Code enforcement is responsible for enforcing codes and regulations related to garbage, housing, dangerous buildings and inoperable or unlicensed vehicles. The Code Enforcement Officer investigates the following complaints: substandard/dangerous structures, public nuisances (trash, debris, junk vehicles), zoning and land use violations, public health hazards, tall weeds and grass, illegal businesses and signs, visual obstructions and noise.
Recently, we have fielded concerns from a few local business owners with regard to the City’s sign ordinance. We would like to acknowledge a special thanks to Councilman Rick Smith for following up with one affected business owner. The Covington Business Association has contacted the City, and a representative has been asked to attend the October CBA general meeting to answer questions and address concerns of CBA members. If you have any questions about the city’s sign ordinance, you are encouraged to attend the CBA meeting, Wednesday, October 3rd at the Center of Performing Arts.
There are many vacant buildings sitting on Columbia Street, out of code, in disrepair. If a potential business owner is unable to get a loan for a vacant commercial property in downtown Covington because the building is not up to code, then how can there be an expectation of said property being rented? One of the duties of Code Enforcement is to investigate substandard and dangerous buildings. The old Star Theatre has been sitting unattended for years, with no working central air system. If the owners of all vacant commercial properties are given the same fines that operational businesses are given if they are in violation of the same codes, then property owners might have a reason to improve the properties they own.
The City’s main concern should always be public safety. When defunct businesses have been sitting for years and years, they can become a hazard as well as an eyesore. Improving the downtown Historic District should start with populating the empty buildings. Covington Weekly encourages all Covington residents and business owners to report any possible violations to the Code Enforcement Officer, Wayne Mayberry. Officer Mayberry may be reached by telephone at (985) 892-1811 ext 739. Fax line is (985) 635-0076 and e-mail address is wmayberry@covla.com. The code enforcement office is located at 317 N. Jefferson Ave.
(note: this is an opinion article by the staff of Covington Weekly. It is in no way meant to be a direct reflection of the opinions of the businesses or organizations associated with Covington Weekly or mentioned in this article.)
