Garrettsville – Proposed Ordinance 2012-15 that would create an exterior maintenance code for the Village was up for a second reading. A Public Hearing on the proposed ordinance will be held before the August 8 council meeting. If passed, the ordinance will require that all properties within the Village be maintained to the code standards and will give the zoning inspector authority to investigate any observed or reported violations.
The purpose of the code is to protect public health, safety and welfare by governing the maintenance, appearance and exterior conditions of all premises in the Village and to hold owners responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of their properties. Violations of the proposed code may include fines, liens, and litigation.
According to the proposed ordinance, all buildings and premises with in the Village will be subject to exterior inspections by the zoning inspector. If entrance on to private property is necessary, a minimum 48 hours written notice will be given to the owner (except in cases of emergency). Citizen complaints may also trigger inspections.
The ordinance addresses all exterior surfaces including doors, windows, their frames, exterior trims and cornices, porches, balconies, decks and fences. Foundations and exterior walls are expected to be maintained weatherproof and be free of holes, breaks, and loose and rotting material. No exterior wall segment is to have more than 25% of its surface bare. Peeling, flaking and pitted surfaces will be required to be coated. All sidings and masonry joints shall be maintained weather resistant and water tight. Abandoned structures and unoccupied lots are also addressed.
The ordinance further defines conditions for yard maintenance that includes standards for trees, grass, shrubbery, accessory structures, refuse and outdoor furniture.
The Mayor would appoint a Maintenance Advisory Board to work with the zoning inspector in the enforcement and administration of the proposed law.
In other business, the condition of the Paul’s Grist Mill property was discussed. The owner of record, Beta Holdings LLC, has not complied in demolishing the abandoned and hazardous structure. Mayor Moser and Village Solicitor Stuck discussed sending a letter to the County Commissioners and applying for special grant funding to help in the demolition project for the Paul’s Feed Mill building. The money, if awarded to the Village for demolition, would then be placed as a tax lien against the property by the county.
The boardwalk has been stained and sealed and the curb repair and rebuild on State Route 88 has begun in preparation for the impending repaving of State Route 88 from Liberty Street to the Geauga County line. Village Council also voted to approve the Village’s 2013 proposed tax budget.
Mayor Moser stated that there is a new zoning map under consideration and on view for public review and comment at the Village Clerk’s Office. Residents can submit their comments to the zoning inspector through the end of August.
If you’d like to know more of what is happening in your community, please attend a meeting. Village Council will next meet August 8, 7:30 p.m. in the Village Hall.
