After nearly a year-long search, the Town of Franklin has hired a code enforcement officer.
The Town Council approved adding the position during budget discussions in May 2021 and approved the job description in October. At that time, the town wanted the person to be a sworn officer or willing to complete officer training. However, after advertising the position and getting little response from anyone with law enforcement training, it was decided the applicant did not need to be a sworn officer.
Frank Belanger joined the Planning Department on Aug. 8. He and his wife, Shawna, have lived in Franklin for 10 years. His wife’s parents have owned a home here since 2008. He served 24 years in the military, retiring in 2012. He previously worked for the county as a Medicaid case worker with the Department of Social Services for nine years and spent the last year working at Lowe’s.
Belanger and Franklin Police Chief Bill Harrell serve on their church’s safety team together. One day while they were talking, Harrell began asking him questions and suggested Belanger apply for the new code enforcement position.
“It’s been very interesting, a learning experience, all positive,” Belanger said of his new post. He has been spent his first few weeks on the job learning more about the town’s codes and ordinances – about 300 pages of learning material. He’s also been out driving around and looking for issues.
“I couldn’t be any more happy having Frank on board with us at the town,” said Town Planner Justin Setser. “I have been very impressed with his willingness to learn and his thoroughness to the job. He will be a valuable resource for the town.”
While the codes have been in place for years, the town has not had someone dedicated to enforcing them. Previously it was part of someone else’s job, usually with Setser or someone from the police department handling violations. That means residents may not be used to having someone come tell them they need to mow their yard or that they can’t park a car on the sidewalk.
“It’s going to be a learning experience for everybody,” Belanger said.
He said they are trying to approach enforcement in a positive way and not in a harsh manner, saying they’re “not the gestapo.” For example, while the code says grass can’t be more than eight inches tall, Belanger said you’re not going to see him out with a ruler measuring someone’s grass.
If he sees a violation, the resident will receive a letter in the mail that states the code, steps for correction and a timeline for compliance. The town acknowledges some people may not be able to mow their yard or they can’t afford to have an abandoned car towed away. He said they are willing to work with people to correct the issue. Anyone needing assistance can contact the town, and they will try to help as much as possible.
He sees part of his job as educating people on why the codes are in place and how they benefit the community as a whole. He said the goal is to continue presenting the town in a way that attracts tourism, that protects residents’ health and safety and helps maintain their property values.
“We’re trying to find a middle ground for everybody,” he said.
Belanger said there are codes specific to business owners in town and he will be working with them as well. “Sometimes it just takes a quick reminder,” he said.
He said so far everyone he has contacted about a violation has been positive and he hasn’t received any pushback.
Belanger said people can contact the office and leave anonymous tips for possible violations. He wants people to know he does not go on private property without permission. If he sees a violation, he takes a picture and then sends the picture with the notification the person receives in the mail.
For more information or to request a violation check, contact Frank Belanger at 828-524-2516, ext. 308 or email fbelanger@franklinnc.com.