A month to appreciate our hard-working Code Enforcement officers

Because of the nature of the important work they do, Code Enforcement officers are not greeted with smiles as often as they should be when they visit someone’s property, even though our neighborhoods would be much less safe and pleasant without them.

It’s Code Enforcement’s job to investigate complaints about threats to public health and safety as well as nuisances prohibited by local laws. These complaints can range from accumulations of garbage that can spread death and disease to broken furniture and appliances littering a lawn, creating an eyesore and affecting neighbors’ property values.

San Bernardino County’s Code Enforcement professionals serve the county’s unincorporated communities, which is no small task in a county more than twice the size of nine U.S. states. The Fire Hazard Abatement unit within Code Enforcement enforces the Fire and Hazardous Trees Ordinance in the unincorporated areas and provides contract services to some cities and fire districts within the county.

San Bernardino County’s approach to code enforcement focuses on cooperation rather than punishment. San Bernardino County Code Enforcement officers work tirelessly with property owners to help them bring their properties into compliance. Penalties and legal action are a last resort.

October is National Code Enforcement Month, and earlier this month National Code Enforcement Officer Appreciation Week was observed. San Bernardino County Code Enforcement marked these events this week by celebrating their officers and presenting them with certificates.

How can county residents join in the celebration? A smile and a thumbs-up the next time you see a Code Enforcement officer will do just fine.

Additional County Update News – October 27, 2023