O'Kane Park Neighborhood Association

Community Code Advisory Program

Aug 11, 2000

The Alameda Gateway Community Association and the O?’Kane Park Neighborhood Organization are seeking volunteers to participate in the City of Lakewood?’s Community Code Advisory Program (CCAP). CCAP volunteers lead the way to a cleaner community by encouraging better property maintenance and removal of items such as junk and graffiti. Working with Lakewood Code Enforcement staff, volunteers will help improve and maintain their neighborhoods by identifying specific violations and providing educational information about City codes.
CCAP is a revised version of Lakewood?’s Neighborhood Inspection Program (NIP), which was piloted by the Two Creeks Neighborhood Organization. The program was developed because residents in that area wanted to assist with proactive enforcement of City Codes. The program trains residents to spot minor violations, provide information to their neighbors about the violations, and help resolve the problems. The Two Creeks NIP has been very successful, with volunteers working less than 8 hours a month, equaling the efforts of one full-time City Code Enforcement Officer.
CCAP volunteers survey properties from streets and alleys of designated areas, looking for violations such as tall grass and weeds, graffiti, garbage and inoperable vehicles. The volunteers are not allowed on private property or to confront alleged violators. If a problem is spotted, information is provided to the property owner explaining the concerns and asking for cooperation in correcting the problem. At a future date, the volunteer returns to see if the problem has been corrected. If so, a thank-you letter is sent. If not, the violation is referred to Lakewood Code Enforcement.
Neighborhood and business organizations participating in CCAP enter into an agreement with the City that outlines the responsibilities of the organizations, Code Enforcement staff and the volunteers. CCAP volunteers act on behalf of the organizations, but are trained by Code Enforcement staff. The volunteers follow set guidelines regarding conduct and items for inspection, and, if problems arise, the City could terminate the agreements. Volunteers report on a regular basis to Code Enforcement staff who are available for questions and guidance.
If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information about CCAP, please call Scott Schilt, with the City of Lakewood Planning Department at 303-987-7536, or by e-mail at scosch@lakewood.org.