Code Enforcement Unit (CEU) a unit of the
Topeka Police Department, regulates and enforces City ordinances concerning housing, unsafe structures, nuisances, abandoned or junked vehicles, weeds, smoking and graffiti.
While the Code Enforcement Unit will continue to perform code enforcement duties, the emphasis has shifted from enforcement as the only solution, to a team approach that involves neighborhood and resident initiatives. CEU staff members will partner with neighborhood groups, individuals residents, property owners and businesses in a variety of anti-blight strategies. CEU will administer a number of programs including dumpsters for cleanups and graffiti removal, and will participate in community initiatives such as Keep America Beautiful.
- Trash
- Maintenance of your property
- Vehicles / Parking / Tires
- Safe housing
- Demolition
- Weeds and Vegetation
- Smoking
- Vacant Houses
- Graffiti
- Landlord - Tennant issues
- NIA's, cleanups, volunteers
- Next neighborhood cleanup
- Process of City enforcement
Inspection Staff
The Code Enforcement Unit includes a Lieutenant, a Unit Supervisor for day to day operations, ten Code Enforcement Inspectors, a two-person Abatement Crew, and three Administrative Support Staff. An administrative hearing officer conducts impartial hearings requested by citizens or scheduled by staff. CEU staff implements programs and participates in meetings and workshops as part of its mission to educate the public and other City employees regarding various code violations.
Unsafe Structures Code
The Unsafe Structures Code addresses structures that are unfit for human habitation or use and are unsafe due to dilapidation or other conditions that are injurious to the welfare of Topeka residents. Approximately 30 to 40 structures are demolished each year either by the city or by the property owner.
Housing Code
Topeka's Housing Code sets minimum standards for maintenance of all occupied and vacant residential structures to protect the health and well being of the public by correcting and preventing adverse conditions. In contrast to a "building code" which makes very specific requirements for new constriction including such things as materials and measurements, the Housing Code is a performance code which requires that more general elements be present in a property. These elements must be safe and work properly. The Housing Code gives property owners up to 60 days to make the required corrections. An extension can be applied for through the hearing process.
Nuisance Code
Nuisance violations can include such things as trash, inoperative vehicles, unsecured vacant buildings, brush piles and other conditions that degrade neighborhood appearances. Typically, the property maintenance inspector will leave a doorhanger at a property that describes the violation and the method by which it can be corrected. If the violation is not corrected, a letter will be sent notifying the recipient that unless the violation is corrected, the City will abate it and charge the property owner for abatement costs as well as a $100 penalty fee. The property owner always has ten days from the receipt of the letter to correct the violation or request an administrative hearing.
Weed Abatement Code
From May to October, CEU conducts the weed abatement program. If weeds or grass grows higher than 12 inches, a notice is sent to the property owner who has 7 calendar days from the date of the notice to cut the vegetation. If the vegetation is not cut within the allotted time frame the property owner will receive a penalty bill. If a property is in violation more than once during the calendar year, the property owner may continue to receive penalty bills.
ADA Policy
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