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Zoning administrator lays out month-by-month code-enforcement plan for parking, weeds and yards
Summary
Lisa, Milford's zoning administrator, presented a March-focused enforcement plan emphasizing parking and trailers, an education-first notice program, inspection timelines (25 days then inspection on day 26), failure-to-abate steps and lien collection for vacant properties.
Lisa, Milford's zoning administrator, told the beautification committee at its March 3 meeting that the group will begin enforcement with a focus on street-related issues in March and yard-related issues in April.
"Maybe March, we focus on, like, streets, which would be people parking on the wrong sides of the road, trailers that are parked out in the street, and abandoned vehicles," Lisa said, and asked members to review the map and bring identified properties in by the weekend so the office can process them quickly.
Lisa described a stepped notice process: the office will send a notice of violation giving property owners 25 days to correct a problem; staff will inspect on day 26. If the violation persists, the city will issue a failure-to-abate letter giving an additional 10 days; if still uncorrected the city may contract for abatement and place a lien on the property. She noted the city has previously collected abatement costs through tax payments when liens were attached to property tax records.
On working with law enforcement, the committee said deputies from the Beaver County Sheriff's Department will serve violations when necessary, but the sheriff's office requires a signed city complaint before issuing citations. Committee members discussed past court challenges—recalling that a prior judge dismissed cases—and agreed to consult current judicial leadership before escalating widespread enforcement that could lead to district-court expense.
Lisa also highlighted code details members will use: for example, a weed violation is triggered at more than 6 inches of growth, and the city will require photographic evidence and a completed property review form when members submit violations. The committee agreed to start with courtesy letters to re-educate residents and to use outreach (flyers, Facebook posts and community boards) to let residents know enforcement is beginning.
The committee set a deadline for members to return reviews by Friday so staff can prepare courtesy letters; it will reconvene April 7 at 8 a.m. to review progress.
