Friday, October 25, 2002
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Friday, October 25, 2002 |
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PTC strengthens ordinance for city's problem buildings By JOHN
MUNFORD
The teeth in Peachtree City's ability to dispose of dilapidated structures just got a little sharper. A new ordinance enacted by the City Council last week will shorten the time frame for the process the city must follow to eventually have such buildings repaired or demolished. The old ordinance called for a process that could take up to 205 days. Now, the process can be accomplished in as little as 45 days, according to councilman Murray Weed, who spearheaded the changes. The new nuisance ordinance allows the city to initiate court proceedings against property owners for buildings that are unfit for habitation or endanger the public health or safety with unsanitary or unsafe conditions. The ordinance may also apply to vacant structures that are used in the commission of drug crimes. Once the city files a complaint on a particular property, a court hearing must be scheduled within 15 to 45 days. Afterward, a judge will determine if the structure is unsafe and,if so, order the owner to repair or demolish the structure. If the owner fails to comply with an order to repair or demolish the structure, the city can demolish it and assess its costs through a lien on the property, according to the ordinance. The city engineer and code enforcement staff were supportive of the change, Weed added. The quicker system is also expected to save the city a siginificant amount of legal fees.
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