15 - BUILDING STANDARDS COMMISSION

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Item No. 15 memorandum TO: Mayor & City Council FROM: John Godwin, City Manager SUBJECT: BUILDING STANDARDS COMMISSION DATE: February 24, 2017 BACKGROUND: When an order from a code enforcement officer concerning issues such as high grass or litter is not complied with, we have a relatively simple process whereby we can enter the property and perform the work, usually after ten days. However, when it comes to junk, which is an all too common problem in some areas of town, we are much more restricted, because junk can be considered personal property. Attempts to take corrective action can take months, may involve the courts, and in the end are often not successful in any case. Therefore, we have been looking for an option that would speed up the abatement process, yet still limit any legal liability we might incur in doing so. STATUS OF ISSUE: As you know, the Building Standards Commission has long had authority to issue legal, enforceable orders for dangerous buildings— repair, secure, and/or demolish. We have prepared a new ordinance that would grant the BSC the same type authority over junk, specifically to conduct public hearings and order the storage or removal of junk. We think this can be a very helpful tool when dealing with uncooperative property owners with yards full of junk and rubbish. At its last meeting the BSC reviewed and discussed the proposed new ordinance and unanimously recommended its adoption by the city council. BUDGET: NA. RECOMMENDATION: Approve attached ordinance.