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Resident asks Mount Sterling council to enforce fencing and nuisance standards after pallet fence, mold and oil concerns
Summary
At a city council meeting, resident Jesse Hurst asked Mount Sterling officials to address a neighbor's pallet fence, apparent mold, discarded appliances and oil-filled containers that he says pose safety and health hazards. Council said it will meet with code enforcement to develop a response.
Jesse Hurst told the Mount Sterling City Council on the public-comment portion of its meeting that a nearby property at 312 Harrison Avenue has become a health and safety concern after sitting vacant and later being occupied.
"We would really like it if they would have to take that fence down and put up a new one," Hurst said, describing a makeshift fence built from wooden pallets, standing oil-filled water, and discarded appliances he said remain on the property.
Hurst said the house sat empty for about two years before someone with children moved in and used pallets to construct an above-ground pool barrier and an adjoining fence. He said the pallets are loose and easily climbed, and that mold, rotting refrigerators and standing oil-filled water have spread into the neighborhood. "It's trash that's basically being reused," he said.
Hurst told council members he had contacted code enforcement previously but could not find a local Mount Sterling fence standard addressing pallets. He referenced Kentucky's residential code as listing permissible fence types such as closely spaced vertical boards, chain link mesh and decorative lattice, and asked the city to adopt or enforce a local standard that would prevent pallet fences.
Council members thanked Hurst for bringing the issue forward and said they would meet with the code enforcement officer and building inspector the following day to explore what actions the city can legally take, including immediate clean-up for mowing and oil hazards. The chair confirmed the council had Hurst's contact information and said staff would follow up.
The council did not take formal action at the meeting; Hurst asked the council to consider requiring proper fencing materials or having property owners replace makeshift fences with approved materials to better protect children and neighborhood appearance.
