HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93010_1091was unsafe" Niblock said the following procedure would be used after a complaint
was received.
A member of the planning/enforcement department will investigate. If action is
needed, the owner will be notified of the necessary steps that need to be taken.
If within 30 days, the corrective action has not been taken, a hearing will be
scheduled. At the hearing, the owner will have the opportunity to present
his/her case. Next, the plarnringlcode enforcement director will have the option
of requesting for the structure to be repaired, closed, vacated, or demolished
with a stated time frame. The owner will have the right to appeal the decision
to the board of commissioners for a final determination. After this, if the owner
does not comply, the next step will be the court system.
Commissioner Williams asked how the amendments would affect next year's
budget.
Niblock said an additional inspector had already been requested. He said the
staff was currently enforcing this section of the ordinance, and an additional staff person
was needed to help in several areas -- not just for the proposed amendments.
Commissioner Norman said he understood citizens could appeal any
determinations to the board of commissioners.
Niblock said this was correct.
Chairman Johnson said he understood the process would be "complaint
initiated."
Niblock said this was correct.
Commissioner Tice said she understood that bona fide farm buildings were
exempt.
Niblock said this was also correct. He said the staff would not be looking at
tractor sheds, hams, and true farm -use buildings.
Chairman Johnson adjourned the public hearing.
OTIO by Commissioner Madison to approve the amendment to Chapter 4,
Division 4, pertaining to Unsafe Buildings/Structures as presented.
Commissioner Williams said, "I intend to vote against the proposed Unsafe
Buildings/Structures ordinance. I don't object to the intent of the ordinance, which is to
protect citizens from the negligence of their neighbors, but my objection comes from
the fact that this ordinance continues to erode our personal property rights. The fact is
that most of the proposed ordinance already exists in the code. We must not forget that
once an ordinance is adopted it applies to every citizen of Iredell County, regardless of
whether they live in a housing development near a town, or on a farm a quarter of a
mile from the nearest neighbor. It applies to the old family farmhouses and to the old
unused country stores. A citizen will have a right to bring a complaint against another
citizen and cause him unnecessary expense, or possible condemnation and demolition of
his property. Based on the fact that I believe the ordinance is already in effect, I will
vote no."
Commissioner Madison said he thought the amendments would actually help to
protect personal property rights. He said the changes would affect irresponsible
property owners who were disregarding the rights of others. Madison said citizens
could appeal any decisions to the commissioners.
VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — I (Williams)