Notifying the City of a Nuisance Violation

Routine inspections result in the majority of warning letters being issued to property owners. Inspections are also performed due to citizen complaints. After receiving a citizen’s complaint, a property nuisance abatement inspector views the problem area to determine if there is a violation.

Examples of Nuisance
The following lists some, but not all, possible violations:

• Animal waste
• Indoor furniture being used outdoors
• Junk (includes junk vehicles, any vehicle, machinery, appliances, or household items found in a foul, offensive, nauseous, filthy, dilapidated, or unsafe condition)
• Rubbish and garbage from commercial establishments and industrial plants
• Rubbish and garbage accumulated from dwellings
• Yard waste

Property Violation Determination

The City inspector will determine if the property is in violation. The property nuisance abatement inspector will determine if there is a violation, and photographs will be taken.

If the City inspector determines that a violation has been found, three types of warning letters may be issued:

• An owner courtesy letter is mailed to any property owner whose property is currently in violation but did not have any other violations in the previous 12 months to date. This letter allows seven days from the date of the notice to properly remove the violation from the property.
• A second violation letter is mailed to any property owner whose property is currently in violation and has had at least one other violation letter in the previous 12 months to date. This letter allows seven days from the date of the notice to properly remove the violation from the property and imposes a $25 fine.
• A habitual nuisance letter is mailed to any property owner whose property is currently in violation and has had three or more violations in the previous 12 months to date. This letter allows seven days from the date of the notice to properly remove the violation from the property and imposes a $50 fine.

Ignoring Warning Letters

In the event that a property owner fails to comply with the warning letter, the property nuisance abatement inspector may direct the Public Words Department to enter upon the property and remove all items in violation. Additionally, the owner may be served with a notice of violation directing them to appear before the administrative hearing officer. Penalties may range from $50-$500 per day, per violation.