What is Code Enforcement?

My name is Joe Martin and I hope to be Perryville's next City Marshal/Chief of Police.

For the last 4 years, I have served as the City of Perryville’s Code Enforcement Officer.

Charlie Triller held this position as a civilian until his election in 2008 as the Perry County Assessor.  Our aldermen re-wrote the requirements for this position in 2009 to require that it be held by a licensed police officer. They did this in an effort to streamline and strengthen the city’s enforcement of nuisance ordinances.

I was promoted to this position in July 2009, and my office is located inside City Hall.

I refer to city’s nuisance ordinances as our community’s “good neighbor laws.”

I help people who have concerns about unsafe and unsightly conditions in their neighborhood. Basically, I enforce all of the city’s laws with the exception of criminal and traffic laws, which are handled by uniformed police officers.

The laws that I enforce include all of those that involve private property and the quality of life in our neighborhoods. Below, you will see photos of some of the nuisances I have abated (by either removing the nuisance or ensuring that the property is brought into compliance with local law).

I work with property owners to remove derelict housing and other structures, which has removed dozens of “eyesores” from our community. Some examples include the old Shell station on St. Joseph St., the old Amoco station on Perryville Blvd., the old meat packing building on Delaney, the former cheese plant, and the former Hilltop Nursing Home on Highway 61.

I also issue summonses, or write tickets, for infractions like trash issues, weed growth and unlicensed vehicles.

Additionally, I enforce certain regulations like occupational licenses for businesses and zoning regulations.

I also serve as the assistant building inspector for the city. I issue building permits and work with contractors to ensure that all buildings constructed within the city are safe.

I have received consistently good performance reviews for enforcing these laws fairly and consistently.

The past 4 years have given me a new insight to enforcing the law in our community. I look forward to putting this additional and unique knowledge to work as your next City Marshal and Chief of Police.