Akron, OH Code Violation Reporting: How to Report (2026)

City Code § 31.39 creates the Department of Neighborhood Assistance specifically "to improve the quality of life in the neighborhoods through timely and efficient response to complaints," and assigns the Director responsibility over the Divisions of Administration, Housing, 311 Call Center, and Nuisance Compliance, tasking the department with responding to "complaints of nuisances, littering, maintenance and clearing of sidewalks, housing, and others as assigned from time to time." A resident calls 311 or contacts Nuisance Compliance to start a case rather than filing directly with a court.

Once a complaint reaches the Housing Inspector, § 150.02 authorizes entry "at all reasonable times" to examine dwellings, rooming houses and premises, though it does not require an occupant, operator or owner to consent to a warrantless inspection except as otherwise provided by law. If the Inspector finds a violation, § 150.03 requires a written notice identifying the sections violated, ordering remedial action, and giving "a reasonable time within which to comply," served personally or by certified and regular mail, with posting on the property if mail is returned undelivered. The Housing Inspector may also impose an administrative penalty under § 150.03(B), weighing the benefit the violator gained, impact on neighboring premises, recidivism, good-faith efforts to fix the problem, and how long the violation continued after notice.

A property owner who disputes the notice can request a hearing before the Housing Appeals Board under § 150.05 by filing a written request with the Director of Neighborhood Assistance within ten days of service, along with a nonrefundable fifteen-dollar deposit. The Board, made up of seven members appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by Council, meets at least monthly and can affirm, modify, dismiss the order, or grant a variance.