The Neighborhood Enhancement Division promotes healthy neighborhoods through enforcement activities which focuses on both residential and commercial properties throughout the city. The objective of the division is to enforce building, maintenance and health codes as they pertain to property upkeep and the elimination of health hazards caused by the presence of garbage or other adverse conditions which impacts safety, aesthetics, and quality of life within neighborhoods.
Interior Rental Inspection Program
The Rental Empowerment and Neighborhood Tenant Services (RENTS) Initiative is the largest package of housing reforms the City of Racine has seen in a generation. Poor housing conditions impact tenants, lower property values, and diminish the quality of life for all of our citizens. The RENTS Initiative will improve housing throughout the city, provide additional protections to renters, provide accountability for property owners who maintain facilities, and connect owners with resources to help assist with property improvements.
For more information or you have any questions regarding the Neighborhood Enhancement Division, please see contact information below.
Staff Member | Role | Desk Number | ||
Kelly Reed | Division Manager | |||
Chad Haebig | Exterior Inspector | |||
Jesus Mora | Exterior Inspector | |||
Rhonda Vance | Exterior Inspector | |||
Alyssa Crisci | Exterior Inspector | |||
Corbin Howell | Interior Inspector | N/A | ||
Mark Manbeck | Interior Inspector | N/A | ||
Colleen Devaney | Interior Inspector | N/A | ||
Kiara Strickland | Interior Inspector | N/A |
Commonly Found Property Maintenance Violations
Exterior Property Areas:
- All exterior areas require to be in good maintenance, including siding, windows, doors, roofs, porches/steps and handrails/guardrails.
- All exterior areas must be clean and sanitary condition free from any build-up (garbage, debris and yard waste).
- Pet feces must be picked up daily to lower the health hazard risks.
- Furniture meant for indoor use is restricted from being outdoors.
- See solid waste (above). Interior furniture is not allowed for use outdoors and not designed for that purpose.
Parking/Storage:
- No parking on the grass.
- All vehicles (boats, campers, trailers, etc. included) have limitations to park in the driveway or approved off street parking spaces.
- Requirements: Residentially zoned properties do not list vehicle storage as a permitted, conditional, or accessory use, therefore, it is not allowed. Commercially or Industrially zoned properties do not allow storage of inoperable vehicles and auto repair or storage businesses require the approval of a conditional use permit and adherence to approved conditions before any business can begin operating.
- All vehicles must possess the current license plate, be registered, and is in street legal serviceable condition.
Grass:
- Grass, weeds, and vegetation must be maintained so that it does not exceed 6 inches in height.
Firewood:
- Firewood cannot be stored in the front yard.
- Firewood must be stored 6 inches off the ground.
- Piles can be no higher than 6 feet and no closer than four feet to a dwelling unit (or limit?)
Resources and Contact Information
Links:
Municipal Codes: https://library.municode.com/wi/racine/codes/code_of_ordinances
Racine Rents Initiative: https://racine-rents-cori.hub.arcgis.com/
Register My Property: https://slate.tolemi.com/c/racine-wi
Solid Waste Complaint: https://www.cityofracine.org/Building/GarbageComplaint/
Tall Grass/Weed Complaint: https://www.cityofracine.org/Building/WeedComplaint/
Exterior Building Complaint: https://www.cityofracine.org/Building/BuildingComplaint/
Rental Property Complaint: https://www.cityofracine.org/Building/RentalComplaint/
Find My Alderman: https://www.cityofracine.org/CityAlderman/