CCMIN081589 - Laserfiche WebLink

243 Mr. Mercer pointed out that there are some properties in the City that neighbors can do nothing about because existing ordinances are do not solve the problems and that he had proposed this ordinance to help property owners find solutions to those problems. He commented that he was not in favor of disallowing garbage cans in the front yard or firewood stacked in the side yard if visible from the neighbor's property. The ordinance should include a provision that trees in the front yard should be trimmed with no branches hanging over the sidewalk so people could use the sidewalk. He concluded that complaints would be kept anonymous and that notification letters would be sent by certified mail. Mr. Brandes concurred with Mr. Mercer saying that this was meant to be a common sense law providing minimum standards for property maintenance to prevent deterioration that could disturb the neighbors. Mr. Tarver expressed concern that the 15-day limit to correct problems might not be sufficient time and inquired if the City could sponsor more than twice-a-year trash and garbage pick-up to assist people who would want to clean up their property. He commented that he did not like the concept of neighbors looking over the fence at the adjoining back yard. Mr. Mercer responded that from the point of view of safety, back yards are sometimes worse than front yards because in houses that have been abandoned, back yards would involve tall weeds, rats and green water in swimming pools. He recommended the removal of the items of garbage cans in front of the property, firewood stacked in the side or back yard, and looking into the neighbor's back yard. He would include trees so branches do not hang over sidewalks and notices sent by certified mail. Mr. Roush stated that the 15-days notice could be changed, although in most circumstances, this would not be the first contact by the City with the property owners. When the City gets a complaint, the Code Enforcement Officer will investigate the matter, and if he finds a violation, he will either personally talk to the owners or send them an informational/educational letter giving them time to comply. If nothing happens, a formal letter will be sent to the owners by registered mail. So, by the time they get the notification set forth in the ordinance, the property owners would be aware that it is because of non-compliance. Mr. Butler mentioned that the ordinance, as written, is over-reaching and that he would not support the items involving problems visible Eo the adjacent property and depreciation of property values as these could become very subjective, too easy to allege but too difficult for the owner to defend. -16- 8-15-89