The City of Murray utilizes code enforcement officials to ensure residents and businesses follow local ordinances governing public health, safety, and welfare. Working primarily through the Community and Economic Development and Police departments, staff members perform inspections and issue citations to bring property owners into compliance with city regulations.
Scope of Enforcement Actions
Code enforcement serves as a broad mechanism for city staff to enforce ordinances that address the operation of businesses, environmental protection, property maintenance, and parking. According to the City of Murray, these regulations are designed to protect the general welfare of the community by managing issues such as yard waste, debris, and sidewalk obstructions.
Procedures and Timelines
City officials perform a variety of tasks to resolve violations, including conducting building or property inspections, educating and notifying owners of infractions, and coordinating with state and county officials. When necessary, the city may issue citations to ensure compliance. Most complaints are assigned to a code enforcement official within 24 hours, with an initial inspection typically occurring within one to two working days, depending on current backlogs.
Common Violations
The City of Murray can enforce regulations regarding several specific issues, including:
- Parking issues and yard parking
- Weeds, yard waste, and debris
- Inoperable or abandoned vehicles
- Sidewalk and street obstructions
- Illegal dumping and illegal camping
- Pest control and storm drain pollution
- Homeless camps
- People living in trailers
- Business license violations
- Failure to remove snow
- Unauthorized building additions
Jurisdictional Limitations
Despite the breadth of their authority, code enforcement officials are unable to resolve certain disputes or issues. The City stated that officials cannot intervene in property line disputes, landlord failures regarding roof repairs or apartment parking, or tree branches hanging over a property line. Additionally, issues involving barking or dangerous animals are the responsibility of Salt Lake County Animal Control rather than city code enforcement.
Homeowners Association Restrictions
The City of Murray does not have the authority to enforce homeowners' association (HOA) codes, covenants, or restrictions (CC&Rs). While residents within an HOA must adhere to the same general city standards as all other residents, the specific restrictive covenants of an HOA are private agreements that can only be enforced by the HOA itself.
Responsibility for Prior Violations
Property owners may be held responsible for violations that existed prior to their purchase of a property. The City of Murray noted that a new owner may be required to remediate issues, such as cutting weeds or removing inoperable vehicles, regardless of how long they have owned the property. While the original occupant or owner remains responsible for violations occurring during their tenure, the responsibility for bringing a property into compliance shifts to the new owner if the violation persists.
Legal and Administrative Resolution
The resolution of violations typically occurs without legal action, as most property owners choose to comply after receiving notice. For example, the City noted that complaints regarding tall weeds are usually resolved within 14 days. However, if a property owner refuses to cooperate, the matter may result in a citation referred to the city prosecutor, which can lead to court proceedings lasting several months.
