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Council adopts three code amendments clarifying litter, removal and penalties
Summary
After a public hearing, the council adopted three town code amendments clarifying that the town may pursue civil or criminal remedies for litter and property cleanup, and giving code officers discretion to set compliance timelines before penalties accrue. The amendments were adopted by motion and voice vote.
The Town of Sahuarita held a public hearing Nov. 1 and adopted three code amendments that clarify local authority and procedure for property cleanup and litter enforcement.
Nathan (staff) presented the proposed amendments as a housekeeping effort to remove ambiguity about whether code enforcement may pursue civil procedures, criminal procedures or either. The amendments also add explicit authority for staff to set a compliance deadline after issuing a notice or citation, rather than requiring immediate compliance before penalties begin.
Council members said the intent is to emphasize compliance over punishment and to give code officers flexibility to issue notices of violation, work with property owners and reserve criminal prosecution for the most recalcitrant cases. The town attorney and staff explained each ordinance would be considered separately and that the current practice focuses on notices and civil remedies before criminal enforcement.
Council adopted Ordinance 2025-188 (Town Code Amendment Chapter 1.05), Ordinance 2025-189 (Town Code Amendment Chapter 8.1) and Ordinance 2025-190 (Town Code Amendment Chapter 8.25) by motion and voice vote. No individual roll-call tallies were recorded in the meeting transcript. Staff said the goal is to bring properties into compliance and to provide clear procedural authority for enforcement staff.
