Code Enforcement

Illegally placed signs seized by city code enforcement.

Building permits are issued by the Building Inspections Division.  Please click here to be directed to the Inspections and Permits Division.

The City of Leavenworth Planning and Community Development Department is responsible for overseeing that residents in the city comply with the current housing and property maintenance codes.  A monthly report is available online that allows you to see the number of violations for the month and yearly total.  This report tracks the type of violations and percentage of violations reported for rental or owner-occupied structures. The City of Leavenworth has three full-time code enforcement officers.

Contact the Code Enforcement Office or Report a Violation online:

What are the most common code violations? 

These are guidelines only. For actual regulations, see the Leavenworth Municipal Code or the Property Maintenance Code. 

Yard Maintenance

Grass and weeds must be kept shorter than 12-inches. All ground covers and vines shall be maintained to discourage undesirable creatures. Any noxious weeds are to be removed. Owners/occupants of properties abutting sidewalks, streets or public property shall maintain all vegetation so it does not interfere with travel or sight. Special care should be taken at intersections.  Approximately 30% of overall code violations stem from weeds and tall grass violations. 

Vehicles

All vehicles must be operable and legally licensed or stored in an enclosed structure. All cars not enclosed must be parked in an approved driveway or parking area. Vehicles may not be parked on any lawn/ yard area. All vehicle parking spaces shall be paved. Gravel is not allowed.

RVs, Boats, Trailers

The storage and parking of major recreational equipment such as boats, boat trailers, pickup campers or coaches, camping buses or converted trucks and tent trailers shall be allowed in the front and side yard between April 1 and October 31.  A maximum of two (2) such recreational vehicles may be stored in the front or side yard of a property at any time.  Any recreational vehicles stored in the front or side yard shall be located a minimum of 10' from the curb or edge of any street, and a minimum of 2' from any interior side lot line and shall not block any sidewalk.  Recreational vehicles may be stored or parked in the rear yard.  All recreational vehicles must be stored or parked on a paved or aggregate block surface.
Between November 1 and March 31, the storage and parking of major recreational vehicles shall be prohibited in the front and side yard for a period in excess of 72 hours per month but may be stored or parked in a rear yard on a paved or aggregate block surface.

Garbage & Trash

Refuse, rubbish, garbage, and household trash cannot be left in the yard and must be disposed of properly. This includes auto parts, appliances, furniture, building materials, tires, cardboard, plastics, or any other collected materials. Tree trimming and fallen limbs must be disposed of within a week. Residential trash cannot be placed curbside until the evening prior to the scheduled pickup. It is unlawful to burn garbage within the city.  For more information on trash service, please contact the Service Center at 682-0650.

 

Open Storage

Property may not be parked, stored, or left inoperable in view of the public or neighboring properties. This includes abandoned, discarded or unused objects or equipment such as automobiles, furniture, appliances, cans or containers, construction materials, junk, trash, or other debris.

Building Maintenance

The maintenance of a structure is the responsibility of the property owner. Exterior surfaces, including outbuildings, fences, and attached structures, must be maintained free of breaks, holes, rotten wood, chipped and peeling paint, broken windows or doors, rust, or any other condition which violates health, fire, building or zoning codes, or other regulations.

 

  • Printer-friendly version