Development Services

The Code Enforcement/Neighborhood Inspections functions of the Development Services Department address unsafe, unhealthy, and negative environmental conditions that can lead to neighborhood deterioration and blight. Weeds, abandoned cars, unsafe exterior structural conditions, and accumulations of trash in yards are primary neighborhood concerns as controlled by the adopted City Property Maintenance Code. This division helps educate the public as to the purposes of the Property Maintenance Code, and participates with neighbors in volunteer clean-up activities. An Environmental Court Program has been established to help attain compliance with the adopted neighborhood and property maintenance standards.

Planning, zoning and community functions of the Development Services Department help assure that quality development and redevelopment occurs in Dodge City. The adopted comprehensive plan is the guide for development proposals, both public and private. Individual projects are reviewed for conformity with this plan. Zoning and Subdivision Regulation administration are two sets of development rules developed from the comprehensive plan, and provide specific guidelines for property development. Community development activities focus on neighborhood and other issues larger than individual properties, striving to make a better community. Historic preservation is a part of the community development function.

The Building Inspections division of the Development Services Department provides technical assistance to contractors, developers, and the public to make certain that proposed new and remodeled structures are safe. Application of codes adopted from the International Codes Council help assure that Dodge City buildings meet minimum safety standards—which secondarily helps owners with property insurance rates. The Building Inspections division examines dangerous and unsafe structural conditions, and takes appropriate actions as needed.