what is the procedure to launch an official complaint against the business owner next to me ?

Question

I recently purchased a building ,, and I am now in the preparation stage of converting it into a childcare center.... my problem is that the business owner next door { who owns a used furniture store }
puts almost all of his stores contents onto the side walk daily.

this junk is there rain or shine. and sometime overnight.,


I have complained to the alderman, who says that he has spoken to the owner, and given him several citations,with no results. he claims that the owner has been in this violation for years ,, but no one has complained before.

while driving past our properties , just moments ago I noticed that he has painted the window and door trim on his front a horrible < screaming > lime green, HE HAS ALSO PAINTED THE CITY LIGHT POLE IN FRONT OF OUR PROPERTY THE SAME , TO MATCH HIS WINDOWS.......

the alderman may not want to deal with this problem,, so I need to know what department { in city hall } does this situation relate to .

Answer 1

The building code enforcement people are charged with enforcement of things like blocking the sidewalks. Normally, a city alderman is where you go when the enforcement guys won't move. Maybe the mayor is next. If the adjoining business is causing a nuisance that interferes with your property, you can take legal action to seek an injunction against his continuing it. However, many cities allow businessmen to display their wares out front, so he may be perfectly legal. If he's operating legally & not interfering with your business there may be little you can do; simple bad taste & ugliness is not a nuisance. Remember he was there first.

Answer 2

Zoning, and you can complain to the police about the light pole, that's defacing city property.

Any chance you could talk to him and offer to buy paint that is acceptable to you both?? Sweet is better than confrontational 90% of the time.

Answer 3

It sounds like a violation of city ordinance...can't tell ya which department but there is def a dept in charge of enforcement. Just go down and ask.......

Answer 4

The code enforcement department will help as they can.

Answer 5

I would need to know what city and country you are in.