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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | March 21, 2023 12:37 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Alec J. Ryncavage |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | County Property Code Enforcement Legislation - Former HB 2555 |
| In the near future I will be introducing legislation that will allow counties to enact and enforce property maintenance codes when municipalities do not have the means to do so on their own. We know that local code enforcement is critical to maintaining safe neighborhoods as well as protecting property values. However, there are municipalities, particularly in rural areas, that do not have property maintenance ordinances or code enforcement employees. Complaints of dilapidated properties, missing landlords, vacated buildings overrun by vermin or stray animals, and the dumping of appliances have created headaches for municipal officials. These are instances where the hiring of a zoning and/or enforcement officer as well as the possibility for legal ramifications can be cost prohibitive. The problems of blight, when not addressed on a municipal level, would be handled by the county. Similar legislation has been enacted in the state of West Virginia. My bill would amend the County Code to grant special powers and duties to counties. Under my legislation, a county (under the guise of its commissioners or governing body) will be allowed to enact a property maintenance ordinance to help ensure the health and safety of its residents as well as those who want to safeguard the value of their property. Notice of consideration on the ordinance must be published and the public will have access to the proposal before a county could enact it. Counties that adopt a property maintenance ordinance will have enforcement power, including the ability to levy fines when properties are in violation of the ordinance. Enforcement will be accomplished through the appointment of a property maintenance inspector. Under my bill, counties may not enforce property maintenance ordinances in a municipality that has an ordinance which is already being enforced. Please join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation. |
Introduced as HB1090