New Funding Available for Code Enforcement in West Virginia

BY KATELYN CAMPBELL, APC VISTA, THE HUB

Abandoned houses are far too common in West Virginia, and the West Virginia Housing Development Fund (WVHDF) has recently made new resources available to do something about it.

The state agency recently announced a new component of its Property Rescue Initiative program that provides technical assistance support for small communities (20,000 residents or less for cities, < 50,000 residents or less for counties) looking to either start or grow their code enforcement programs.

The Code Enforcement Technical Assistance program allows municipalities, counties, or an organization designated by them to apply for a forgivable loan of up to $10,000 to support code enforcement work. Funds can be used for:

• Fees associated with adopting and updating ordinances designed to address neglected properties including but not limited to the International Building Code and International Property Maintenance Code
• Procurement of certified code enforcement officials, including companies hired by a unit of government
• Training in code enforcement procedures and practices
• Costs associated with professional qualifications, individual certification and/or departmental accreditation
• Contractor labor as it relates to demolition of dilapidated residential structures

Code enforcement officials perform a vital role when it comes to maintaining both rural areas and downtowns. They are responsible for ensuring that buildings and other property do not create hazardous conditions for the average passerby or the surrounding community.

Want to learn more about the West Virginia Property Rescue Initiative Code Enforcement Technical Assistance Support Program? Check out this page on the WVHDF’s website, or contact Donna Martino at DMartino@wvhdf.com. The deadline for pre-applications is May 29 at noon.