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Newton City Council tightens code-enforcement rules; one amendment passes 4–2
Summary
On March 16, 2021 the Newton City Council adopted two text amendments to expand code-enforcement tools for abandoned and dilapidated properties and nuisances; one amendment passed unanimously and a related nuisance/junked-vehicle package passed 4–2 after public comment and council discussion.
Newton City Council on March 16 adopted changes to city code intended to strengthen enforcement of minimum housing standards, abandoned-structure rules and nuisance provisions, and to align local regulations with recent state land-use law revisions.
City Attorney John Cilley told the council the changes (Text Amendment 2021-01 and 2021-02) revise Chapter 18 Articles III–V (minimum housing, abandoned structures and non-residential maintenance) and add clearer definitions for terms such as “Unoccupied,” “Board Up” and “Abandoned Structures,” while related provisions address junked motor vehicles (Chapter 54 Article 7), storage visible in public view (Chapter 62) and fines and civil penalties (Chapter…
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