InterLinc: Urban Development Department: Neighborhood Quality of Life

Why are there Neighborhood Quality of Life Ordinances?: Studies have shown that poorly maintained properties and boarded up homes not only reduce property values, but also lead to an increase of crime and other undesirable behaviors in a neighborhood. By reducing the number of junk cars and inadequately maintained buildings, homeowners and tenants can enjoy improved property values and greater neighborhood pride while making their neighborhood more secure and stable. To make a complaint, call the Neighborhood Hotline at 441-6300.
How does the junk car ordinance work?: Under this code it is unlawful for:
non-operating, wrecked, junked, or partially dismantled vehicle[s] to remain on a property for more than 30 days, or
unregistered vehicle[s] to be on a property for any length of time, if unregistered for more than 30 days.
Exceptions include:
vehicles kept in an enclosed building,
vehicles on the premises of a business enterprise operated in a lawful place and manner as part of necessary lawful operations, or
vehicles on the premises of a person who has obtained a hobbyist permit for the restoration of the vehicle.
What are the penalties?: Any person violating any provisions of these regulations can be found guilty of a misdemeanor. If convicted, they can be fined up to $500. Minimum fines are $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second offense and $300 for the third offense and any following offense. Each day a violation continues to exist constitutes a separate offense.
How can I get a hobbyist permit?: A hobbyist permit is for the restoration or repair of up to 2 non- operating, wrecked, junked, or partially dismantled vehicles per residence. Here's how to get one:
Get an application from the City Clerk's Office by calling 441-7436
Fill out the application and file it with the City Clerk, and
Pay the $50.00 fee for each vehicle. Permits are good for 180 days.
How does the housing maintenance ordinance work?: The ordinance is not about making buildings "pretty." It is about improving buildings that have been inadequately maintained. This includes buildings that fit some or all of the following descriptions:
Boarded-up for over 6 months or left in a state of partial construction after the building permit has expired,
Broken windows that are hazardous,
Cracked, chipped, flaking, peeling or missing paint over 50% of any wall or building face,
Unpainted and showing signs of dry rot, warping, or termite infestation,
Noticeable holes, breaks, gaps, loose or rotting boards or timber,
Excessive peeling, rusting or other physical signs of decay,
Yards with an accumulation of weeds, vegetation, junk, dead organic matter, or debris,
Yards with dead or dying trees and limbs that are a health or safety risk.
What are the penalties?: If the building is found to be below the housing code standards, the owner can be charged with a misdemeanor. The fine for the first offense is a minimum of $25, second offense is $50, and third offense is $100. The maximum fine is $500 or six months in jail. Each day the building is in violation of the code is a separate offense.
Repairs take time and money -- will I get fined while making repairs? What if I can't afford the repairs?: The City will allow owners a reasonable amount of time to make repairs. Low and moderate income homeowners may be eligible for financial assistance.


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