Community Tool Shed is low-cost solution to code compliance violations
As an innovative way to help residents ensure they stay in the good graces of code enforcement, in 2023 the city of Cayce, S.C., began a Community Tool Shed program. The program allowed residents to borrow tools from the city to stay in compliance with city ordinances.
The goals of the program were to promote community engagement; empower residents, organizations and businesses to keep neighborhoods maintained; serve as a powerful resource to address city code issues and violations in a simple and timely fashion; and reduce the cost of code enforcement for violations of overgrown property or minor exterior structural damage.
“Our Cayce code compliance team found an innovative way to help our Cayce residents follow our zoning ordinances in the city,” Ashley Hunter, public information officer, affirmed. “A common reason given by residents that were not in compliance was that they did not own the proper tools to maintain their lawn. Our code compliance staff got to work on making this solution happen for our residents.”
The city began planning for the Community Tool Shed program right around the time COVID-19 hit, which meant a large increase in cost for the purchase of necessary tools and a trailer. Local businesses stepped in to provide the additional funding and make the tool shed project a reality. Cayce Beautification Foundation sponsored the cost of the tool shed and Lowe’s of West Columbia, Martin Marietta, The Graphics Source and the Carter Insurance Group sponsored the tools.
A year into the program, Cayce Community Tool Shed remains a critical part of the city’s community pride. It provides battery-operated lawn mowers, blowers, weed eaters, rakes, shovels, pruning tools, a tree saw, wheelbarrow, hedge trimmers, electric hedge trimmers and fertilizer spreaders to residents to help maintain their yards and keep up with city ordinances.
The tools are available to Cayce residents with proof of residency, as well as local nonprofit and community groups. The tools cannot be used for commercial use. Up to three tools can be checked out at one time, including two hand tools and one power tool. There is no charge to borrow the tools and they are lent for up to three days.
In order to reserve a tool, a resident or organization must simply call and request it by phone and then fill out an online liability waiver. The tools are picked up at and returned to city hall.
The rentals are managed by the public works administrator.
Pickups and returns must be completed during normal city hall business hours. All tools that are borrowed from the Community Tool Shed must be cleaned and then returned to the city hall within three days.
If tools are not returned or a tool is returned damaged above normal wear and tear, then the city issues a fine. The fine is usually between $10 and $50, depending on the tool and the amount of the damage. Power tools carry a larger fine than hand tools.
If an item is returned late, the borrower is charged a late fee of $5 per day. Fees are assessed on the borrower’s next city utility bill.
Returning damaged or uncleaned tools may also result in the borrower being unable to use the Community Tool Shed again in the future.
“The community has really appreciated not just being handed a citation by our code compliance officers,” Hunter explained. “Instead, they receive a possible solution to the problem at no cost to them. As a local government, we try to go out of our way to serve the people of our community.” On each citation issued, information for the Community Tool Shed is made available.
For other cities that may consider a similar program, Hunter recommended partnering with local businesses and organizations. “We could not have made our Community Tool Shed idea come to life had it not been for our local businesses and partners,” Hunter stated.
“We also recommend making the process simple for residents and adding the information about the rental on the citations issued by your code compliance team.”
As a way to help keep residents within code compliance standards, the city of Cayce, S.C., began a Community Tool Shed program, which allows residents to borrow tools at no cost. Pictured, from left, are Jarrett Epperson, Cayce code compliance manager; Susan Law, public works administrator; and Ken Walters, code compliance officer and residential building inspector. (Photo provided by city of Cayce, S.C.) Electric lawn mowers, weed eaters, shovels, trimmers, rakes and wheelbarrows are just some of the tools available from the Community Tool Shed. A resident simply has to put in a request for the tool, fill out a liability waiver and return the tool cleaned within three days. Pickups and returns are processed at city hall during normal business hours. (Photo provided by city of Cayce, S.C.) 
Cutting green grass electric lawn mower. The difference between the processed and overgrown parts of the field. (Shuttershock)
