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Caring People Ames,IA 50010
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April 19, 2002 APR 19 2002CLERK
CITY CF AF.i?E;,101KA
The Honorable Ted Tedesco, Mayor,
Members of the City Council of the City of Ames, Iowa,
and the City Manager of the City of Ames, Iowa
Re: Property Maintenance, Second Draft Ordinance
Dear Mayor Tedesco, Council Members and City Manager:
In furtherance of the Council's request of March 26, with this is a second draft of a property
maintenance ordinance. It reflects the comments and concerns expressed by staff and Council
Members in response to the first draft. I expect to receive more comments from City staff. The City
Manager and I have also discussed the possibility of soliciting comments from neighborhood
organizations.
Yours truly,
'�-VA-.
John R. Klaus
City Attorney
JRK:dls
Attachment
DRAFT
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF
AMES,IOWA,BY ENACTING A NEW SECTION 17.34 FOR THE PURPOSE
OF REGULATING THE MAINTENANCE OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY;
PROVIDING A PENALTY;AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ENACTED,by the City Council for the City of Ames,Iowa,that:
Section One. The Municipal Code of the City of Ames, Iowa shall be and the same is hereby amended by
adding a new section as follows:
"17.34 RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE REGULATIONS
1. Findings: It is found and determined that:
a) property values and general welfare are founded in part on the appearance ofprivate
properties in the City;
b) some properties in the community have become a blighting influence due to the
accumulation of items of personal property in yards;
c) the existence of such conditions as described in this section are injurious to the
general welfare by impeding the enjoyment of other property in the vicinity;
d) abatement of such blighting conditions enhances the welfare of the citizens because
enjoyment ofproperties in close proximity to each other depends on meeting a standard of sightliness
and tidiness. The beneficial effects of maintaining property to meet a minimum standard of
sightliness and tidiness include appreciation in the value of property,attraction of capital investment,
preservation of the tax base,and neighborhood tranquility.
2. Standards: It shall be a violation of this section for any landowner or person leasing,
occupying or having control of any real property used for residential purposes,to keep,maintain,
deposit or perform or permit on such property any of the following:
a) outdoor storage of household appliances, household furniture, household
furnishings or goods unless such items are designed for outdoor use and are used on the premises for
purposes of the household;
b) used or damaged lumber,scrap metal,cut-up brush,cut-up trees,cans,bottles,tires,
salvaged materials,boxes, or bags that are visible from a public street,sidewalk,alley,or adjacent
property for a period longer than ten days,except firewood for use on the premises may be stacked
in the side or rear yards of the premises.
c) broken windows,
d) buildings that are partially destroyed or only partially constructed or incomplete
after the building permit authorizing its construction has expired;
e) construction equipment and machinery and building supplies and materials stored
in areas visible from public rights of way or neighboring properties unless part of an active
construction project."
Section Two. Violation of this ordinance shall be a municipal infraction punishable by a penalty of$50.00 for
a person's first violation,$100.00 for a person's second violation,and$250.00 for a person's third and each succeeding
violation.
Section Three. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and publication as
required by law.
Passed this day of ,2002.
Diane R.Voss,City Clerk Ted Tedesco,Mayor
00649B-17.34-Maintenance of Residential Property.wpd