KNOXVILLE - On Wednesday morning, Nov. 12, small teams of City employees from multiple departments will be fanning out and knocking on doors throughout parts of the Vestal community in South Knoxville.

The aim is to talk with residents about the City’s available neighborhood resources and to educate residents about complying with City codes.

This neighborhood event – a repeat of similar proactive, friendly outreaches done periodically in other parts of Knoxville – results in productive conversation, not enforcement, City officials said.

No citations for code violations will be issued. Rather, if any issues are found, City staff will discuss with the property owner how to correct it, and a grace period will be agreed upon.

“We want people to know that we’re a resource,” Public Service Director Rachel Butzler said. “This is proactive and educational. It’s a two-way conversation, an opportunity to ask questions face to face, rather than someone just getting a form letter in the mail.”

A lot of times, people are simply unaware of a code violation, such as leaving their trash cart at the street all week long, instead of wheeling it back toward their house.

“We all want our neighborhoods looking their best,” Butzler said. “So this is also a chance for residents to discuss concerns about their neighborhood and to bring neighborhood needs to the City’s attention.”

Codes Enforcement and police officers will be knocking on doors of homes, starting on Avenues A, B and C and Drive D. Joining them will be Waste and Resource Management, Office of Neighborhood Empowerment, and Housing and Neighborhood Development employees.