EPHRATA – The city of Ephrata hired Ioan Horvat as the new code enforcement and building inspector. Horvat says he aims to bolster the city’s municipal standards and enhance the quality of life for Ephrata residents. 

“I’ve been working for the last 20 years, mostly in construction and construction management. I focused on quality control, and this is the link to code enforcement,” Horvat said.  

Horvat said he is working alongside city staff to make the code consistent, educate the public on expectations and modernize the language and system the city uses. Currently, the city's municipal code has sections that are outdated, inconsistent and hard to read, Horvat said.  

“There are some issues with the code right now,” he said. “There are places where there are two to three standards listed in different spots. We need to make it consistent. We also have a bunch of outdated RCWs; those need to be modernized.” 

The role of code enforcement and building inspector is relatively new to Horvat. He previously held roles focused mainly on construction and construction management in Quincy and Moses Lake but expressed enthusiasm for this fresh chapter in his career.  

"At the beginning, I was kind of worried – what kind of satisfaction do you get at the end of the day?” Horvat said.  

However, he has quickly found fulfillment in his role, especially when he witnesses positive changes resulting from his notifications to property owners.  

“Coming back in the morning and seeing changes is exciting,” he said. 

Horvat’s principal ambition is to establish a comprehensive code enforcement program that will educate residents about municipal codes and facilitate compliance rather than merely imposing fines. 

“The goal is to find the issues and solve them. My goal is not to fine people. That is our last resort if they are unwilling to comply,” he said.  

Horvat said his approach emphasizes a constructive relationship with community members and aims to ensure that residents understand the importance of following municipal codes for their benefit and the benefit of the community at large. 

“We just want everyone to be happy,” he said. “Right now, we have neighbors who are not because there is someone with six-foot weeds living next to them, or whatever it may be. That isn’t fair to other property owners, and so I am trying to fix that.”  

This proactive philosophy will be exercised through various methods, such as outreach and education. Horvat's strategy includes engaging the public with informative materials about regulations on unpermitted structures, safety hazards from overgrown vegetation and other minor violations that can affect property values.  

“We start with education. We want to make sure that people understand what’s required of them,” he said.  

Horvat is working with other city staff on an education campaign about city codes. The campaign will be on the city's website, app, social media and flyers will also be sent out to residents. 

So far, Horvat’s has begun reviewing the city’s municipal code to identify discrepancies and ensure clarity.  

“I think the language is really different from one to another,” he said.  

His goal is to provide a uniform interpretation of the codes, making them easier to understand and comply with.  

He also explained that there are different rules listed in different parts of the code. He is working with department heads to ensure the code is consistent in every section without contradictions.  

“We have some code from the early 1900s, not a lot, but we also have references to RCWs that don’t exist anymore,” he said. “We are working to fix that. It’s hard to enforce rules if they are outdated and different throughout.”  

He said he will be working to get sections of the code modernized, then bring it to the council for approval.  

“There won’t be a lot of changes to the rules included in the code. It’s mostly just fixing it so we can enforce it,” he said.  

Additionally, the city has recognized the need for improvement in complaint processing. Horvat intends to streamline this by encouraging residents to use the new online form, which can be found on both the city of Ephrata website and app.  

“I have been telling people that they should use the online form because they can attach pictures of the problem,” he said. “Pictures help us see what the issue is and to what degree the issue is.” 

In the past, code enforcement in Ephrata was largely reactive, relying on resident complaints. Horvat plans a more proactive approach, he said.  

“My plan is to go by areas, starting with the main streets and working through neighborhoods,” Horvat said. “Complaints will still be addressed, but I will be out and about making sure that everyone is following our code.”  

As the city embarks on this journey with Horvat at the helm, he said residents can anticipate improved standards and a renewed sense of pride in the condition of their community.  

"We are here to make Ephrata a better place for everyone,” Hovart said.  

    Ioan Horvat, Ephrata’s new code enforcement and building inspector, said his goal is not to fine residents but instead find the issues and make sure they are fixed.