Skip to main content
MUNICIPALITY-ADMINISTRATION5 MIN READ

Talk Down a Code Enforcement Conflict

Use interest-based language in a tense code-enforcement conversation.

Mr. Patel P Business owner 1 Acknowledge 2 Standard 3 Options A business owner believes sign enforcement is selective and is angry at the permit counter. Interests plus objective criteria Acknowledge the concern, return to the neutral standard, then provide lawful options. Lower heat without lowering the standard. Mr. Patel: “You only enforce this on my block.” What do you say first? He says, “So what rule did I break?” What is strongest? He asks, “What can I do now?”

Read the full lesson

Sign up free — one personalized lesson every day, matched to your role and goals.

Already have an account? Sign in

← Back to library
Contact us