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Hertford attorney to rewrite vehicle nuisance enforcement ordinance after officer identifies 100+ vehicles
Summary
Town staff identified more than 100 vehicles for nuisance enforcement. Town Attorney John Leidy told council the current ordinance names the police and building inspector as enforcement authorities, so the ordinance must be rewritten to assign responsibility and preserve appeal rights; an updated draft will be reviewed Feb. 27.
Town staff told the Hertford council on Feb. 13 that an employee assigned to nuisance code enforcement has identified more than 100 vehicles that may violate junk/nuisance rules, and the town plans to revise its ordinance to clarify enforcement procedures.
Town Manager Janice McKenzie Cole said the Nuisance Code Enforcement Officer is documenting vehicles and the Town Clerk is sending letters to property owners at a rate of 12 letters per week. According to Attorney John Leidy, the existing ordinance (Article II, Section 4-21) assigns administration and enforcement to the police department and the building inspector; replacing those roles requires rewriting the ordinance so the town can lawfully delegate duties, provide clear procedures and preserve owners’ hearing and appeal rights.
Attorney Leidy said the ordinance procedures can be streamlined, and vehicle owners will be able to request a hearing or appeal before removal or towing at the owner’s expense. Manager Cole said information on selling vehicles for scrap will be included with violation letters where appropriate. Attorney Leidy will present an updated ordinance for council review at the Feb. 27 work session.
The council did not take a final vote on the ordinance at the Feb. 13 meeting; the matter remains under study and will return to the council for action after the attorney drafts the revised language.
