The city council has approved a property maintenance code enforcement citation ordinance that authorizes city staff to issue “fix up” citations in stubborn cases of commercial or residential blight. Prior to adopting the ordinance, city officials approved a policy whereby citations would only be issued when three or more contacts by city staff with the property owners result in no remedial action.
See the city council staff report on this issue
Unless an immediate danger to public safety exists, those receiving citations will have at least 21 days to remedy their violation(s) before imposition of fines. Initial violations will be subject to fines of $100. Those receiving the citations can contest them to an administrative hearing officer and, later, to the Superior Court. The citation ordinance is the latest in a series of measures taken by the city council to eliminate blighted conditions before they become widespread in a neighborhood or commercial area.
Lakewood Neighborhoods Section
Home improvement tips, help for homeowners, loans, grants, ordinances
http://www.lakewoodcity.org/services/housing/default.asp
City efforts to preserve neighborhoods go well beyond simply issuing citations. The Lakewood Online "Neighborhoods" section gathers together information on many of the programs, services, grant and loan programs, and city policies that are preserving Lakewood's neighborhood quality of life.
Click to the special Neighborhoods sections
The Lakewood Online Neighborhoods section gathers together the programs, services, and city policies that are preserving Lakewood's neighborhood quality of life:
· New, tougher property maintenance standards and expanded crime and nuisance property abatement.
· Loans for eligible homeowners to clean up and fix up declining properties.
· Grants to seniors and the disabled with modest maintenance needs, with the work performed for them.
· Volunteer opportunities for teens and service club members to help the elderly and disabled with home maintenance projects.
· Lakewood Beautiful awards for Lakewood's most beautiful homes.
This section contains a wide range of information to help residents with maintaining their properties, and in turn, helping neighborhoods retain their hometown feeling and property value. Information that is online can help older residents who need landscaping and home repair assistance. "Neighborhoods" has information for landlords and managers of rental units who need training in property upkeep and, in some cases, toughened enforcement of city maintenance standards. The site includes a wide range of information and links on home improvement and a section for good neighbors who show their pride in Lakewood through exemplary landscaping and maintenance. They can be nominated for recognition of their contributions to their community in the Lakewood Beautiful Home Award program pages and nomination form.
