Bill Type and Number: Ordinance 2006-1363

Sponsor: Council President at the request of the Mayor

Date of Introduction: November 28, 2006

Committee(s) of Reference: ECID

Date of Analysis: December 1, 2006

Type of Action: Ordinance Code amendment

Bill Summary: The bill amends Ordinance Code Chapter 518 – Property Safety and Maintenance Code – to make numerous changes, briefly summarized below:

• Amends definition of Unsafe Structure to remove category of open and vacant structures and structures that have inadequate light, air or sanitation.
• Amends inspection section to remove authorization for voluntary advisory inspections of properties and the necessity for issuance of a certificate of compliance after a violation is found and corrected.
• Amends service of violation notice section to require such notice of violation to outline sufficient delivery and notice procedures.
• Adopts notice service requirements contained in Chapter 609, Ordinance Code as service requirements.
• Removes code enforcement liens from inventory of outstanding liens.
• Defines and clarifies nuisance vegetation and classifies unsanitary swimming pools, vacant and unsecured buildings and graffiti as a public nuisance.
• Includes a new section outlining requirements for boarding vacant structures.
• Provides new payment and enforcement of liens process.
• Absorbs Solid Waste enforcement of residential responsibilities for trash collection and pickup into the Property Safety Code.
• Clarifies notice section to property owner concerning violations existing on property.
• Includes an appeal notification when a property is ordered to be vacated.
• Clarifies removal of condemnation and violation placards when defects have been corrected.

Background Information: The amendments clarify and improve upon the existing code and provide enhanced violation notification and lien processes.

Policy Impact Area: Property Safety Code

Fiscal Impact: Undetermined

Analyst: Clements