New authority for code enforcement

Walhalla’s three-year code enforcement officer has been vested with new authority to act on behalf of the interests of public health and welfare. The city council Tuesday signed off for the final time on an ordinance that allows James Ashton, the code enforcement officer, to conduct annual inspections of structures from the outside. To have a look inside, Ashton says, requires the owner or the tenant’s permission, or both. The city code enforcement officer is also on call to investigate general complaints that are originated by written and signed complaints.