Sunbury council amends property maintenance code to adopt 2021 International Property Maintenance Code

The Sunbury City Council voted to amend the city’s property maintenance ordinance (1-30-1) and adopt the International Property Maintenance Code, 2021 edition.

Councilwoman Barnard moved “to amend the property maintenance ordinance, 1 30 dash 1 and, adopt the international property maintenance code 2021 edition,” and the council recorded affirmative responses from members present to carry the motion.

The change updates the city’s local code to reference the 2021 edition of the International Property Maintenance Code, the council said during the meeting. Council members did not detail specific ordinance text changes during the recorded discussion.

The decision follows public comments from residents who raised ongoing concerns about nuisance properties and yard maintenance in their neighborhoods. One resident said they had reported a “nuisance property” repeatedly and that promised follow-up meetings with the city’s blight committee had not yet occurred. The resident asked to speak with the police chief after the meeting about persistent harassment and unsafe conditions at a neighboring property.

Council members acknowledged the complaint and directed staff and the chief to follow up with the resident after the meeting. Council members also said the code enforcement officers would receive training (discussed elsewhere on the agenda) to support enforcement of property standards.

The ordinance amendment was presented under old business; council members did not request an extended staff report during the recorded discussion. The council did not specify in the public record when the adoption becomes effective or whether transitional compliance dates will apply.