Code Enforcement - An Overview

Code requirements are those minimum standards designed to secure the interests of public safety, health, and general welfare through incidental to use and occupancy of all types of structures. These codes pertain primarily to subdivision plans and multi-family, commercial, industrial, institutional or public building applications.

Click here to view the online version of the City of Georgetown Code of Ordinances.

The primary role of the code enforcement team is to eliminate hazards that could affect public safety. This includes notifying residents of issues like tall weeds and grass, abandoned vehicles, or refrigerators left outside. While they can issue citations, their primary goal is for problems to be fixed by the property owner.

Code enforcement also addresses "bandit" signs and other violations of the City's sign ordinance. Garage sales and 'open house' signs in the right-of-way or on utility poles can block views at intersections and clutter up the landscape. In addition, the nails and screws used to attach signs to utility poles create a safety hazard for utility workers who climb the poles and eventually can compromise the structural integrity of the pole itself.

Directional signs in the right-of-way for special events like street festivals are allowed, but they must be approved as part of an Events Permit.

One of the ways that the Code Enforcement team helps to minimize some common problems is through neighborhood cleanups. In the summer of 2003, Code Enforcement sponsored cleanups in the San Jose and Old Town neighborhoods so that residents could get rid of brush piles, old appliances, and other bulky items. Other neighborhoods will be targeted for future cleanups.