Milton board recommends council approve clearer yard-maintenance rule, including right-of-way duties

Milstead, planning department staff, told the Milton board on Oct. 15 that staff proposes an amendment to Section 26-32 of the city code — “Prohibited nuisances” — to clarify yard-maintenance obligations and who must maintain the public right-of-way.

The change would remove an ambiguous definition of “yard area” and add language stating that "it shall also be the responsibility of each person or entity who owns or is in possession or in control of any parcel of land in the city to maintain that portion of the public right of way between said parcel and the paved roadway surface within said right of way in accordance with this section," Milstead said. He added the change is intended to make clear that property owners are responsible for vegetation and debris between their property line and the street, including vegetation overhanging sidewalks.

Why it matters: The amendment narrows ambiguity in enforcement language and gives the city clearer grounds to require property maintenance. Milstead said the clearer language should help code enforcement act proactively beginning Oct. 1; the board voted to recommend the change to City Council for final approval.

Board dis…