Trustees say Crosby Township property maintenance code will be revised to better address junk vehicles and scrap

Trustees told the board they are preparing a draft revision to the Crosby Township property maintenance code, saying the townships existing language is based on an older International Code Council model and does not reflect a decade of changes.

Township staff outlined the enforcement approach currently used: initial notice or attorneys letter, sheriff delivery of a citation, and referral to housing court where a judge can order compliance. Trustees discussed gaps in the current code: unlicensed or inoperable vehicles, accumulations of scrap and appliances, overgrown trees and storm-damaged limbs. One trustee noted that a separate statutory procedure exists for removing junk vehicles but that it requires the township to pay towing, storage and disposal costs.

Trustees said the draft code revision will try to clarify definitions (junk vs. business-related scrapping), add specific language about vehicles and appliances, and provide a clearer enforcement path that minimizes township expense where possible. Staff expects to present a draft for review at an upcoming meeting.

Why it matters: The revision could change how the township addresses recurring neighborhood complaints, reduce staff ambiguity during enforcement, and potentially shift costs or responsibilities depending on whether the township relies on statutory vehicle removal or strictly on code-based citations.

What happens next: Trustees and staff will finalize a draft revision and circulate it for review before the next meeting; enforcement in the meantime continues under current code and available statutory tools.