Property Concerns and Zoning Enforcement

What is zoning enforcement?

Zoning enforcement is how local governments make sure that people and businesses follow the rules about how land and buildings can be used. These rules—called zoning ordinances—say what kinds of things can happen in different areas, like where homes, stores, factories, or farms can be built.

Think of it like this: zoning is the community’s way of organizing land use so that neighborhoods stay livable, traffic doesn’t get out of control, and the environment is protected. Enforcement is how we make sure everyone plays by those rules.

What do zoning enforcement officers do?

Zoning enforcement officers are responsible for:

  • Investigating complaints (e.g., someone building a shed too close to a property line).
  • Conducting site visits to check for violations.
  • Sending out notices of violation if something’s not allowed.
  • Working with property owners to fix the issue—or escalating to legal action if needed

How to report a concern

Property concerns can be submitted using our Property Concern Form.

Please use the below tool to search the property address or full 12-digit parcel number to determine where property/zoning concerns should be directed based on the location.

🔎 Lookup Address

Common zoning violations

Some typical issues include:

  • Building without a permit.
  • Using land or structure for something not allowed in that zone (like running a business in a residential area).
  • Ignoring rules about building height, fences, or how far structures must be from property lines.

What happens when there’s a violation?

Complaint or Observation: Someone reports a problem.

Investigation: The zoning officer checks it out.

Notice of Violation: If it’s a real issue, the property owner gets a letter explaining what’s wrong and how to fix it.

Follow-Up: If the issue isn’t resolved, the county can pursue civil or criminal action

Why it matters

Zoning enforcement helps:

  • Keep neighborhoods safe and orderly.
  • Protect property values.
  • Ensure fair treatment for everyone.
  • Support long-term planning goals.