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Code Enforcement
Mission
The mission of Code Enforcement, which is a division of Community Development, is: To develop a working partnership involving the neighborhood residents, public officials, and service organizations to identify effective solutions to concerns or needs in City neighborhoods.
Code Enforcement enforces our City Ordinances to help keep Odessa a great place to live and visit.
Common Code Violations
- The Accumulation of Junk and Debris is the collection of used material that is a health or fire hazard and located in such a place that it can be recognized from an adjacent alley, street or property. Violators could pay up to $2,000 in fines. View the complete Accumulation of Junk and Debris Code (PDF).
- Illegal Dumping is the disposal of any garbage anywhere other than a permitted landfill or designated receptacle. Illegal dumping poses a threat to human health and the environment by creating fire hazards and breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Violators could pay up to $2,000 in fines. View the complete Illegal Dumping Code (PDF).
- A garage sale lasting more than two days is considered a Continuous Garage Sale and is illegal and any household that conducts more than two garage sales per year is breaking the law. The fine for either violation could cost up to $500. View the complete Continuous Garage Sale Code (PDF).
Junked Vehicles
Junked Vehicles are motor vehicles that do not have valid and lawfully attached license plates and inspection sticker and which are inoperable, wrecked, dismantled or partially dismantled. If a vehicle remains in this condition for 72 consecutive hours on public property or 30 consecutive days on private property it is illegal and the owner could be fined $200. View the complete Junked Vehicles Code (PDF).
Commercial Vehicle Parking
- Weeds more than twelve inches tall, whether they are grown, stacked or piled, are illegal. The Accumulation of Weeds creates a fire hazard and breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Property owners could face a $500 fine for overgrown weeds. View the complete Accumulation of Weeds Code (PDF).
- Any house or building that is uninhabitable or unsecured poses a hazard to public health, safety and welfare. Dangerous Buildings are illegal and owners could risk losing their property. View the complete Dangerous Buildings Code (PDF).
- Nuisance Water is considered water run off more than 50 feet from the property line resulting landscape irrigation. Broken sprinkler heads and failing to controllable water leaks is also considered nuisance water. Fines start at $200 for the first offense and up to $500 a day until leaks are repaired. View the complete Nuisance Water Code (PDF).
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