COMMUNITY PRESERVATION SPECIALIST (aka CODE COMPLIANCE)
CONTACT and LOCATION
Dustin Fulghum
Community Development201 W. Chaco St.
Aztec, NM 87410
⇩ Location Map
(505) 334-7697 - office
(505) 334-7609 - fax
Monday - Thursday
7:00 am to 6:00 pm
ABOUT CODE COMPLIANCE
The Code Compliance Office is charged with enforcing a number of City ordinances designed to promote the safety, well being, and appearance of the City of Aztec and its residents. This is done through the inspection of properties throughout the city as well as responses to citizen complaints. From alley ways to new developments we keep an eye out for anything and everything. The most common violations can be easily avoided with proper upkeep to landscaping and properties. When a violation does occur we are happy to work with members of the community to bring the property into compliance. We all benefit from a clean, safe, and beautiful Aztec. We encourage everyone to visit the Code Compliance Office for more information on local code and how it might apply to you. You may report code violations and concerns to the Code Compliance Office. We are located in the Community Development Office at City Hall or you can reach us by phone at 334-7697.COMMON VIOLATIONS
All weeds must be maintained on properties and in alley ways.
All vehicles must be in operating condition.
All vehicles must have current valid registration.
These types of vehicles must be stored alongside, or in the rear of a home.
All materials should be stored in a proper building or behind a privacy fence.
No signs may be posted on any curb, sidewalk, post, pole, hydrant, bridge, tree, median, or public right of way.
All signs require permits and approval.
A permit is required for all construction in the City of Aztec.
Landscaping should be no higher than 3 feet on any corner where it may obstruct the view of motorists.
You must have written permission from the property owner and be parked outside of the right of way.
APPLICATIONS and FORMS
CODE COMPLIANCE PROCESS
In an ongoing effort to ensure that we have a clean and safe environment in which to live, the Code Compliance Office regularly inspects properties throughout Aztec. When violations are observed the Code Compliance process begins.Courtesy Notice.
When violations are observed on a property the Code Compliance Officer photographs the problem areas and gathers additional information. A letter is then sent to the property owner of record as a Courtesy Notice. This is not a citation. This notice provides the property owner with a specific period of time (window of compliance) to bring the property into compliance with City Code. At the end of that time, if the property has been brought into compliance the owner will receive a postcard thanking them for their efforts.
Intent Notice.
If the property is not in compliance at the end of the specified compliance period, a second letter (with photographs of the violation areas) will be issued to the property owner, informing them of the City's intent to issue a citation if the violations are not corrected. This Intent Notice establishes a second window of compliance. This is not a citation. At the end of that time, if the property has been brought into compliance the owner will receive a postcard thanking them for their efforts.
Citation.
If the property is still not in compliance after the expiration of the second deadline a criminal citation will be issued by the Code Compliance Officer for violation of Aztec City Code. In the case that the property owner cannot be contacted, a criminal complaint will be filed with the Municipal Court. The court will then proceed with setting a hearing date and informing the property owner of this date.
The Goal = Compliance.
Criminal Citations are considered a last resort. Our goal is to bring properties into compliance, and this usually happens without having to issue a citation or summons. We encourage any resident or property owner that is struggling to meet the compliance dates sent in the letters to contact the Code Compliance Office so that we can work with you. If you have questions or concerns about what you need to do to meet code requirements please contact the office so that we can provide guidance. Thank you for your help in making Aztec a safer, more beautiful place to live.
Potential Fines.
Section 1-12 of City Code outlines the fines and fees associated with violations. Fines for Code Compliance violations are set at the hearing, and are punishable by up to $500.00 in fines, and or 90 days in jail. The exception is a violation of Section 14-28 for an Abandoned, Wrecked, Dismantled or Inoperative Motor Vehicles, where the fine is set at $100.
MORE DETAILS and ASSISTANCE
With elections just around the corner, please read this excerpt from Sign Code regarding campaign signs:Fines if summoned to court:
A partnership of NMSU San Juan County Extension Service, San Juan Soil and Water Conservation District, BLM Farmington Field Office and other federal, state, local, and tribal government agencies and individuals interested in the management of invasive plants in San Juan County.
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