Oak Creek, Wis–March 30, 2026– Maintaining strong neighborhoods doesn’t happen by accident. In Oak Creek, it is the result of consistent standards, and a shared commitment to keeping properties well cared for. With recent updates to the City’s municipal code, the Creek Code Neighborhood Preservation Program is now better equipped to support that effort, thanks to the Oak Creek Common Council.

First introduced in 2020, Creek Code is designed to address property maintenance concerns before they escalate and begin to impact surrounding homes. While Oak Creek remains a relatively young and growing community, City leaders recognize that even small signs of neglect can lead to larger issues over time, including declining property values.

The newly updated ordinance formally incorporates Creek Code into City Code and provides clearer, more detailed expectations for property upkeep. This includes defined standards for building exteriors, roofs, windows, siding, fences, porches, and other visible elements of a property. It also outlines what constitutes common violations, such as:

• Junked, inoperable or abandoned vehicles
• Accumulations of debris, junk, or discarded household items
• Overgrown lawns and unmanaged vegetation
• Homes missing siding panels, roof sections, or that have structural integrity issues, causing not only unsightly conditions, but are also safety concerns
• Situations that may attract pests or vermin
• Improper parking or excessive outdoor storage of equipment and recreational vehicles
• Unpermitted or illegal home-based businesses

Even with these enhancements, the City’s philosophy remains the same, our focus is on communication, education, and voluntary compliance whenever possible. Enforcement is intended as a last step, not the starting point.

Creek Code supports the majority of residents who already take pride in their homes by addressing the relatively small number of properties that can negatively affect a neighborhood’s appearance and livability.

Residents play an important role in that effort and are encouraged to report concerns. Requests can be submitted through the City’s website under “Request Services,” by emailing creekcode@oakcreekwi.gov, or by calling 414-766-7000 and asking for the Neighborhood Preservation Officer.

With clearer standards and stronger tools in place, Oak Creek continues to invest in protecting property values and preserving the look and feel of its neighborhoods now and in the future.