Hamilton County Reporter
An updated Junk Ordinance will go into effect within the unincorporated areas of Hamilton County on Thursday, June 20. On Monday, May 13, the Hamilton County Commissioners approved the ordinance, which prohibits the accumulation of inoperable vehicles and junk on private property.
Dillinger
“It is in the best interest of the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Hamilton County to prohibit the accumulation of junk,” said Steve Dillinger, president of the Hamilton County Commissioners. “Not only are these yards unsightly, but they also reduce the property value of those living nearby. Some even create fire hazards, pollute surface water and attract rodents.”
The terms of the updated ordinance apply to all real estate privately owned in Hamilton County outside a city or town. The term “junk” refers to discarded, abandoned, or cast-off materials including, but not limited to, scrap metals, broken glass, building materials, automobile parts, furniture, mattresses and appliances. Also, disassembled, unlicensed, junked, wrecked, or other inoperable vehicles will not be allowed to remain on property for more than 15 days, unless the vehicle is in connection with a legally zoned automobile sales or repair business.
“This ordinance also addresses excessive numbers of vehicles – operating or not,” said Dillinger. “You are no longer allowed to park more vehicles outside your garage than the number of bedrooms, as shown on your county property record card for the residential lot, plus one. So if you have a four bedroom home, you should not have more than five cars parked outside your garage at any time.”
Anyone in violation of the new ordinance will be subject to fines. Once notified of a violation, by either the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office or the Director of the Hamilton County Planning Department, the homeowner will be given up to 60 days to rectify the problem. If the property is not brought into compliance, the homeowner can be fined up to $2,500 for the first offense and up to $7,500 for any future violations.
If the property continues to be a problem, the county may forcibly remove any or all materials that are in violation and assess the costs of the removal to the landowner.