In 1995, the Hastings City
Council adopted a property
maintenance ordinance which provides a practical method to regulate
the maintenance and use of existing properties within the City of
Hastings. The purpose of the ordinance is to protect, preserve
and promote public health, safety and welfare.
In early 2012, a task force comprised of city staff from a variety of
departments reviewed the Hastings Code Enforcement Ordinances and
procedures used to deal with violations of the Property Maintenance
Codes. One key finding from the series of meetings was that some
violations take too long to mitigate.
Staff reviewed violation notification procedures and legal requirements
focused on the most direct means of ensuring compliance with City
property maintenance laws. The findings of the task force and a series
of recommendations were presented to the Hastings City Council in
March. The City will now employ a streamlined process of notice,
monitoring, and enforcement procedures that will result in criminal
liability in case of noncompliance. The new plan also creates abatement
protocols whereby the City will implement violation abatement and
assess all costs back to the property owner.
"The goal of this effort is to get voluntary compliance with City
building codes and maintenance laws," said Hastings City Administrator
David Osberg. "We regard enforcement as a necessary strategy to address
non-compliance within a reasonable timeframe," he added
"It is important that residents take responsibility for maintaining
their property, said Tom Bakken, Building Official for the City of
Hastings. “Unsightly yards, homes in disrepair, and old vehicles
and equipment stored on-site not only reduces the value of that
particular property, but reflects poorly on adjacent homeowners and the
community," Bakken further noted.
"Whether commercial or residential, property maintenance is every
owner's responsibility and important to the City's long-term stability
and livability," stated Hastings Mayor Paul Hicks.
Reporting property maintenance or nuisance concerns can be difficult,
especially if it concerns a neighbor. Residents who are uncomfortable
discussing concerns with a neighbor or who have a neglected vacant home
in their neighborhood, can call the Code Enforcement Division at
651-480-2376 to report property maintenance
issues.
Residents who would like to
notify the City of a problem property in their neighborhood can
download a Property
Maintenance Complaint Form to fill out and submit or
call the Code Enforcement Division at 651-480-2376.
