What is the difference between code compliance and code enforcement?

Let’s say there’s a problem with speeders on highway 67, so the Colorado Department of Transportation puts up a speed limit sign.

This easy code compliance approach solves the problem; CDOT expects drivers to comply with the law.

That’s all it takes…right? Solving a speeding problem is never that easy. We all know that speed limit signs do not stop all speeding.

A “2022-2023 National Survey of Speeding Attitudes and Behaviors”, clearly showed that it takes more than just code compliance to get drivers to drive at a safe speed.

This study showed that only around 39% of drivers consider themselves non-speeders, 44% consider themselves sometime speeders, whereas 17% consider themselves speeders.

There are numerous reasons that drivers speed. Some believe they are entitled to speed whenever they feel they need to do so. Some believe speed limit laws do not apply to them. Some do not believe in laws at all; laws just take away their rights to do whatever they want to do.

It clearly takes more than just assuming code compliance, drivers obeying the law, will control speeding.

What do drivers think about obeying the speed limit laws?

From the same study, 6% thought the speed limit should rarely be enforced. Only 1% said that the speed limit should never be enforced.

Clearly the public is on the side of law enforcement, enforcing our laws against speeding.

Let’s move this discussion over to Woodland Park Short-Term rentals, a success story so far.

Over two years ago, Woodland Park voters made a very strong statement, letting everybody know that Woodland Park will not allow non-primary residence short-term rental motel businesses to operate in our residential neighborhoods.

Our neighborhoods are not for sale to short-term rental investors.

The citizen’s approach was to put STR restrictions into our laws, using a code compliance approach. We expected STR business owners to comply with our laws and quit speeding through our city and our neighborhoods.

After the citizens passed the new zoning law, the City Council concluded that voluntary compliance would not be sufficient. It supplemented the citizens’ action with business regulations and enforcement measures, authorizing penalties for violations. While it was discouraging to see compliance alone fall short, it has been encouraging to watch the city shift from merely expecting adherence to actively enforcing short-term rental restrictions, when necessary, with fines of up to $1,000 per day and the possibility of jail time.

We hope for a future where Code Enforcement is no longer needed because Code Compliance alone Preserves the Character of our Neighborhoods.

If you are aware of any illegal short-term rentals operating in Woodland Park, please contact city hall and request code enforcement stop illegal short-term rental operations within our city.