How would you like to live in a house where the ceiling actually caves in? That happened to a renter in Vermillion we introduced you to earlier this week. As our KELOLAND News Investigation showed you, two-thirds of 933 rental properties in the town have code violations.
However, violations can happen anywhere. We are learning how inspectors in Sioux Falls tackle violations and the fines you could pay if you are caught with one.
After days and days of rain, Patrick Clary was finally able to mow his lawn.
"You got to stay on top of it and keep it short," Clary said.
All that rain made the grass grow quickly, and that is true for many lawns in Clary's neighborhood. Just across the street, his neighbors faced a $100 violation for their grass growing above the eight-inch limit. The City sent the owner a letter a few days ago.
"As you can see, today it's mowed," Kelly Boysen, Chief Property Maintenance Inspector, said.
If someone reports an overgrown lawn, you have a week to fix it. Boysen is one of three city employees who keep an eye on these violations. Unruly grass or rundown houses are both things Boysen checks out.
Brady Mallory: Can you spot anything just outside, any of these houses that might be a little iffy?
Boysen: Well, I don't know the story on that house there specifically.
Boysen checked on a house with some siding that was a bit rough looking, and missing in some spots. It turns out the house has a building permit.
"Right now there are some violations as far as the siding of it. But if they've got an open permit then we're good to go with that," Boysen said.
Violation fines for rundown houses or concerning structures can vary, but Boysen says there is one reason they take reports seriously and follow up on calls.
"Safety's our number one priority," Boysen said.
As for Clary, he tries to stay on top of things at his house. He says he does not want to take any heat for being a bad neighbor.
"I don't want my house to be the one with a foot of grass and everybody is looking at my house. You know, I don't want to be that guy," Clary said.
To report a violation, you can call 367-8613. You can also visit the City of Sioux Falls website.
However, violations can happen anywhere. We are learning how inspectors in Sioux Falls tackle violations and the fines you could pay if you are caught with one.
After days and days of rain, Patrick Clary was finally able to mow his lawn.
"You got to stay on top of it and keep it short," Clary said.
All that rain made the grass grow quickly, and that is true for many lawns in Clary's neighborhood. Just across the street, his neighbors faced a $100 violation for their grass growing above the eight-inch limit. The City sent the owner a letter a few days ago.
"As you can see, today it's mowed," Kelly Boysen, Chief Property Maintenance Inspector, said.
If someone reports an overgrown lawn, you have a week to fix it. Boysen is one of three city employees who keep an eye on these violations. Unruly grass or rundown houses are both things Boysen checks out.
Brady Mallory: Can you spot anything just outside, any of these houses that might be a little iffy?
Boysen: Well, I don't know the story on that house there specifically.
Boysen checked on a house with some siding that was a bit rough looking, and missing in some spots. It turns out the house has a building permit.
"Right now there are some violations as far as the siding of it. But if they've got an open permit then we're good to go with that," Boysen said.
Violation fines for rundown houses or concerning structures can vary, but Boysen says there is one reason they take reports seriously and follow up on calls.
"Safety's our number one priority," Boysen said.
As for Clary, he tries to stay on top of things at his house. He says he does not want to take any heat for being a bad neighbor.
"I don't want my house to be the one with a foot of grass and everybody is looking at my house. You know, I don't want to be that guy," Clary said.
To report a violation, you can call 367-8613. You can also visit the City of Sioux Falls website.