what can Omaha Neighborhood Scan do for my neighborhood?

Code Enforcement is Foundational to Neighborhood Decline

  • Is neighborhood decline inevitable? NO!!
  • Focusing on the condition of a neighborhood's housing stock, public spaces and improvements is one proven strategy for addressing the threat of decline
  • Code enforcement can be instrumental in addressing these two factors, thus maintaining healthy neighborhoods and arresting/reversing the cycle of decline

Dominant Approaches to Code Enforcement

  • Concentrated Code Enforcement: special enforcement, with capital improvement assistance
  • Systematic Code Enforcement: all units in a district or neighborhood are inspected for violations
  • Complaint Code Enforcement: inspectors react to complaints of code violation by citizens and others

Omaha Neighborhood Scan: Pilot Project

Based on:

  • Systematic code enforcement (proactive)
  • Trained neighborhood volunteers
  • Technology to simplify, speed up and document code conditions
  • Internally addressing code compliance issues
  • Connecting neighborhoods with available resources
  • Passing unresolved violations to City of Omaha Code Enforcement staff for action

Customizable Scans Scans can be conducted for:

  • Housing code violations
  • Zoning violations (e.g., down zoning issues)
  • Sidewalk conditions
  • Park conditions
  • Tree inventories
  • Vacant properties
  • Graffiti
  • Vehicle violations
  • Weeds and litter
  • Storm drains and catch basins
  • Environmental problems

Neighborhood Scan Follow-Up

  • Vehicle, graffiti, rodent, and weed problems go directly to City of Omaha
  • With support from Omaha Neighborhood Scan, the neighborhood identifies code issues to work on addressing
  • Informational letters or postcards
  • Educational workshops
  • Individual assistance where desired
  • Ability to give “early warning” to landlords
  • Problems not resolved at neighborhood level are turned over to City of Omaha

Further Information - Brochure