Commission asks staff to review code enforcement rules after public complaints about vehicles and boats in front yards

A public complaint about a vehicle or boat parked in a front yard prompted an extended commission discussion on Jan. 13 about Newberry's code enforcement approach and whether certain ordinances should be revised or applied with more discretion.

Commissioner Coleman raised concerns about enforcement practices and urged a "common sense" approach to issues such as boats, RVs and unlicensed vehicles in front yards. Commissioner Clark and others cautioned that "common sense" is subjective and that the commission should provide clear direction rather than rely on ad hoc enforcement. Several commissioners said no member had been formally contacted about the specific case beyond social media posts and urged residents with concerns to appear at a commission meeting or contact staff directly.

City Manager Mike said staff would forward an excerpt of the relevant ordinance to the commission the next day and, if the commission wanted a deeper review, staff would return with the item on a subsequent agenda. He also said staff will send commissioners a list of eight code topics the city plans to pursue in 2025 and will work toward compliance-focused enforcement, noting the city prefers voluntary compliance over punitive measures.

Code Enforcement Officer Greta was praised by multiple commissioners for her work; the manager said staff's intent is to achieve compliance through assistance and reasonable timelines where possible. Commissioners discussed the practical and legal limits of creating homeowners' associations retroactively and the role of magistrates in enforcement proceedings.

The commission did not change a code provision at the meeting; it instructed staff to circulate ordinance text and return with recommendations if the commission requests a formal agenda item.