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Board adopts derelict and blighted‑building ordinance after debate on definitions and enforcement
Summary
Supervisors approved a derelict and blighted buildings ordinance mirroring state code; discussion centered on how to define 'blight', whether timelines should be required, and which official (inspector, building official) would make determinations and enforce remedies.
The board debated an ordinance structured to mirror state code to abate derelict and blighted buildings, with multiple supervisors urging clearer local definitions before adoption and the county attorney (speaker 11) cautioning that any added restrictions must be defensible in court.
Supervisors discussed criteria such as public‑safety risk, repeated complaints or calls, length of vacancy and whether signs/no‑trespass measures should factor into the decision. The county attorney said the statute is intentionally general and the locality can adopt defensible local definitions later; after discussion the board voted to adopt the ordinance and asked staff to return with any needed clarifications and an RFP option for assessor services if required.
Members emphasized working with the sheriff's office, the building official and health authorities to identify criminal blight (drug activity, sewage hazards) versus long‑standing historic vacancy cases, and agreed to monitor implementation and refine language if challenges arise.
