The City Inspection Services and Property Code Enforcement Departments are proposing assorted changes to the City Ordinace regarding residential property maintenance. Open houses were held June 11 and 18 on this subject to solicit initial public input. The next step is evaluation/integration of that input and then recommending the changes to the Mayor and Council.

The following points are included in the initial recommendation:

• Time limits on construction - Set time limits on residential construction projects to limit the unsightliness of in-process work. Owners may apply for extension to the permit duration for show of good cause. One year is proposed for garages and additions. Six months is proposed for decks, fences and retaining walls.
• Vacant structures - Set standards for the appearance of vacant structures. Proposed that a ninety day limit be set for boarded-up appearance. Naturally, structures may remain vacant longer, however, exterior appearance must be maintained as though occupied.
• Placement of trash containers - Residential trash containers should be placed in side or rear yards and only be placed at the curb for pick-up 24 hours before or after the scheduled time.
• Condition of gravel driveways - Loose gravel driveways would be eliminated as a surface treatment. While existing driveways would be grand-fathered, edging must exist to prevent gravel from spreading or washing away.
• Restrict canopies - Freestanding canopies (such as vehicle covers) in front yards would be eliminated.
• Eliminate farm animals - Keeping of any domesticated farm animals in residential zones would be prohibited.
• Oversized commercial vehicles - More stringent criteria is proposed for limiting the parking of oversized commercial vehicles in residential zones. In the initially proposed form, RVs are not included in these limits.

Among the initial public comments were the suggestions to include RVs in oversized vehicle parking limits, add a prohibition of allowing unhitched trailers on residential streets, and a discussion of the detailed implementation of the 24-hour trash put out period. Plus, upon hearing an explanation of the policy that for residents that do not reply to current oversized vehicle permit application notices, their consent is assumed. The suggestion was made to reverse this assumption, so an application is denied unless the application gets explicit approval of the necessary minimum consensus.

For more information contact Victor Sajahskas in the Code Enforcement Department by e-mail or by telephone: 240-314-8332.