Code Enforcement
Nuisances and Stormwater violations may be reported to the Environmental Inspector by using the
Report a Concern online notification or by calling
620-221-5527, during regular business hours 7:30 am - 5:00 pm Monday through Thursday and 7:30 am - 11:30 am Friday.
The main goal of all enforcement initiatives is to substantially reduce the number of violations by educating the public regarding violations as they occur, attempting resolution within the timeframe afforded by city ordinance, and whenever possible, resolve the violations at the lowest level without city intervention and passing the cost of that intervention on to the property owner. Enforcement also aims to reduce neighborhood deterioration through frequent/regular neighborhood inspections in an attempt to sustain property values and to immediately address violations as they are discovered.
Through the efforts of our Environmental Inspector and the enforcement of the Winfield Municipal Code, we hope to gain willing and voluntary compliance to the nuisance ordinances and to encourage citizen participation and cooperation towards maintaining their property.
Code Enforcement Information
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Nuisances
It is unlawful for any person to cause, keep, or permit any nuisance within the city. A nuisance is defined as any act, omission, or condition which endangers life, health, or property, or is offensive to the senses, or interferes with the comfortable enjoyment of life or property.
Click here to view the Nuisance Ordinances- Chapter 54
The main responsibility among others assigned to the Environmental Inspector is to address on-property nuisance violations. These violations are found in Chapter 54 of the Winfield Municipal Code and include but are not limited to:
- Weeds and grass in excess of 12 inches and/or excessive overgrowth of vegetation surrounding fence lines
- Structures
- Curbing
- Utility/sign poles
- Fire hydrants
- Trees
- Etc.
Accumulations of garbage, rubbish, trash, refuse, junk and other materials, inoperable vehicles, as well as dead, dying or damaged trees and tree limbs that do not meet the height requirements where overhanging streets, alleys, sidewalks, street signs etc.
Overgrown grass and weeds 12 inches or taller is the most prominent violation that occurs throughout a normal year. During the spring, summer and fall months of 2019, 741 grass/weed violations were documented and addressed. Over 97% of these violations were resolved with a simple reminder. The remaining 3% were remedied through city intervention through the use of contractors. Door hangers are used as a gentle and first step reminder for small problems, that a violation is occurring and corrective action must be taken within 5 days. 5 days after notification, a re-inspection of the property is conducted by the Environmental Inspector and if no action to remediate has occurred the property owner and occupant (if the home is an occupied rental) will be sent a certified letter. This letter is the official notice of the violation providing an additional 5 days to resolve the violation prior to city intervention. Ignoring service of a certified mail will not result in the city ignoring the violation. Remediation of the violation will occur regardless and the contractor's invoice cost as well as a graduated administrative fee will be passed on to the owner. This letter is the only notification provided within a calendar year. Subsequent violations within that calendar year will be remediated by the city with no further notification to the owner/occupant.
Stormwater Management
The Environmental Inspector also serves as the city's Stormwater Manager and as such is responsible for enforcing Stormwater regulations as set forth in Article X. Stormwater Management specifically Sec. 78-603. - Specific prohibitions and requirements. This section of the Winfield Municipal Code prohibits the release of certain substances into the storm water system by any person(s). Prohibited substances include but are not limited to:
- Used motor oil
- Antifreeze or any other petroleum product or waste
- Hazardous waste including household hazardous waste
- Domestic sewage
- Septic tank waste
- Grease trap waste
- Garbage
- Rubbish or yard waste including grass trimmings, leaves, weeds and all other vegetation
- Trees, bushes or portions, trimming or wastes thereof
City streets, curbs, gutters and curb inlets are all portions of the Stormwater system which makes the blowing of grass and leaves onto streets, curbs and gutters illegal and enforceable through this ordinance. Homeowners and rental occupants are responsible to mulch or rake and remove yard waste appropriately or be subject to violation of these ordinances. The City of Winfield operates the Compost Facility which is specifically provided to Winfield residence free of charge to aid in the environmental maintenance and beautification of our city. Residents are provided the ability to deposit yard waste during seasonal operational hours as well as acquire free mulch for home use.
To view Stormwater Management details click here.
Fair Housing Act
The Fair Housing Act is a law that was created to put an end to discriminatory practices involving any activities related to housing. The Act was created with the belief that every person has the right to rent a home, purchase a home, or get a mortgage on a home without being afraid of discrimination due to their membership in a certain class of people.
Fair Housing Act Three-Part Goal:
1. Home Renting and Selling
To end discrimination against the protected classes in any of the following ways:
- Refusing to rent housing, sell housing, or negotiate for housing
- Making housing unavailable or lying about the availability of housing
- Denying housing
- Establishing different terms or conditions in home selling or renting
- Providing different housing accommodations or amenities
- Blockbusting
- Denying participation in housing-related services such as a multiple listing service
2. Mortgage Lending
To end discrimination against the protected classes in any of the following ways:
- Refusing to make or purchase a mortgage loan
- Setting different terms or conditions on the loan, such as interest rates or fees
- Setting different requirements for purchasing a loan
- Refusing to make information about the loan available
- Discriminatory practices in property appraising
3. Other Illegal Activities:
To end discrimination against the protected classes in any of the following ways:
For more information on the Fair Housing Act click HERE.
FOR GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT HUD OR ITS PROGRAMS CONTACT THEIR OFFICE IN KANSAS CITY.
Environmental Enforcement Brochure
Click here to view the Environmental Enforcement Brochure
