Code Enforcement

What it means

The local government office that enforces property maintenance and building codes. In Rochester, it is the Bureau of Inspection and Compliance Services (call 311). In suburban towns, it is usually the building department. When someone files a complaint, an inspector visits the property, documents any violations, and orders the owner to fix them by a deadline. If the owner does not comply, fines and court action can follow. Tenants cannot be evicted for filing a code complaint.

When you might hear this

You hear this when someone reports a housing problem — broken stairs, no heat, illegal construction, overgrown property. Code enforcement is the local government office that inspects properties and orders owners to fix violations.

What to ask