Commissioners approve revised solid‑waste ordinance language to target accumulation of 'junk' on property

Beaufort County commissioners approved the second reading of revisions to the county solid‑waste ordinance that add language to prohibit accumulation of unpackaged "junk" on private property when it is exposed to public view or creates a health/safety concern.

Wes of Public Works presented the ordinance changes and said the language targets items such as furniture, mattresses, scrap metal, pallets, building materials and boat or car parts — not routine bagged kitchen trash. The draft includes exceptions where material is fully screened from public view (fencing, landscaping, berms), is stored wholly inside an enclosed building, or has been on-site for less than 30 days (for example, during a move).

Wes said penalties for violations are civil and aligned with the county’s existing tier 2 civil-penalty schedule. "The penalty that would be associated with this is a tier 2 violation on our civil penalties," he said; he noted the staff summary omitted the exact fine amount in the presentation but confirmed it uses the existing tiered schedule. Commissioners and members of the public discussed enforcement mechanics, how the county can clean up persistent problem properties, and how the rule applies only in unincorporated Beaufort County (municipalities enforce within their limits).

The board voted to adopt the revisions as a second reading; staff said the ordinance will be effective July 1 and that the county will publicize the rule changes and work with enforcement staff on implementation and complaint response procedures.

Ending: County staff will publish the ordinance changes and prepare enforcement procedures and public outreach ahead of a July 1 effective date.