Dirty Jobs

I am a big fan of the television program, Dirty Jobs, starring Mike Rowe. I have watched in amazement and learned much as a result of the program. I have also seen episodes on jobs that I would not do on a bet. One of the dirty jobs in our city is that of Zoning Officer.

In last Thursday's council meeting, Zoning Officer, Rich Clemens, reported on several zoning issues ranging from homes in the process of being condemned to building permit appeals by disgruntled homeowners. By and large we live in a city that is neat and tidy but there are some troublesome properties that add fuel to the saying 'One rotten apple can spoil the whole bushel'. It only takes one home in disrepair or littered with unlicensed cars to spoil the ambiance of an entire block. Enter the Zoning Officer, whose job it is to enforce city ordinances regarding property condition, abandoned cars, signage, property usage, etc. The Zoning Officer is literally the city's complaint department with calls from citizens wanting remedies to property issues.

The challenge the Zoning Office is faced with is determining what is actually a violation of city ordinances. You can only imagine the debate between neighbors; one claiming unsightly trash and the other claiming family treasure. The Zoning Officer walks a fine and difficult line most often considering health and safety priorities when developing an opinion on properties.

There are abandoned cars on properties that have not moved in over 20 years. There is a sad case where a city resident is living in a tar paper shack with no plumbing and dirt floor. The Zoning Officer follows a set course of action which includes a series of letters that become less cordial and more demanding as time goes by. When a homeowner or landlord just refuses to take action the only option left is to pursue legal action.

Homeowner and landlord lack of response of the most serious violators has led to action by the Zoning Officer and City Attorney. Over the next 30 days, the top ordinance violators will be contacted by city police with a written request to correct the property violations. If the property owner does not comply, the city will take legal action. While I am not a proponent of legal action, I think in this case, it might send a message to property owners that our city is serious about enforcing property ordinances.

Not that I want to inflict any additional work on the Zoning Officer, but if you have a concern about the appearance, condition, or safety of a property call 304.472.1651 and ask to speak with the Zoning Officer. Your name is considered confidential and not shared with another party.

I don't think Mike Rowe would take on the dirty job of Zoning Officer in any city. Thank you, Rich, for the thorough and thankless job you are doing.