Title
Ordinance Amending Chapter 17 of the Greensboro Code of Ordinances with Respect to Nuisances
Body
Department: Neighborhood Development and Office of the City Attorney
Council District: All
Public Hearing: No
Advertising Date/By:
Contact 1 and Phone: Barbara Harris 373-2509
Contact 2 and Phone: Tom Carruthers 373-2320
PURPOSE:
To refine the definitions of what constitutes a nuisance, to authorize entry onto premises for the purpose of nuisance abatement in emergencies, to make the issuance of civil penalties restorative rather than punitive, and to make other text edits to clarify the intent of the ordinance.
BACKGROUND:
In response to requests from Code Compliance staff for clarity the Office of the City Attorney has reviewed and prepared revisions to the City's nuisance authority under Chapter 17. These revisions will assist the Code Compliance Program with consistency in enforcement procedures. The City's nuisance authority is in addition to the authority granted in Chapter 6, Building and Building Regulations; Chapter 11, Housing Code; and Chapter 17, Article II, Unsafe Housing.
These amendments will accomplish the following:
* Refine the definitions of what constitutes a nuisance with respect to grass, weeds, and other noxious vegetation and with respect to household furniture and appliances that may be stored outside;
* Reducing the area which requires mowing lots larger than one acre which will reduce City expenditures for nuisance abatement by approximately $14,000;
* Authorize entry onto premises for the purpose of nuisance abatement in emergencies;
* Make the issuance of civil penalties restorative rather than punitive by de-criminalizing the ordinance; and
* Make other text edits to clarify the intent of the ordinance.
Ordinance revisions will become effective immediately upon adoption with a six month implementation timeline.
BUDGET IMPACT:
None
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED: Neighborhood De...
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