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Code Enforcement
Outdoor Storage Abatement Program
General Information about Code Enforcement
Roanoke's zoning ordinance (Chapter 36.1, Article I, of the Code of the City of Roanoke) prohibits storing furniture, appliances, miscellaneous household goods, or other items on a front porch or in a yard for more than 24 hours.
A permit is required to erect a fence or deck. Before the permit can be issued, zoning approval is required and a building permit may also be required. For more information, contact the Development Assistance Center.
THE PROCESS
- The city receives a referral or complaint from an individual about outdoor storage or another zoning violation.
- City staff inspects the property to determine if there is a violation.
- The inspector updates the city's database and verifies property ownership.
- The inspector sends a certified letter to the property owner, who has 10 days to respond.
- City staff re-inspects and photographs the property.
- If necessary, the property owner is summoned to court. This step may take between two weeks and several months.
- The judge renders a decision on the violation. If the judge finds that a violation exists, he or she may assess a fine and provide a deadline to correct the violation. The judge may close the case or continue it until the violation is corrected.
- After the deadline passes, city staff re-inspects and photographs the property. If the violation is not corrected, the property owner is summoned back to court.
Note that it may take several months for the process to play out before the violation is actually abated. During this time, the city is actively pursuing abatement of the violation, and we appreciate your patience.
TO REPORT A VIOLATION
IF YOU WERE CITED...
If you were cited for a violation and would like to speak with an inspector, please call the Code Enforcement Office at 540-853-2344. Our goal is to obtain voluntary compliance. Most reasonable requests for extra time or for referrals for special assistance are granted, whenever possible.
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