by Cheryl Splain, KnoxPages.com reporter
MOUNT VERNON — Prior to council’s regular legislative session on Monday, Councilwoman Nancy Vail convened the third Planning and Zoning Committee meeting dedicated to revising the city’s property maintenance ordinances. Topics ranged from control of vermin and rats to penalties for violations. Council members amended several ordinances:
*Household furniture and appliances must be removed from the exterior property within five days of written notification. The five days begin the date the letter is sent.
*The property maintenance officer was given authority equal to the health commissioner to enforce and cite violations of specific sections relating to controlling vermin and rats.
*No more than one recreational vehicle, including watercraft trailers, or one travel trailer or one utility trailer may be stored in a rear yard. Such vehicles and trailers may not be parked in a front yard, driveway or on any public way for more than 72 hours.
*The minimum age requirement relating to certain provisions regarding swimming and wading pools and hot tubs was changed from 16 to 14.
*Changed the authority for granting swimming pool exemptions from the city engineer to the property maintenance officer.
All of the penalties for violations under the property maintenance ordinance are misdemeanors. Penalties range in severity based on the seriousness and frequency of the violation:
*Minor misdemeanor: maximum of $150 fine plus court costs
*Fourth-degree misdemeanor: maximum $250 fine and up to 30 days in jail
*Third-degree misdemeanor: maximum $500 fine and up to 60 days in jail
The new property ordinance will be effective 90 days after the mayor’s signature. A public hearing is set for Monday, Nov. 18, at 6:30 p.m. in council chambers. Community members are encouraged to attend and voice their opinion.
