Which approach is characterized by being reactive and responding to complaints?

The complaint-driven approach is characterized by its reactive nature, primarily focusing on addressing issues that have been reported by the public or stakeholders. In this context, code enforcement officials respond to specific complaints regarding violations rather than actively seeking out issues. This method relies on the community to communicate problems, such as property maintenance concerns or zoning violations, prompting the enforcement action taken by officials.

By concentrating on complaints, the approach enables the enforcement agency to prioritize resources and resolve issues that are of immediate concern to the community, ensuring that the most pressing problems are addressed in a timely manner. This contrasts with other strategies that are more proactive or preventive, which aim to identify and mitigate problems before they lead to violations or complaints.