Code Enforcement
Filters
San Francisco, CA streamlines conversion of office spaces into residential units
San Francisco has introduced new building code guidelines aimed at facilitating the conversion of office spaces into residential units downtown. These guidelines are designed to streamline the permitting process and encourage developers to repurpose vacant offices amid a growing housing crisis. The initiative is part of a broader effort to revitalize the downtown area and address the challenges posed by the shift in remote work trends.
San Francisco, CA
United States
Seattle, WA aims to hasten demolition of derelict buildings
The Seattle City Council has unanimously passed emergency legislation enabling the Seattle Fire Department to order the demolition or remediation of unsafe vacant buildings posing public safety risks. This move follows a significant increase in fires at derelict buildings, which have become hazardous and have led to several fatalities. The law mandates that property owners cover the costs of making these sites safe, with the city authorized to conduct necessary abatement work and place liens.
Seattle, WA
United States
Scottsdale, AZ develops interactive online resource for short-term rental licensing compliance
The city's daily checks for current registration, liability insurance, and neighbor notifications are mapped in this resource. Users find markers for every known short-term rental in the city categorized as passing minimum requirements, not meeting requirements, or application in progress. Each marker features property information including the owner, emergency contact, and license number. There is also a quick guide about reporting violations like excessive noise and commercial use.
Scottsdale, AZ
United States
Stockholm, SE provides transparency into restaurant inspections with interactive map
The Food Inspections Map uses green, yellow, and red icons to indicate recent inspection results for eateries. This color scheme indicates inspections without issues, issues not requiring follow-up, and issues requiring follow-up, respectively. Map users click icons for the three most recent results, dates, and inspection types. The map is searchable by the user's location, restaurant name, address, or by neighborhood and saves user favorites.
Stockholm, SE
Sweden
Birmingham City Council, GB takes aim at illegal dumping with its AI-enabled CCTV camera pilot
City officials received a £45,000 national grant for a pilot in Aston, Erdington, and North Edgbaston. Cameras placed near dumping hotspots are trained to identify waste placed anywhere other than public bins. Each incident triggers a notification to local officials along with relevant imagery for timely investigations and enforcement. The cameras complement signage about penalties for illegal dumping and an online complaint form.
Birmingham City Council, GB
United Kingdom
Amsterdam, NH and Rotterdam inform motorists of excessive noise with sensor and signage pilot
Amsterdam's public health team determined one-fifth of city residents experienced excessive noise from motorcycles and cars. Noise detection sensors were placed at locations throughout both cities for the summer pilot. Vehicle noise exceeding the sensor's tolerance triggers a digital sign saying "Too Loud." Local officials will not issue tickets during the trial, instead using sensor data in determining the effectiveness of raised awareness on noise levels.
Amsterdam, NH
Netherlands
Rotterdam, ZH
Netherlands
Seattle, WA Illegal Dumping Camera Pilot takes new approach to recent spike in dumping violations
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) undertook the one-year pilot following increases in illegal waste amounts and removal costs. A motion-activated camera was installed on Detroit Avenue SW for ongoing surveillance. The camera pauses for 30 seconds after activation, delivers an audio warning, and gathers visual evidence if the motion continues. SPU will work with people identified in camera footage on appropriate penalties including community service and payment of removal fees.
Seattle, WA
United States
Westminster City Council, GB deploys AI-supported cameras in campaign against illegal dumping
The city installed CCTV cameras connected to an AI-enabled platform at three illegal dumping hotspots. Each camera records nearby license plates during suspected illegal dumping incidents. Local law enforcement review CCTV footage and issue fines or pursue further action using data from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. This pilot supports the council's Coordinated Community Response strategy for collaborative responses to anti-social behavior.
Westminster City Council, GB
United Kingdom
King, ON By-law Investigation Map tracks enforcement efforts following public complaints
The interactive map populates monthly with official by-law complaints filed with the town. Complaints are represented by color-coded pinpoints for categories ranging from noise complaints to site alterations. Each pinpoint opens to details of the complaint including address, date issued, and officer badge number. Map users can search for specific complaints by address or file number. Local officials will adapt the map to community needs identified through a five-question user survey.
King, ON
Canada
Baltimore, MD collaborates with Data Science for Good on AI identification of abandoned buildings
City officials pledged to demolish thousands of dangerous buildings following a January 2022 fire that killed three firefighters. The Housing and Community Development team previously used manual inspections in evaluating abandoned properties. Data Science for Good implemented an AI-powered platform for the remote assessment of building status based on aerial photos. Baltimore will integrate this platform into its 911 dispatch system and expedite demolitions based on analytics.
Baltimore, MD
United States
Macon-Bibb County, GA advances blight removal efforts with new reporting and tracking tool
Macon-Bibb County developed the tool for improved clearance of an estimated 6,000 blighted properties. The county's IT team worked with community organizations and residents on app design with a prototype presentation at a community event. Residents of the Pleasant Hill Historic District report blighted properties, submit photo evidence, and receive notifications from Code Enforcement officials in the app. The tool helps the county with blight identification and street-level communications.
Macon-Bibb County, GA
United States
Round Rock, TX lowers barriers to code compliance with its Code Enforcement Resource Program
The Code Enforcement Resource Program works with residents on remedying common code issues. Round Rock's Code Enforcement Officers offer information on free rentals of city equipment with notices of violations about low-hanging branches and long grass. Residents schedule the use of lawnmowers and trimmers to bring their properties into compliance. This initiative leverages existing equipment for the removal of environmental nuisances without additional labor costs.
Round Rock, TX
United States