Ivins is adding a part-time Code Enforcement Officer, something that has been missing for too long. This new position will help address a range of common concerns, including nuisance violations, property maintenance issues, signage, and short-term rental enforcement. Unlike traditional policing, code enforcement focuses on helping residents understand and voluntarily comply with local ordinances that protect neighborhood character, property values, and quality of life.
This isn’t about writing tickets. It’s about providing consistent follow-through, encouraging voluntary compliance, and ensuring that our community standards are upheld fairly and consistently. The Code Enforcement Officer will work closely with other city staff, responding to both citizen complaints and observed violations. With the right structure and guidance, this role can become a true resource for the entire community.
This isn’t a new concept for Ivins. Our city code has included a full chapter on code enforcement since 2005 (Title 4: Administrative Code Enforcement). It begins with a statement of purpose: “The city council finds that the enforcement of the city code and applicable state codes throughout the city is an important public service. Code enforcement is vital to the protection of the public health, safety, and quality of life.”
What is new is having a dedicated Code Enforcement Officer again. Over the years, Ivins has had this position off and on, and lately, it’s been off. In my view, that has caused two problems. First, there hasn’t been enough focus on correcting health and safety issues. Second, without a dedicated officer, the city hasn’t been able to spend the time needed to work collaboratively with residents to solve problems.
Code enforcement is supposed to be a partnership and an educational effort. Without the right staffing, it can feel arbitrary, heavy-handed, and even unfair.
How will code enforcement work in Ivins? Not sure yet, but here is how a couple of Utah communities do it. At the Utah League of Cities & Towns conference two weeks ago, Provo’s Deputy Mayor and Brian Head’s Town Manager shared their approaches to code enforcement:
- Provo has a “Good Neighbor Committee” that includes the Code Enforcement Officer, City Manager, City Attorney, Building Inspector, and Police Department. They meet regularly to focus on collaborative, education-first solutions to chronic violations, escalating enforcement only when necessary.
- Brian Head takes a proactive, town-wide approach. When a type of violation is reported, staff canvasses the community to identify and address similar issues at once. While it may seem more assertive than relying solely on complaints, it promotes fairness and avoids selective enforcement.
Every community is different, and Ivins will shape our own system based on what makes sense for our community. But the big idea stays the same: work together, be consistent, and focus on helping people get in compliance and stay in compliance, not catching people doing something wrong.
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