Explanation
BACKGROUND:
In an effort to improve the enforcement of nuisance abatement codes against the blighting and destructive influence of properties that become public nuisances, this code change creates a mechanism for allowing Civil Penalties of up to a $1,000 per day for the most severe public nuisance properties.
This process is designed to continue to ensure the due process for the property owner while also protecting neighborhoods from the debilitating impact that a blighting, public nuisance property creates. This new code will likely provide for quicker resolution than either the current civil or criminal complaint process allows for, while also being able to address nuisance properties held by corporate entities in a more effective manner. Funds collected through these prescribed fines would be directed into the Land Management Fund to help maintain, stabilize, and acquire blighting properties throughout the city.
While this code change would apply to all properties, both commercial and residential, it would be most effective when commercial properties are involved, or with multi-family apartments, hotels/motels, and landlords that own multiple properties that do not meet code requirements. This process would also serve as a deterrent, and encourage other property owners and landlords to maintain their properties in a code complaint manner and thus prevent other properties from reaching the point of having a blighting influence on their surrounding neighborhood.
FISCAL IMPACT: No funding is required for this legislation.
Title
To enact and repeal various sections of the Columbus Nuisance Abatement Code in order to create and administer civil penalties for owners of properties who fail to comply with notices of violation and correct code violations that create public nuisances.
Body
WHEREAS, in an effort to improve the enforcement of nuisance abatement codes against the blighting and destructive influence of properties that become public nuisances...
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