Council advances 'chronic nuisance businesses' ordinance to first reading after business owners raise enforcement concerns

The St. Joseph City Council paused on ordinance 34 for first reading, a proposed addition to the city code to regulate so-called "chronic nuisance businesses" by amending several code sections on suspension, revocation and administrative penalties.

Two members of the public, Nancy Kelly and Carrie Baldwin, spoke during the public-comment period. Nancy Kelly said she supported the intent but disputed some specifics in the draft language, including a reference she read as "66 yards" tied to a building footprint and provisions about how long people can be outside before conduct is deemed a nuisance. She asked how city-owned property would be treated under the standard and requested information about follow-up meetings.

Carrie Baldwin, who said she is a business owner at 802 South Ninth Street, criticized wording she said would place an unreasonable enforcement burden on businesses — including responsibility for activity within 200 feet of their property lines and subjective measures such as "excessive time." Baldwin asked whether impacted businesses had been consulted and whether the city had proposed nonpunitive measures such as signage or outreach.

Council members and staff responded that the draft aims to be business-friendly and to address community appearance. They described a staged approach: police officers would first work with business owners, attempts would be made to contact and resolve issues informally, and a council‑formed Administrative Violation Review Board would hear appeals. If the board found a chronic nuisance persisted, penalties could include revocation of a business or liquor license. Staff noted prior conversations with the Chamber of Commerce and property owners.

Because the ordinance was at first reading, no final action was taken. Staff said they would follow up with residents and owners who requested more information.