For the past year, McMinnville Planning and Zoning Department has been cracking down on visual blight by property owners who are in violation of current city ordinances.
The city sends letters regarding violations of junk vehicles, outside storage and unfit structures. However, taking property owners to court for noncompliance is something new.
“I think some realized we were all bark and no bite so they would ignore the letters,” said Planning and Zoning Department manager Josh Baker. “I guess you can say we are now putting some bite into it.”
By city ordinance, vehicles that do not have current tags and/ or appropriate tires and wheels are considered junk vehicles. Vehicles undergoing major mechanical work by the resident are also on the list.
“If you are doing major mechanical work to the vehicle, it must be inside a shed or garage,” said Baker. “Major work would include changing the motor or transmission.”
Baker says he does not want to give the impression residents cannot do any work on their vehicles.
“We are not going to come by and cite you for changing your car’s battery in your driveway,” he said. “However, if it needs extensive work and you want to do it yourself, it needs to be in a shed or garage.”
Outside storage is the placement of excess items outside a house, garage or shed. On Dec. 5, the city took one such homeowner to court and the judge ruled in favor of the city.
“In that case, the property owner was purchasing items to sell at a flea market,” said Baker. “The items were being stored outside the home.”
The individual was ordered to comply with city ordinance, as well as pay a $50 fine for the violation and $100 in court costs.
Unfit structures are those in disrepair and considered hazardous. On Dec. 12, the department was in court with a property owner over unfit structures.
“There were two unfit structures on two properties,” said Baker. “In that case, we came to an agreement in court. If he removes or demolishes the buildings by March 31, he will avoid paying fines.”
Court costs are $100, regardless of the reason for the court appearance. The judge can also impose a fine up to $50 per incident.
When a complaint is received, the department determines if a violation has occurred. If one has, a letter is sent to the property owner asking the situation to be corrected. Noncompliance will result in the matter being placed with the city’s legal counsel.
The city has a 75 percent success rate by sending the letters, with 25 percent unsuccessful.
“It’s the other 25 percent we are concerned with,” said Baker. “We want people to pay a little more attention when they get a letter. If not, it could cost them. If found guilty, they could be paying $150 or more.”
For more information about junk vehicles, outside storage, and unfit structures, or to report a possible violation, contact Baker at 473-1204. Information can also be obtained from the city’s website, www.mcminnvilletenn.com.