What You Need To Know About Duluth’s New ‘Courtesy Notice’ Program

The City of Duluth just announced a new initiative designed to create a new first step before formal enforcement actions when it comes to complying with certain city ordinances.

The new program is called the "Clean Streets, Strong Communities Courtesy Notice Program".

Here's what you need to know about this new initiative that the City of Duluth just rolled out.

What is the Clean Streets, Strong Communities Courtesy Notice Program?

As city officials explain, it is an initiative "designed to encourage voluntary compliance with city ordinances before formal enforcement actions are taken".

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The idea is to use courtesy notices to alert a resident of a violation of certain types of non-life-threatening violations of Duluth city ordinances. This is done in the form of a door hanger that specifies the concern.

How is this different than what was being done before in Duluth?

The key difference is that, rather than the first steps being a citation or formal inspection, residents are given this courtesy notice that will provide a period of time to take action free of penalty before formal enforcement actions are taken.

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After receiving a courtesy notice, residents have up to 14 days to resolve whatever violation they are charged with before next steps are taken.

This window gives residents the opportunity to comply voluntarily and without penalty.

The previous process included a correction order, follow-up inspection, and possible citation. The idea behind this new process is to "relieve the stress of immediate enforcement".

“We want to empower our residents to take action without fear or frustration,” said Greg Smith, Life Safety Division Supervisor. “This program puts communication and compassion first, while still maintaining the standards that help make our neighborhoods great.”

What sort of things can you get a courtesy notice for?

Courtesy notices in the Clean Streets, Strong Communities Courtesy Notice Program are for certain minor, non-life-threatening violations that include things like small accumulations of public waste, abandoned items, or general nuisance issues.

After the courtesy notice period noted on a delivered notice has concluded, the formal enforcement process may proceed.

Want to know more?

Officials with the City of Duluth say you can either contact the Life Safety Division at 218-730-5000 ext. 5, or visit www.duluthmn.gov/fire/ for more information.