Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Code Enforcement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents press Orangeville council on overgrown yards, junk vehicles and animal control; staff to review code enforcement
Summary
A longtime resident told the council the town looks "trashy" due to weeds, overgrown trees, broken vehicles and fallen fruit; Planning & Zoning and animal control staff offered to review complaints and issue notices. Officials invited the resident to supply a written list and agreed to pursue enforcement where municipal code applies.
A resident told the Orangeville City Council on Oct. 9 that multiple properties in her neighborhood have overgrown weeds, trees encroaching on driveways and broken vehicles left on the street. "This town has become people aren't being held accountable or being responsible for even simple things," the resident said, describing repeated cleanup work she and her family have done and a near-accident while cutting back a tree.
Planning & Zoning representatives and staff urged the resident to provide a written list of problem addresses so staff can check whether existing local codes cover each issue. Doug (council member) and zoning staff said they will drive the neighborhood, issue notices where appropriate and can place items on the Planning & Zoning agenda. "If you had a list, then we could at least see if there's any code enforcement for stuff," a planning representative said.
The resident also reported dogs killing chickens and partial monetary restitution offered by an owner; staff advised contacting animal control so officers can investigate. Planning & Zoning staff said enforcement options vary with severity and may include impoundment for dangerous animals, and warned that enforcement depends on the city being made aware of specific incidents.
Council members said staffing and workload may affect how quickly issues are addressed and encouraged residents to report violations so staff can document and follow up. Staff provided a phone contact and offered to add the resident to a future Planning & Zoning meeting agenda if she cannot attend in person.
