The City of Eau Claire has many written ordinances that are designed to maintain a healthy, safe and clean environment, carry out land use policy and preserve the quality-of-life standards that residents and businesses enjoy in our community.

There are many types of codes:  Zoning Codes, Fire Codes, Uniform Building Codes, Housing maintenance codes, various health and safety codes. Code enforcement is a responsibility shared by many City departments. To be effective and efficient, code enforcement also needs the cooperation of residents and businesses.

Because there are so many codes—many involving complex technical or legal issues—residents frequently have questions about code enforcement and their role in keeping Eau Claire a great place to live and work. The following information will answer the most frequently asked questions about code enforcement in our community.

Learn More

• How are codes enforced?
• How do I notify the City about a possible code violation?
• What is the procedure for following up on possible code violations?
• What penalties result from code violations
• Code Enforcement Contact Information

The code enforcement process is typically initiated in several ways:

The City relies on residents to help identify possible code violations, particularly in these areas:

• Snow and ice on public sidewalks
• Illegal signs, such as advertising flyers and portable ground signs
• Graffiti on public or private property
• Long grass and weed violations
• Illegal dumping of garbage and debris
• Abandoned and/or inoperable vehicles
• Illegal dumping of oils and other hazardous materials into storm drains
• Overgrown foliage blocking stop signs, impeding sight of driveways or making corners dangerous
• Parking regulations in residential neighborhoods – on-street parking and parking on lawns
• Overflowing garbage or other garbage problems
• Zoning and occupancy issues
• Housing maintenance issues

How do I notify the City about a possible code violation?

You may file a complaint about a possible code violation in person, in writing, by phone or email. Phone numbers of the departments are listed below. In an average year, the City receives thousands of complaints related to possible code enforcement violations.

Please be prepared with specific information, such as:

• The address of the property,
• Detailed description of the situation, and
• The length of time you have observed the situation.

You do not have to identify yourself, but having your name will assist us with follow-up and ensure we have all the information we need to resolve the situation.

Back to Top

What is the procedure for following up on possible code violations?

City staff responds to code enforcement complaints according to the impact of the violation on the community. Situations that appear to pose a serious risk to health and safety are given top priority; others are pursued in the order in which they are received.

For all types of code complaints, the first step in the follow-up procedure is an inspection by a City staff member to see if a code violation exists. In general a notice of violation is issued to the owner/tenant to correct the code violation in a timely manner. The City may also take court action if the situation poses a significant risk to the community or if the individual has ignored the notice of violation.

What penalties result from code violations?

In many cases, the individual responsible for the code violation is given the opportunity to voluntarily correct the situation and comply with current codes without a penalty. If the correction is not made, then the individual may be subject to fines and civil injunctions or other penalties.

Back to Top

Code Enforcement Contact Information:

You may also send an e-mail to report code violations to cityhall@ci.eau-claire.wi.us

Back to Top