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1. I live in a subdivision with a homeowner association, will the Code Enforcement Division enforce the association’s bylaws, subdivision restrictions, or deed restrictions?

No. If someone in the subdivision is violating a provision of the association’s bylaws, it is the responsibility of the association to initiate legal action. The only regulations the Codes Enforcement Division can enforce are state and city laws.

2. How does code enforcement work?

Codes Enforcement officers routinely patrol their respective areas of the city for violations of municipal codes. In most cases, the problem exists simply because the owner is unaware of the provisions of the code. Codes Enforcement officers work on a complaint and proactive basis. When you submit a complaint the officer will begin a case file and confirm the violation. After confirmation the officer will issue a citation or warning until the party has corrected the violation.

3. Are there issues that code enforcement cannot address?

Yes. These items are not actually code violations.

• Vehicles or RVs that are legally parked
  
• Too many vehicles at one home
  
• Four or fewer unrelated people living in one dwelling unit
  
• House needing paint / landscape maintenance
  
• Vehicles that are tagged and licensed being parked in the owner's yard

4. Can I make an anonymous complaint?

Yes. The City of Cleveland routinely accepts anonymous complaints, and investigates and resolves such complaints in the same manner as concerns raised by identified complainants. Officers respond to code enforcement complaints according to the impact of the violation on the community. Situations that appear to pose a serious risk to health and safety are given top priority, others are pursued in the order in which they are received.

A report will be taken if the complaint is confirmed by the code officer. In most cases, your complaint is a public record and may be released upon request to persons who request a copy. You may also contact your city council representative if you wish to remain anonymous.

5. I phoned in a complaint weeks ago. Why has nothing been done to the property?

In all cases, the responsible party must be provided notice that there is a problem. They must be provided with a reasonable time period in which to correct the violation(s). This notice may be as simple as a visit from a code enforcement officer or the issuance of a citation to municipal or state court. Regardless of the type of service for the respondent(s) in your particular case, please rest assured that your complaint is important and is being handled in the most expeditious and appropriate manner.

6. How do I notify the city about a possible code violation?

You may file a complaint about a possible code violation by phone to (423) 476-1121, by email, or in person / writing to:
100 Church Street NE
Cleveland, TN 37311.

Please be prepared with specific information, such as:

• Identify the specific complaint or problem.
  Give your name, address, and telephone number.
  
• Give the location of the problem, street name, and house number. If address is unknown, give location of property, (i.e. northwest corner of 25th St and Keith St).
  
• Give specific description of complaint (i.e. description of vehicle, license plate number, type of trash or debris.

7. What are some of the things that would be considered a violation?

• Overgrown vegetation such as weeds, grass, vines, growth to a height of 12 inches or more.
  
• Accumulation of trash, litter, debris, garbage, concrete, scrap lumber or other building debris or other refuse of any nature.
  
• Any building or other structure which is in such a dilapidated condition that it is unfit for human habitation.
  
• To accumulate or store one or more inoperable or wrecked motor vehicle.

8. Do I need a permit to have a garage sale?

No, but the placement of the signs is regulated. Signs should be on private property and only with the owner’s permission. Signs that are mounted on street signs, utility poles or free standing in the street right-of-way are subject to removal. Friday, Saturday, Sunday and city holidays are the only authorized days for garage sales.

Garage sale hours are to be conducted from 8:00 am and 6:00 pm For more detailed information regarding garage sales and what you need to know please reference the Cleveland Municipal Code Section 9, Chapter 4.