Codes Compliance Programs:

The City of Williamsburg, through its Codes Compliance and Zoning Administration Divisions, offers several programs as part of a city-wide effort to promote safer housing, and heighten awareness of building safety and neighborhood presence for city residents. Elements include city-wide curb inspections of all properties on a rotating basis, adjacent property and occupant complaints, and a recently adopted Rental Inspection Program.

How City Programs Affect Students:

Neighborhood Improvement Initiative Program

The Neighborhood Improvement Initiative program enforced city-wide since 1998 is performed on a rotating basis. This program looks for exterior building and property conditions that violate city and state codes. Some of these codes contain provisions for inoperable motor vehicles, exterior storage, trash and debris, grass and weed maintenance, vehicle parking requirements, trash container storage, and general exterior building maintenance. William and Mary students that live off campus should make themselves aware of the requirements, but they will not be aware of enforcement activities unless a violation is noted. Violations of these codes contain civil or misdemeanor criminal penalties, but an opportunity to correct violations is always given before any legal action is initiated.

Complaint Inspections

The Codes Compliance Division regularly receives complaints from adjacent property or building occupants about conditions that may violate the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code or local city ordnances. Complaints regarding exterior conditions that can be seen from a public way can be anonymous. Complaints regarding interior conditions must be in writing so that inspectors can legally enter the building. When filing an interior complaint, the following guidance should be followed:

1. If there is an emergency condition, call 911 and get to the outside of the building! Natural or LP gas leaks, continued electrical arching, smell of smoke, fuel leakage, collapsing structures or malfunctioning furnaces require immediate attention from the fire department.
   
2. Conditions that affect life safety including sewage spills, non-functioning plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems should be reported to the owner or duly designated agent for the owner immediately. You can also notify the Codes Compliance Division. The goal is to assist both the occupant and the owner in remedying the situation quickly and early intervention can bring additional resources to the table.
   
3. Normal maintenance issues such as hole repairs, floor covering problems, damaged or leaking plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems that do not create an immediate hazard should be reported to the owner or agent orally and in writing. Most owners will respond immediately, but the Codes Compliance Division recommends that you give the owner five working days to respond before contacting the Codes Compliance office with a complaint. Make sure you know your obligations as agreed to in your lease before you call!