Season 2, Episode 36 - Unpacking Code Enforcement with El Paso County’s Mindy Schulz

Unpacking Code Enforcement with El Paso County's Mindy Schulz

 

El Paso County balances its rapid development with meticulous planning and community development guided by dedicated public servants like Mindy Schulz. As the Strategic Services Manager for El Paso County, Schulz plays a pivotal role in code enforcement, ensuring that the county's development aligns with both legal frameworks and community standards. In this week's episode of Beyond the Dais, Schulz sat down with host Scott Anderson to discuss the intricacies of her role and provide insights into how code enforcement interconnects with various aspects of community life.

The Path to Code Enforcement:  Mindy Schulz's journey into the world of code enforcement began far away from the office spaces of El Paso County. With a background in criminal justice and early career footsteps in the Salt Lake City area, Schulz moved to Colorado Springs in 2013. Initially working in the Department of Motor Vehicles to get her "foot in the door," Schulz eventually transitioned to code enforcement, a field that captured her curiosity and passion due to its relevance and impact on daily life.

The Role of Code Enforcement in Community Planning:  The work of code enforcement is often misunderstood by the public. Schulz's department, part of the larger Planning and Community Development Department in El Paso County, is divided into three main divisions: Planning, Code Enforcement, and Administrative Services. Together, these divisions ensure that land development, zoning regulations, and building standards are followed meticulously, preserving the aesthetic and functional integrity of the community.

One of the unique aspects of code enforcement explored in the podcast is its complaint-based nature. Contrary to the notion of code officers seeking out violations, their work is often driven by community complaints, emphasizing a response-based approach rather than proactive policing. This method ensures fairness and focuses resources efficiently, addressing community concerns as they arise.

Education Over Enforcement:  A significant focus of Schulz’s discussion was the fundamental goal of code enforcement: education over penalization. Schulz illustrated this with several anecdotes, explaining how code officers prefer to educate residents about the regulations before taking any drastic measures. This approach not only helps in building community trust but also enhances compliance, as residents better understand the reasons behind the rules.

For instance, she detailed scenarios such as zoning violations and misuse of land, where officers work closely with residents to rectify issues, offering guidance on proper procedures and steering them towards legal compliance. This cooperative approach defines the philosophy of El Paso County’s code enforcement strategy.

Dispelling Myths and Strengthening Community Relations:  Dispelling myths about code enforcement was another critical theme of the conversation. Mindy clarified some common misconceptions, including the belief that code officers arbitrarily target individuals or are unresponsive. She stressed the importance of community engagement and transparency in code enforcement processes to foster better understanding and cooperation between the department and the residents it serves.

Engaging with El Paso County’s Code Enforcement:  For residents of El Paso County, understanding and interacting with the code enforcement process can be a constructive way to ensure that their property aligns with community standards. Schulz encourages anyone receiving notices from code enforcement to reach out proactively to understand the issues and collaborate on solutions. This engagement ensures that the county’s development is both inclusive and respectful of all community members’ rights and responsibilities.

Mindy Schulz's insights from this episode provide a more nuanced view of how code enforcement contributes to the orderly development of El Paso County. Her commitment to education and community collaboration underscores a model of public service that honors both the letter and the spirit of the law, ensuring that El Paso County continues to thrive as a community respectful of its land and its people.