Code Enforcement

The City of Battle Ground's Code Enforcement division works in partnership with the citizens of Battle Ground to promote and maintain a safe and desirable living and working environment.  The Code Enforcement division is responsible for maintaining the safety, health, welfare, and livability of our city through the use of the Battle Ground Municipal Code. 

It is our goal to gain voluntary compliance through education and resource assistance.  If voluntary compliance of code violations cannot be achieved, civil or criminal penalties may be applicable.   Further, the city strives to resolve all code enforcement actions in a swift, fair and equitable manner.
Many code enforcement cases are complaint based and originate from citizens. Some complaints that are submitted to Code Enforcement are not violations of the Battle Ground Municipal Code. In these instances, our Code Enforcement Officer(s) will do their best to provide the reporting party with resources to address their concern. 

When a suspected code violation is reported, our Code Enforcement Officer(s) follow a progressive enforcement process to address the concern, which includes:
Code Enforcement Step 1 - Investigation

Investigate the Complaint:

A Code Enforcement Officer will visit the site to evaluate the situation and determine whether a violation has occurred.

Code Enforcement Step 2 - Education and Compliance

Education and Voluntary Compliance: 

If an ordinance or regulation is being violated, the Code Enforcement Officer will send a Warning Letter requesting that the violation(s) be corrected within 30 days.

Code Enforcement Step 3 - Enforcement

Enforcement:

If the violation(s) are not corrected within the designated time frame, the Code Enforcement Officer will send a Notice and Order letter which will include a civil penalty. 

Code Enforcement Step 4 - Prosecution and Abatement

Prosecution and Abatement:

If there is no cooperation to correct the code violation(s) the case can be referred to Law for legal action and court ordered abatement with cost recovery against the property owner.

Code Enforcement Step 5 - Closure

Closure:

Once the violation is corrected the code enforcement case will be closed.

Important Note

Please be aware that not all complaints submitted are within the City's scope or authority to resolve.