HomeMy WebLinkAboutA009 - Cover letter to Council with third draft of ordinance Legal Department
515 Clark Avenue,P.O.Box 811
Casing People Ames,1A 50010
Quality Programs
Eurplional Service Phone: 515-239-5146 •Fax: 515-239-5142
April 25, 2002
The Honorable Ted Tedesco, Mayor,
and Members of the City Council
of the City of Ames, Iowa
Re: Property Maintenance Ordinance
Dear Mayor Tedesco and Council Members:
With this is the third draft of the proposed ordinance in response to further comments from staff and
Council members.
The words"use"and"or placement"have been added to 2(a). The words"cut up brush"and"cut up
trees"have been deleted from 2(b).
Yours truly,
ohn R. I us
City Attorney
JRK:gmw
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 of properties 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 use, outdoor storage or outdoor placement of household appliances,
household furniture,household furnishings or other 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,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 12002.
Diane R.Voss,City Clerk Ted Tedesco,Mayor
O0649B-17.34-Maintenance of Residential Property.wpd
Revised 4-25-02