03-25-13 Agenda & Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Chronic Problem Properties Regulations Ordinance Page 2 The following ordinance is believed to be in the best interests of the City of South Bend, Indiana, and provides another mechanism so that actions are taken in a fair and timely manner. Section I. Chapter 13 of the South Bend Municipal Code is amended by the inclusion of new Article 12 which shall read in its entirety as follows: Article 12. Chronic Problem Property Regulations Sec. 13-155 Findings of the Council and Purposes of Regulations. (a) The Common Council finds that excessive calls for service to problem areas, trouble spots, or high-activity areas, place an undue burden on public safety resources, which may result in decreased public safety services being provided to other geographic areas of the City of South Bend, Indiana. (b) The Council further finds that by utilizing enforcement problem-oriented policing strategies, that a corresponding reduction in calls for service and crime prevention should result. (c) The regulations set forth in this Article are designed to protect the overall public health, safety and welfare of the City. They are further designed to help prevent and assist in abating repeat calls for service to the same property or location, which may result in diminished public safety services being provided to other residents and areas of the City. Repeat nuisance service call fees are authorized to be imposed and collected from the owner of the property designated as a chronic problem property. Such fees are intended to help cover costs incurred by the City which are over and above the cost of providing services to properties not so designated. (d) The regulations set forth in this Article are supplemental to other regulations codified in the South Bend Municipal Code and are designed to address chronic problem properties. Sec. 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: