Clearlake >> A man claiming to be a code enforcement officer paid a visit to a resident on Wednesday.
The impersonator was reportedly trying to enforce city codes and told the resident he needed to take his fence down, according to city manager Greg Folsom.
“This is the first time I’ve ever had it happen,” code enforcement supervisor Lee Lambert said.
The resident contacted the city, which did not have a record for the citation. City officials say the resident approached them because he had not received clear answers from the impersonator.
“He didn’t understand why he was being told to take it down,” Folsom said.
The code enforcement impersonator, last seen near the Clearlake Park area, was described as a man in his mid 40s driving a black 2000 or newer Chevy half-ton pick-up truck, Lambert said.
City officials remind residents that all officers carry identification. Clearlake city code enforcement officers can be easily recognized by their clearly marked uniform shirts and vests, as well as an ID card, Lambert clarified. They also generally drive department vehicles.
Currently, there are two women who work as code enforcement officers for the city, Folsom said.
If residents are approached by someone not driving a marked city vehicle who cannot clearly identify him or herself as a code enforcement, the city asks that they deny them access to the property and contact the Clearlake Police Department immediately at (707) 994-8251.
