DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) – Centerville City Council approved a new $50 daily fee for unresolved property violations. This fee is meant to encourage people to upkeep their properties.
The City’s Property Maintenance Code is being updated and this rule, alongside other changes, was approved following a public hearing on Monday, July 16.
“This is not about collecting money, it is about getting issues fixed quickly,” said Development Director Erik Collins. “We are focused on protecting our neighborhoods and making sure Centerville stays clean, safe and well-maintained.”
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Some key takeaways from the update:
- If a correction is not made by the deadline, property owners can be charged $50 for each day the issue goes unresolved.
- Unpaid fees will be added to the property owner’s tax bill.
- The update provided a formal definition for “prairie grass”. The new rules say no more than 25 percent of a lawn can be covered in prairie grass or wildflowers.
- Centerville can also now charge a property owner a $100 administrative fee when the City has to step in to correct a violation.
“The vast majority of homeowners maintain their homes in a neat and presentable manner consistent with City Council’s vision,” said City Manager Wayne Davis. “Yet there are one-off properties that impact the property values of a neighborhood as well as the overall quality of life of the people who live there. That puts a demand on our staff to routinely assess the upkeep and maintenance.”…