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Hillsboro tightens code enforcement: updates to abandoned structures, animals, junk vehicles and health hazards approved
Summary
The board approved a package of code‑enforcement updates clarifying procedures for abandoned or nuisance structures, tightening rules on farm animals and poultry, tightening junk‑vehicle and solid‑waste language, and adding health-and-safety provisions for open wells and standing water.
The Town Board adopted updates to the municipal code on Sept. 8 intended to strengthen the town’s ability to abate abandoned or hazardous properties and to clarify rules about animals and solid waste.
Staff explained the changes were largely intended to align town ordinance language with state statute and to make enforcement more workable in practice. Key changes include clearer criteria and procedural steps for declaring a structure abandoned or a nuisance (including improved posting procedures when certified mail cannot reach a vacant property), separate categories and standards for large farm animals, small farm animals and poultry to avoid ambiguity, a tightened definition of ‘‘junk’’ or abandoned vehicles, and provisions addressing standing water, open wells and health‑and‑safety hazards.
Staff described the public‑safety rationale for the changes: open wells and stagnant water create hazards for children, animals and disease vectors; large accumulations of stored material can hide other hazards; and ambiguous language has impeded enforcement in some previous abatement cases.
The board voted to adopt the package, and staff will follow the revised notification and abatement process going forward.
What’s next: Staff will implement the ordinance changes, update abatement procedures and return to the board with enforcement data and any recommended adjustments.
