How to find Code Violations?

[Corey Rippeto]

I recently learned about Code Violations and that contacting these owners supposedly has a much higher success rate than simply contacting any regular distressed property owner. So, now i'm trying to figure out just how to find these owners with Code Violations.

I asked the "Zoning" department at my local Public Records office for a list of properties with Zoning/Code Violations, but they told me they don't keep a list on record. Instead, they said they simply take complaints, notify the owner of the property and that "usually is the end of it"...

But, what about the times when that isn't the end of it? What about when the owner doesn't fix whatever the complaint was about, or when they ignore the violation warnings altogether? I find it hard to believe they wouldn't keep that on record..

I was told I could ask the Tax Collectors department about "liens" on properties. Would this be where I could find owners that now have fees owed for having ignored the Code Violations that the "Zoning" department supposedly does not have on record?

[Michael Seeker]

@Corey Rippeto - every locale is going to be different but there should be a code enforcement department that is separate from zoning unless you're in a small city.  Those are two very different types of violations and people involved in zoning may know little (or nothing) about code enforcement.  You should start by googling "Code enforcement CITY" and "Code violations CITY" and then call the code department to see how you can view outstanding violations.  I've found code enforcement officials to be quite helpful if you call and ask them questions.