Port Arthur adopts plain‑English minimum property standards with daily penalties up to $2,000

Port Arthur — The City Council adopted a new minimum property standards ordinance Tuesday evening aimed at giving code enforcement and the city prosecutor clearer, more enforceable standards for substandard housing and unsafe structures.

Roxanne Catronio, the city attorney and city prosecutor, told council the ordinance translates complex trade codes into plain-English minimum standards for structures intended for human occupancy — items such as weather‑tight roofing, operable plumbing, safe stairways and functioning heating and cooling systems. "If you violate these minimum standards, expect that you will be prosecuted by the city prosecutor," Catronio said, describing the enforcement framework and penalties.

The ordinance adds chapter 18 minimum property standards and sets penalties ranging from $250 to $2,000 per day per violation, with enhanced penalties for repeat offenses within a 24‑month period. Catronio and several council members said the change aims to hold slumlords accountable and speed corrective action when residents live in unsafe conditions.

Council members praised the measure as a practical tool for code enforcement and public health. Council member Everfield said the ordinance will help address longstanding problems with apartment complexes and blighted properties; Council member Frank and others voiced gratitude for the city attorney’s work producing enforceable language.

What happens next: City staff and the city attorney said they will provide implementation details, enforcement procedures and training for code officers at a future meeting. Council passed the ordinance by voice vote.

Speakers quoted (first reference): Roxanne Catronio, City Attorney (speaker 27); Council member Everfield (speaker 16).