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Oak Ridge council adopts slum‑clearance chapter to enhance code enforcement
Summary
Council adopted an ordinance creating a 'slum clearance' chapter in property maintenance code to expand enforcement mechanisms for blighted structures, including the option to add enforcement costs to property tax bills under Tennessee law.
Council adopted on final reading a revision to the city code that creates a new chapter titled "slum clearance" to address unsafe or unsanitary dwellings and provide enforcement tools. Staff said the change implements the Tennessee Slum Clearance Law and adds mechanisms that allow the city to recover enforcement costs via the property tax bill in specified cases.
The city attorney and code staff explained the typical process for inspection and enforcement, including that many violations can be observed from the street, that neighbors may file complaints, and that the city can pursue an administrative search warrant and involve police for inspections when necessary. Council discussed the rarity of using administrative search warrants but confirmed the city retains that legal tool. The ordinance was approved on final reading with no nays recorded in the meeting transcript.
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