Code enforcement: 36 grass violations, two condemnations and 26 hazard structures identified in May

Herington’s code enforcement staff reported at the June 17 meeting that inspectors issued 36 grass violations in May, of which 11 were resolved after verbal contact. Staff also reported two houses condemned for living-condition violations and a preliminary inventory identifying 26 hazardous structures across the city.

Why it matters: Unsafe structures and untreated hazards create public-safety issues and concentrated blight that can affect neighborhoods and city maintenance costs.

Staff provided a monthly permit and enforcement summary: four building permits, three electrical permits, five plumbing permits, one mechanical permit and three roof permits were issued in May. Inspectors conducted 67 inspections tied to those permits. Code staff said the hazard list includes open holes in roofs, partially collapsed sheds and other “true hazards” that will require prioritized attention.

Commissioners asked staff to produce a prioritized “hit list” that distinguishes high-priority public-safety hazards and structures on main roads from lower-priority issues. The manager and code director (Vinny) said they will collaborate with Thatcher (staff) to finalize the ranking and present an actionable plan.

Staff clarified policy differences for excavation permits: the city’s ordinance covers excavation on public property and requires prompt restoration; private excavations are treated as the owner’s liability and may be addressed under property-maintenance codes if they create an attractive nuisance or collapse risk.

What’s next: Staff will form a prioritized list of hazardous structures, propose a stepwise enforcement/abatement plan and propose budget or staff resources needed to address high-priority items. The commission directed staff to return with the plan at a future meeting or workshop.