Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Code Enforcement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners adopt nuisance‑abatement procedures; enforcement limited to unincorporated areas and citations handled by sheriff
Summary
The court adopted procedures defining 'public nuisance' and a 30‑day notice process; the county’s designated code‑enforcement representative noted he is not yet certified to issue citations and will refer cases to the sheriff, with potential fines described in state code.
Dimmit County Commissioners adopted new procedures for abating public nuisances in unincorporated areas, establishing a 30‑day notice period and a referral process to the sheriff’s office if property owners do not correct violations.
Mister Gonzales presented the procedures and read a definition of public nuisance that covers stored refuse, junk vehicles, appliances and conditions that create unsanitary or unsafe premises. He told the court the procedure includes issuance of a notice that allows the property owner 30 days to propose a plan and correct the condition; if unresolved, the matter is referred to the sheriff for citation and then to justice court and, if necessary, the commissioner’s court for final action.
Gonzales explained he is a designated code‑enforcement representative but has not yet completed the 12‑month certification required to be a full code enforcement officer; until certified, he will notify the sheriff’s office to issue citations. He also cited possible fines and penalties described in state law, noting daily fines in a stated range and that larger violations can carry higher classifications.
Commissioners voted to adopt the procedures. The action applies only to unincorporated county areas and county roads; it does not apply within municipal limits.
Next steps: Code‑enforcement staff will begin issuing notices under the new procedure and will coordinate with the sheriff’s office on citations until certification is completed.
