The City of Erie’s ongoing Code Enforcement sweeps, part of a concentrated initiative launched in April to eliminate hazardous and unsightly junk and debris from neighborhoods across the city, has reported the results of recent sweeps.

To date, targeted inspections have been completed in Zones 2, 3, 5, 6, and the northern portion of Zone 8.

The City has issued 187 violation notices, with only four properties requiring City-led cleanups, a sign of strong community compliance. 

Starting Monday, July 14, inspectors will begin canvassing Zone 4, with inspections continuing there through the rest of the month. Zone 1 is expected to follow in August, with each zone estimated to take about two weeks to complete.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to cleaner, safer neighborhoods,” said Mayor Schember. “The early results are encouraging, and I want to thank all property owners who’ve responded quickly and responsibly.”

The sweep is not the end of the City’s clean-up efforts. Each zone’s assigned inspector will continue to monitor conditions and issue courtesy notices for properties with excessive debris. Property owners will have 14 days to comply before receiving citations or abatement charges.

If the City is forced to remove items, a $1,401.27 fee will be imposed and attached to the property’s water, sewer, and garbage bills.

The City is also enforcing stricter measures for rental properties. Under new changes to the rental registration ordinance, landlords with unpaid abatement fees or liens will be denied license renewal. The move comes in response to a disproportionate number of violations involving rental units.

To support residents, the City provides free large item pickup, up to three items per week, by appointment. Call 814-870-1550 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or visit this link to schedule online. Due to high demand, pickups may take up to two weeks.

Mayor Schember also thanked the Code Enforcement Team, Public Works, and the Refuse Department for their role in the effort and encouraged all residents to continue taking pride in their properties.