City Holds First Reading on Administrative Civil Penalties and Derelict‑Structure Rules

SPRINGFIELD, Ore. — The City Council held a public hearing and first reading Monday of a proposed ordinance to modernize Springfield’s nuisance and code‑enforcement rules, including the introduction of administrative civil penalties (ACPs) and new provisions for dangerous, derelict and abandoned structures.

Charlie Kent, who presented the item for the city, said the proposed ordinance would repeal and replace several sections of Springfield Municipal Code chapter 5 (notably sections 5.002, 5.004, 5.008 and sections 5.6–5.624). The stated goals are to allow staff to address minor violations more quickly and proportionally through ACPs instead of relying on time‑consuming court processes, and to create objective standards, registration and abatement pathways for dangerous or abandoned structures that pose fire, health or criminal‑activity risks.

Kent said ACPs are widely used elsewhere in Oregon and that staff expect improved cost recovery for inspections, registration and abatement work. He said the full financial impact remains uncertain but that staff anticipate reduced court reliance and better recovery of enforcement costs. Councilors thanked staff for the work and said the updates were long needed; Councilor Stout requested and received agreement that staff would return with a one‑year review after adoption to report outcomes and recommended adjustments.

The council took no final vote Monday; the item was a first reading and public hearing only. No public testimony was submitted and the hearing was closed. Staff said they would return with any changes as needed and with an adoption vote at a later meeting.