Dinkler said the new ordinances also include due process rights for property owners and rates and fees that “were exceptionally reasonable for southwest Ohio.” She said one major change is that code is now enforceable against a broader range of people connected to the properties.
The ordinances, which were approved as emergency legislation on Aug. 5 for immediate effect and formally adopted on Monday, include repealing and replacing the property maintenance code, a list of rates and fees for property maintenance issues and granting jurisdiction for property maintenance code violation appeals to be heard by the city Board of Zoning, Building and Housing Appeals.
On Aug. 5, council approved resolutions to appoint National Inspection Corporation as the city’s code enforcement official and appoint city Engineer Barry Conway as a city code official. Conway was appointed primarily for parking violations and for issues requiring immediate attention.
City officials said the intent is to ensure property in the city continuously remains in good condition and to require timely compliance if there is a code violation. It’s also designed to increase and maintain property values.
Dinkler outlined some key provisions:
- Furniture or appliances not meant for outdoor use are prohibited from being located on any outdoor area that is not completely enclosed by glass and/or screens, covered by a roof, and protected against the weather. Indoor furniture cannot be used on outdoor balconies, decks, landings, patios, porches, roofs, and yards. City officials said this provision is to prevent mold, insect and other animal infestation, and potential fire hazards.
- Weeds and grass height has been reduced from 10 inches to eight inches to prevent fire hazards.
- A five-day compliance period now applies to violations concerning weeds, interior furniture used in exterior areas, garbage and rubbish. If the property owner, agent or the occupant does not address the violation and bring the property back into compliance, the city will prosecute the violator.
- Failure to abate the violation will enable the city to enter the property to cut weeds, remove furniture, garbage and rubbish. The city will also assess an administrative fee of $250 against the owner, agent or occupant. Failure to pay the administrative fee will lead to a $50 penalty.
- The city will publish an annual reminder of the property code provisions on the city website and in utility bills.
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