Violations can be broadly classified by their Violation Type and can then be further classified by a Violation Use Code.
This article discusses managing the list of Violation Use Codes. If you want more information about Violation Types, they are discussed in this article.
The Violation Use Code is a reference to the specific code or ordinance section that has been violated. This important piece of information is required to show the specific violation that has occurred and create a legally defensible violation notice.
If not well managed, the list of Violation Use Codes can get lengthy and difficult to navigate. Following the advice in the sections below will help to keep the list at a manageable length and make it easier to find the relevant Use Code.
Don't Add the Entire Code of Ordinances to the Violation Use Codes
Including all the sections of the code would quickly make the list long and difficult to search. Instead, only include the code sections that will be used for violations. One option is to begin with an empty list of Violation Use Codes and only add them on an as-needed basis, when issuing violations. This article describes how to add Use Codes, when additional ones are needed
Prepend the Code Section Onto the Use Codes
If your Violation Type list is structured to mimic the municipal Code of Ordinances (Option 1 as described in this article), then the Violation Use Codes should include the Section number of the code.
Prepend an Acronym or ID onto the Use Codes
If your Violation Type list is structured to use only general violation types (Option 2 as described in this article), then the violation use codes can use a code or acronym to help find the appropriate Use Code. In the example screenshot below, the Use Code is prepended with the acronym "JV" to signify that it's the code reference for junk vehicles.
Include the Full Section Header (and Perhaps More) in the Use Code Description
When creating Use Codes, always include the full text of the section header. This allows you to easily compare the Use Codes in Permit Manager with the actual text of the code or ordinance. Sometimes, however, the section header, when viewed by itself, can be difficult to determine what it's related to. In the screenshot example below, the section header is only "Unsafe Conditions." It's difficult to understand what types of unsafe conditions this section refers to. By adding the text of "Exterior Structure," it makes the Use Code more clear.
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