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Zoning staff: code rewrite near completion; city handling grass, vacant properties and façade program
Summary
Zoning official Noel told council the city is nearing completion of a zoning code rewrite, is addressing lawn-height complaints and vacant-property maintenance, and that 19 properties have applied for a storefront improvement/facade program.
Noel from the city’s zoning department updated Geneva City Council on June 9 on property-maintenance enforcement, a pending zoning-code rewrite and a downtown storefront improvement program.
Noel said the city has been issuing notices for grass that exceeded the current enforcement threshold and is scheduling contractor cuts for several properties. Regarding a downtown building known as the Bridal Building, Noel said the structure is being purchased by an out-of-state company that engaged a local contractor to cut the property’s grass; Noel said the new buyer has agreed to address outstanding maintenance issues.
Noel told council the zoning-code rewrite administered by the planning commission is nearing completion and staff hopes to bring the new code before council in August. "The zoning code rewrite is very, very close to completion," Noel said, adding that a full commission membership has sped up review work.
On a separate downtown revitalization program, Noel said 19 properties had completed initial steps and were awaiting the next phase managed by the Land Bank’s contractor (LDA). That process includes written applications, owners’ affirmation of taxes and 20% local matching funds for façade or storefront work.
Councilmembers and Noel also discussed enforcement of boulevard and embankment vegetation, the possibility of allowing intentional native-plant/wildflower ground cover in steep embankment areas, and how the city might accept documented seed mixes as intentional landscaping. Noel said staff will work with property owners who wish to propose native-plant mixes, and that intentional plantings could be treated differently from neglect.
Noel said staff continue rental registrations and safety inspections, and are coordinating with building and fire departments for business occupancy inspections and alarm registrations.
