Milton adopts nuisance, junked-vehicle and minimum-housing ordinances; grass limit raised

The Milton Town Council on Sept. 9 unanimously adopted a set of property-maintenance ordinances intended to clarify enforcement and update local standards.

Mayor Angela Upchurch read the motions and commissioners moved them to a vote. Commissioner Danny Cash moved to adopt the Nuisance Ordinance; Commissioner Bob Palmer seconded the motion and the council approved it. The council also adopted an Abandoned Nuisance/Junked Vehicles Ordinance and Minimum Housing Regulations after separate motions and unanimous votes.

The ordinances include a change to the grass-height standard: the allowable height was raised from 8 inches to 10 inches. Mayor Angela Upchurch said the change was part of the board's effort to refine enforcement thresholds. "The residents are very importance, and bank our town as viable and successful as possible because grants will end," Mayor Upchurch said during the meeting.

Off-street parking rules were discussed for wording and remain at the Planning Board stage; commissioners were asked to send comments to the Planning Board before it advances the item. The council also approved a citizen proclamation that had been tabled from August.

The meeting record shows each ordinance motion was seconded and carried by unanimous consent. The council did not record roll-call tallies beyond noting that "all were in favor." The Planning Board will continue review of the off-street parking language; commissioners and staff indicated they expect further community input before any additional action.

Council members adjourned at 8:05 p.m.