LEAD, S.D. – The City of Lead is shifting ordinance enforcement duties out of the police department and into its planning and building inspection division.
During a recent meeting, the Lead City Commission approved a job description for a new ordinance officer and authorized $1,000 to advertise the position. City leaders say the change will allow police officers to focus more on law enforcement responsibilities while a dedicated employee handles code and ordinance enforcement.
Commissioner Valerie Meiners said ordinance enforcement originally focused on issues such as abandoned vehicles, weeds, and property maintenance concerns, and was never intended to be a primary police function. She said moving the responsibilities back under the planning department will free officers to concentrate on public safety and criminal matters.
The new ordinance officer will be responsible for investigating city code violations, responding to citizen complaints, conducting inspections, documenting violations, and working with property owners to ensure compliance with city ordinances.
Funding for the position is expected to be included in Lead’s 2027 budget under the city’s health and safety department. City officials say the role will help address neighborhood quality-of-life issues while providing consistent enforcement of local ordinances.
