Amending Various Sections of Article 12 of Chapter 13 of the South Bend Municipal Code Addressing Chronic Problem Property Regulations

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SUBSTITUTION Bill No. 710-1 (D Ordinance No. 104k8 3 —1 to AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF ARTICLE 12 OF CHAPTER 13 OF THE SOUTHBEND MUNICIPAL CODE ADDRESSING CHRONIC PROBLEM PROPERTY REGULATIONS STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND INTENT On June 10, 2013, the South Bend Common Council passed Ordinance No. 10232 -13, which created the original chronic problem property regulations. On November 10, 2014, the Council passed Ordinance No. 10338 -14. Those new chronic problem property regulations placed the responsibility on businesses for their actions or inactions if they are located within commercial, industrial or PUD zoned areas. To date, all of these regulations have assisted the City of South Bend in addressing in a reasonable and proactive manner many problem properties throughout the city. This ordinance is designed to improve and streamline implementation and enforcement procedures with reasonable notice to affected property owners. It sets forth continuous abatement penalties and fees for repeat nuisance properties within a certain time frame; includes the addition of letters issued by the Fire Department; and language to provide addition protection to victims of a crime. After consideration and discussion with local apartment communities, a scalable function has been included for property consisting of more than fifty (50) dwelling units. All of these proposed changes are believed to be in the best interests of the City of South Bend, Indiana. %Ya" '� a." a,Jt ��iai�ze��t/ze �orrrmarL ��cnelL�de CX�c��KC� �' I W J1 .1. aS1111115: Section I. Section 13 -156 of Article 12 of Chapter 13 of the South Bend Municipal Code is hereby amended as follows: See. 13 -156 Definitions. As used in this Article: (a) Abate shall mean to remedy a condition which constitutes a violation of this Article which is necessary and in the interest of the general health, safety and welfare of the City. (b) Chronic Problem Property is a property which meets the following criteria: 1. Has had not less than five (5) valid complaints in sixty (60) calendar days for any criminal offense governed in Title 3 5 of the Indiana Code, and /or ordinance citations being