City Sends Out Code Enforcement Letters

Code enforcement officer Nicole Griffin has issued more than 45 letters in the past week regarding code violations.

"Almost all of the letters are in regards to high grass and improper storage," Griffin said.

Residents receiving the letters have 10 days to correct the problem. After that time, citations may be issued each day thereafter until the issue is resolved. Fines could be as much as $500.

City ordinances restrict furniture such as couches, which would typically be considered indoor furniture, to be in open view from the roadway. The same applies to appliances such as refrigerators and deep freezes.

City codes describe high grass as being 12 inches or higher.

Using open carports as storage is also prohibited if the storage is in open view from the road.

Griffin will also begin issuing letters for residents without address numbers that are in code.

"We have lots of residences without address numbers. Codes state that each residence and business have clearly visible numbers. Without them, law enforcement and emergency personnel have difficulty finding residences, so this is a safety issue."

City code requires numbers to be at least three inches high, and composed of material to withstand actions of the elements. The numbers must be reflective or of a contrasting color so as to be visible from the street.