Newport adopts ordinance clarifying building-maintenance rules and adds nuisance lighting standard

The Newport City Council on Feb. 18 adopted Ordinance No. 2,232, amending Chapter 8.1 of Title 8 of the Newport Municipal Code to clarify building- and property-maintenance standards and add a measurable nuisance-lighting provision.

The ordinance updates the city’s nuisance-abatement code to define building-maintenance issues — such as deteriorated siding, windows, roofs or decks — and gives code-enforcement staff a clearer standard for when to pursue voluntary compliance or enforcement. The measure also adds a nuisance-lighting threshold that can be measured at the property line, using the common illumination unit of foot-candles.

Derek Tokos, the city’s Community Development director, told the council the changes are intended to give code-enforcement and the police department “additional tools” to address properties that have fallen into disrepair…