Shorewood Citizen Advocates

Building positive change through communication, education and advocacy
When rental inspections fail

Revised December 28, 2023

Note: This content has been archived and may no longer be accurate or relevent

Consistency

…means adhering to the governing documents in each case and treating each non-compliant issue in the same manner 

Provide consistent and equal treatment for all

Corner stop sign and shrubs
  • Lack of clarity in zoning violation enforcement process. Shorewood’s policy is to enforce code violations on a “complaint only” basis. This policy has been enacted without resident conversation
  • Resident confronts council (starts at 7:20) on special treatment regarding the Mayor’s dock violations
  • Inconsistency in variances granted: Smithtown fence (see p. 7) Smithtown Circle (see p. 9) accessory shed (required to move a building that did not comply) and a dock (allowed to keep a dock that did not comply.)
  • Investment groups are buying homes and renting them. According to Shorewood’s Housing Ordinance, City inspections are required to protect the health, safety and welfare of residents, and to maintain the housing quality in the City.
  • As a property owner, the City of Shorewood does not comply with its own codes including park land, right of way, fire lanes, and vacant city property

  • Road Inspector to is not maximizing his job description
When rental inspections fail
  • Be consistent in granting variances. The optics of granting to one neighbor and not another based on who they are, or where they live, or a commissioner’s subjective opinion of what is “attractive,” or not, is not consistent governance
  • Make public a directory of rentals and their inspection “scores.” The score could be based on a checklist or “report card.” Educate residents about the status of a blighted property in their neighborhood
  • Create a model city for accessibility by exceeding the basic ADA standards in public spaces
  • Expect the City to comply with its own ordinances, and State rules. Often, when violations are reported, action is not taken. See ClickFix.com for various reports made about city-owned right-of-way trees and boulders, traffic visibility, and park issues
  • Form an ad hoc citizen’s committee to determine the effectiveness of a “complaint only policy” and to develop a fair, cohesive framework for the future

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