City of Lindale – Substandard Building Ordinance and Property Condition Assessment In October 2014, the City Council also adopted a new Substandard Building Ordinance. This ordinance establishes standards for declaring a building substandard and authorizes the city inspection/code enforcement staff to inspect the building and declare it substandard if it meets the standards for being substandard. The intent of this ordinance is to help property owner identify potential problems with their properties which could lower the value of their properties or cost more to repair if not addressed. The ordinance also protects the public from hazards associated with substandard properties which could affect their health and safety, protects neighborhoods from declining property values, and improves the overall visual appeal of the City which helps to attract more development. The ordinance applies to residential and commercial properties throughout the city limits. The ordinance takes effect on January 20, 2015 at which time the City’s Code Enforcement/Building Inspection staff will begin a systematic inspection of all possible substandard properties in all areas of the city. The ordinance will be enforced throughout the city limits of Lindale in all neighborhoods and commercial districts. Prior to enforcement activities, the city staff will conduct a city-wide assessment property condition assessment. The City has adopted an objective assessment tool developed by the City of Farmer’s Branch Code Enforcement Department and adopted for use in a number of Texas Cities. The assessment instrument provides a fair and objective measure of the condition of residential and commercial buildings, accessory or out-buildings, fences, yards and landscaping, trash and litter, and junk vehicles. The instrument and supporting documents leave little room for individual interpretation by the city inspector or property owner. Property owners are encouraged to conduct a self-assessment of their properties. The instrument and supporting documentation will be available on the City website for download by January 20, 2015. The purpose of the assessment is to help the owner determine what repairs or improvements may be needed to keep the property in compliance with city property standards. Upon completion of the property assessment by City staff the owners will be notified of needed repair and improvements and provided time for these repairs and improvements to be completed, prior to any formal action being taken. Failure to complete the repairs or improvement within the agreed upon time frame may result in the issuance of a citation and a court hearing before the municipal court. City staff will work with property owners who have limited resources or ability to make needed repairs and improvements. Property owners who have a history of ignoring needed repairs after multiple citations will find themselves court action and significant fines until the repairs and improvements are completed. In rare cases where properties found to be uninhabitable by the Court the properties become subject to condemnation and demolition. Property owners may demolish the properties themselves in accordance with City standards, or the City may demolish the property at which time the city will place a lien on the property to recoup the cost of demolition. The City will hold a public meeting on this ordinance and the assessment and enforcement practice for the ordinance at 5:30 PM Tuesday January 13. The meeting will be held in the City Council Chambers at Lindale City Hall. All property owners are encouraged to attend. The property assessment rating tool and supporting documentation will be available to all interested in attending. We anticipate this ordinance will provide for healthier, safer, more beautiful and more prosperous Lindale.
Posted on: Wed, 07 Jan 2015 23:04:57 +0000
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