PROPERTY MAINTENANCE ORDINANCE

Section 1. Purpose 

The purpose of this ordinance is to establish minimum standards for the maintenance of residential, commercial, industrial, and vacant properties within the Town of Paleto Bay. These standards are intended to protect public health and safety, preserve property values, prevent nuisance conditions, and maintain the rural charm and appearance of the community. 

Section 2. Definitions 

Property Owner means any person, partnership, corporation, or entity holding legal title to real property.

Occupant means any person residing on or otherwise in possession of a property.

Nuisance Condition means any condition that endangers health or safety, creates a fire hazard, attracts vermin, or substantially detracts from the appearance or enjoyment of neighboring properties.

Junk means discarded, broken, unusable, or abandoned materials, equipment, appliances, furniture, or debris that is not actively being used or properly stored.

Section 3. General Duty 

Every property owner and occupant shall maintain their property in a clean, safe, sanitary, and orderly condition.

No property shall be maintained in a manner that creates a public nuisance or poses an unreasonable risk to neighboring properties or the public.

Section 4. Exterior Property Maintenance 

All exterior areas shall be maintained to prevent:

• Excessive accumulation of trash or litter;

• Unsafe or collapsing structures;

• Uncontrolled vegetation that creates hazards;

• Standing water that promotes mosquito breeding;

• Conditions that harbor rodents or pests;

• Accumulations of scrap materials or debris.

Driveways, sidewalks, and entrances shall remain reasonably accessible and free from hazardous obstructions.

Section 5. Grass, Weeds, and Vegetation 

Grass, weeds, and similar vegetation shall be maintained so as not to create:

• Fire hazards;

• Visibility hazards for motorists or pedestrians;

• Harborages for pests or wildlife;

• Significant adverse impacts on neighboring properties.

Native vegetation, agricultural fields, managed natural habitats, and intentionally maintained landscaping are exempt when properly cared for.

Section 6. Junk and Outdoor Storage 

No person shall allow junk, discarded materials, broken appliances, or refuse to accumulate in open view except during scheduled collection or approved cleanup activities.

Outdoor storage of equipment or materials shall be maintained in an orderly manner and shall not constitute a nuisance or safety hazard.

Reasonable storage associated with agricultural operations is exempt.

Section 7. Building Maintenance 

Structures shall be maintained so that:

• Roofs prevent water intrusion;

• Exterior walls remain structurally sound;

• Windows and doors are secured;

• Broken glass is repaired or boarded safely;

• Porches, stairs, and railings remain safe for use.

Vacant structures shall be secured against unauthorized entry.

Section 8. Refuse and Waste Containers 

Garbage and refuse shall be stored in suitable containers designed to prevent the escape of odors, litter, or wildlife.

Containers shall not be placed for collection more than twenty-four (24) hours before scheduled pickup and shall be removed within twenty-four (24) hours after collection whenever practical.

Section 9. Inoperative Equipment and Appliances

Refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, and similar appliances stored outdoors shall have doors removed or otherwise be rendered incapable of trapping children.

Broken or abandoned appliances shall not remain visible from public rights-of-way for more than thirty (30) days.

Section 10. Fences and Accessory Structures 

Fences, sheds, detached garages, and similar structures shall be maintained in a safe condition and shall not be allowed to collapse, lean dangerously, or create hazards.

Normal weathering or cosmetic imperfections alone shall not constitute a violation.

Section 11. Vacant Lots 

Owners of vacant lots shall prevent excessive dumping, overgrowth creating hazards, or conditions likely to attract unlawful activity.

Natural wooded areas may remain undisturbed provided they do not create an immediate public safety concern.

Section 12. Construction Sites 

Active construction projects shall:

• Secure building materials;

• Prevent debris from entering public rights-of-way;

• Dispose of waste regularly;

• Maintain erosion and dust control measures where appropriate.

Temporary disorder inherent to active construction shall not constitute a violation when reasonably managed.

Section 13. Agricultural Exemption 

The Town recognizes agriculture as an important part of the Paleto Bay community.

Normal farming activities, including equipment storage, hay bales, livestock facilities, fencing, feed storage, and seasonal operations, shall not be considered violations solely due to their agricultural nature.

Section 14. Notice of Violation 

When a violation is identified, the Town shall generally provide written notice allowing the owner or occupant a reasonable opportunity to correct the condition.

Immediate action may be taken where conditions pose an imminent threat to public health or safety.

Section 15. Emergency Abatement 

Where conditions present an immediate danger, the Town may perform necessary corrective work without prior notice.

Costs incurred may be assessed against the property owner as permitted by law.