazard follows a separate process due to the public safety risks involved. Such violations may be abated without prior notice to protect public health and safety.

The vast majority of code enforcement violations are resolved through public education and awareness. Fines and abatement are only intended to be used as a last resort to ensure compliance. Property owners or tenants that may be unable to correct the violations due to physical disability should contact City Hall to discuss special arrangements. If you have any questions regarding code enforcement, please feel free to contact City Hall during regular business hours at 541-937-2157.