C-T Photo

The city of Chillicothe has ordinances in place to govern the way people maintain property in an effort to make the town more attractive and safe. Some properties are in violation of ordinances by letting grass and weeds exceed 7 inches in height. As you walk or drive through town or meander into some of the city’s neighborhoods, it may be easy to spot properties not in the best shape. As of the last city council meeting, there were more than 50 structures in town violating one or more city ordinances — ordinances that were put in place in an effort to boost the city’s curb appeal and create a safer environment. Whether they are nuisance structures, property with trash and debris, sign violations, excessive grass and weed growth or some other violation, these situations can create what some people consider unpleasant appearances or unsafe conditions.

The city of Chillicothe developed these ordinances to keep the community as a progressive leader in not only north Missouri but in the entire state, according to City Administrator Dean Brookshier. The ordinances regulate sidewalks, lawn care, trees, fences, housing addresses, swimming pools, decks, unlicensed vehicles and provide many more ways to keep the community a place where businesses and families will want to continue to move into, said Gil Gates, Chillicothe Code Enforcement Officer. The most common violations in town are dilapidated structures, grass lengths and vehicles, the city officials say.

CAPTION: This structure at 821 Broadway Street was torn down this week as part of the city's initiative to clean up the city. Its demolition was made possible with a $300,000 grant awarded to the city for the rehabilitation of deteriorating homes and the demolition of structures that are too bad to repair. Photo Courtesy of City of Chillicothe

Gates said that nuisance structures often have collapsing roofs, broken doors and broken windows. When one or more complaints is made or when the code enforcement officer sees a property which could be in violation of a code, the enforcement officer evaluates the property. If it is determined that the property is in violation, a letter is then sent to the owner. This letter explains the structure needs to be improved within 30 days. During that time the owner has the opportunity for a public hearing to contest the allegation. If the owner does not contest after the 30 days have passed, the matter goes to the city attorney for consideration of prosecution.

Grass that is over seven inches tall is considered to be a nuisance. When the grass reaches that height a letter is sent to the owner who is given 10 days to cut the grass. If the grass is not cut within the time allotted the city hires a private contractor. The private contractor was chosen by bid in February 2008. If and when the city has to hire the private contractor the owner is responsible for the cost. If the cost is not paid by the owner at the time of the bill the amount for the service will be placed as a special fee on the property owner’s tax bill.

Any vehicle that is not in running condition and is not licensed is also considered a nuisance. The owner can and will be fined up to $500 for each vehicle in public view. The owner is sent a letter and is given 10 to 15 days to remove the vehicle before entering into municipal court. Each process that goes through the city follows the guidelines of the state statutes. The city gives a minimum of 10 days before the public hearing to clean up the violation or nuisance. Again, if the owner does not contest they have that amount of time to clean up the property, according to Gates.

CAPTION: Homes with collapsing roofs are considered nuisance properties and are in violation of city ordinances. Photo by Lisa Coutchens, C-T

“The whole idea is for them (property owners) to take care of their property,” Brookshier said. “We give them every opportunity to fix up their property.” If the property owner does not take action to fix the violation, the city proceeds with all of the steps necessary to improve the property. If, at the end of the process, the owner still has not cleaned up or improved the property the case could get sent to circuit court. The judge then will mandate what is done with the property. If a property is vacant, after three years, the city could take possession of the property and sell it for back taxes, Gates said.