Zoning officer reports code enforcement, new permits, and upcoming developments

The city’s zoning officer gave a broad update covering code enforcement, development permits, and near-term private projects.

He said the city has 48 grassland (nuisance) violations this summer. General services has cleared eight properties so far, including the former Rich gas station on Benedict Avenue. Two abandoned semi trucks left at the old North Furniture property on Newton Street were removed by the owner recently.

The officer reported two permits were issued last week for new single-family homes (one on Valley Park Drive and one on an unnamed street). He also said three city-owned trees in a paper alley will be removed soon under an accepted quote and that he has requested quotes for an additional 11–12 tree removals before the end of the year, pending budget availability.

He said city staff and contractors identified eight locations for new tree plantings and have four private-property owners signed up to participate in a Brownfield demolition grant next year through the land bank; the remaining owner sign-ups are in progress.

Separately, the officer said fencing is up at the old car wash next to KFC and demolition is expected to start soon for a planned Starbucks; that project already has city permits. He also reported project plans for a new “seal core” (text in packet: “seal core business” on North Furniture Parkway) were approved by a neighboring jurisdiction and the fire chief; the zoning officer was awaiting permit fee payment to issue the city permit.

These items were presented as informational updates; council did not take formal action during the report. The zoning officer said he will provide permit totals by the next meeting when asked by a council member.