No one questions the importance of code enforcement—particularly in areas that have been hard-hit by vandalism.  This particularly true of any issues dealing with health or safety—from the presence of lead paint and black mold to the potability of the water supply, and most importantly to any code violations that deal with defects in the electrical systems of a house.  However, it is extremely important that code officials encourage homeowners to re-occupy vacant and abandoned homes as soon as they are safe before vandals remove such critical, but highly marketable materials as copper wiring and copper plumbing fixtures.  Of equal importance is that code officials allow as much time as possible to allow homeowners to bring their houses up to full code compliance.  Some jurisdictions only allow homeowners as little as 6 months to bring their homes into compliance.

A plethora of new and tougher codes have been locally enacted as the number of vacant homes has skyrocketed due to the mortgage foreclosure crisis.  It is critical that both the City Councils passing these new codes and that the officials enforcing them strive to keep a balance between