Environmental Blight and Structural Blight
The Environmental Code addresses concerns with regard to environmental blight and structural blight. The code enforces without limitation that properties in the City of Lawrence shall be free of trash, garbage, abandoned motor vehicles, junked vehicles. Structures (houses, garages, shops, etc.) shall not include chipping paint, broken windows, fallen guttering, a fallen fence, worn shingles, or holes in siding. Also, dilapidation, deterioration or disrepair shall mean any condition characterized by, but not limited to: holes, breaks, rot, decay crumbling, cracking, peeling or flaking paint, rusting, or other evidence or physical damage, neglect, lack of maintenance, excessive use, or weathering. For a more specific definition please see the Environmental Code.
The purpose of the code is to protect, preserve, upgrade and regulate the environmental quality of industrial, commercial and residential neighborhoods in the City, by outlawing conditions which are injurious to the health, safety, welfare, or aesthetic characteristics of the neighborhoods; and to provide for the administration and enforcement thereof. (Code 1979, 7A-102) Cases for blight are initiated either by a complaint received or the inspector may view a violation while in the field.
The general process for addressing environmental blight violations:- Receive complaint or view violation in field;
- Conduct inspection;
- If a violation exists, a letter is written to the property owner advising of the violation.
- Property is re-inspected in approximately 15 days;
- If the violation remains, a formal notice is issued. Abandoned vehicles, trash, debris, etc. must be removed within 15 days, structural blight must be removed within 45 days;
- If the violation remains when the property is re-inspected, then a complaint will be filed with the Municipal Court.
The Weed Ordinance prohibits excessive growth of certain vegetation within the City. This Article is designed to promote traffic safety by removing obstructions to the vision of motorists; to protect the public health and safety by eradicating conditions which may accelerate the spread of fire and which are conducive to the nesting and proliferation of rodents, snakes, mosquitos, vermin, or other pestiferous conditions; and to promote the general welfare by improving the physical environment, correcting blighted areas and preserving property values.
The general process for addressing weed violations:- Receive complaint or view violation in field;
- Conduct inspection;
- If a violation exists, a letter is written to the property owner advising of the violation. This notice allows the owner 10 days to abate the violation;
- Property is re-inspected in approximately 10 days;
- If the violation remains, a contractor is hired to mow the property;
- The property owner is invoiced for charges incurred for abatement.
*Should a violation return to a property within a calendar year, an additional notice will not be issued. A contractor will be hired to mow the property and the owner charged for the expenses.
Notice of Public Hearing Amendments to Health and Sanatation Code
Helpful Information Code Compliance and Other Helpful Information Checking A Home or Rental Property for Safety and Code Compliance
