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1. Are leaves part of the ordinance that Code will enforce?

No, leaves are not part of the ordinance; however, yard waste that is purposely placed in an area that prohibits the flow of water to designated drainage board areas is a violation.

2. Will the Code Inspectors drive around looking for violations?

No, the cases and site visits are complaint driven. Residents may report a concern via. St. Joseph County Code Enforcement Online Complaint Form

3. What hours are Inspectors working?

8AM to 4:30PM Monday through Friday

4. Does Code Enforcement deal with abandoned or damaged structures?

At this time our ordinances do not address anything related to structures. Public safety issues may be directed to either the St. Joseph County Building Department or St. Joseph County Health Department.

5. Are vehicles parked on the street that rarely move covered under Code?

No, vehicles parked on the street are under the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s jurisdiction. Inoperable or abandoned vehicles on private property are part of the ordinance. Multiple inoperable vehicles may be a zoning violation.

6. Can concerns be anonymous?

Calls may be made anonymously, but online complaints must provide a phone number or email. Inspectors may need contact information for a complainant to verify address, nature of the complaint, etc. in order to create a case.

7. My neighbor parks in the front yard. Is this against the ordinance?

The current vehicle ordinance only covers inoperable vehicles, not the location of operable ones.

8. The neighbor’s pool has been half full of water for years, it stinks and there are bugs, is this a violation?

This is a public health hazard and is handled by the St. Joseph County Health Department

9. Is standing water a violation of the Nuisance ordinance?

No, the ordinance states that it is a violation to purposely place material that blocks the flow of water and forces it to pool, creating a hazard.

10. What about neighbors burning trash or yard waste?

Code enforcement does not have jurisdiction over burning. Please contact the St. Joseph County Police Department Non-emergency (574) 235-9611.

11. We believe a neighbor is operating a business out of their residence. Who do we contact?

This may be a zoning violation. Please contact Area Plan/Zoning at (574) 235-7800 or planning@sjcindiana.com.

12. What about noise complaints?

Code enforcement does not have jurisdiction over noise complaints. Please contact the St. Joseph County Sheriff Department (574) 235-9611

13. How tall does the grass have to be before it is a violation?

Nine (9) inches

14. How will residents be contacted by Inspectors if violations are found?

After the first time a violation is found, the inspector will leave a courtesy hangtag at the location stating concerns and contact information. If after 7 days no contact or remediation has been made, a formal violation notice will be mailed to the owner/address of record.