At a late May meeting, City Council formally passed Ordinance No. 2010-21 which amends and updates several sections of the Blue Ash Code of Ordinances relating to property maintenance standards.

Blue Ash is a great place to live because Blue Ash residents take pride in their homes and neighborhoods. The City’s property maintenance codes are in place to promote the health, safety, and well-being of residents and neighborhoods through encouraging adherence to City codes. Property maintenance compliance protects property values and neighborhoods against deteriorating influences, and this benefits everyone not only in the affected neighborhood or street, but the community in general.

These changes were recommended to City Council by those who enforce the City’s property maintenance standards. However, it should be noted that many of these changes were recommended based on direct suggestions from residents and Council representatives regarding property maintenance issues they have experienced in their neighborhoods. Many of the changes will simply allow enhanced enforcement means should violations occur, including more distinct definitions and additional clarification meant to minimize ambiguity.

Below is a brief summary of the major updates adopted by City Council, which will go into effect in early August:

• Storage and Parking of Junk or Inoperable Vehicle - No junk, inoperable, or unlicensed vehicle shall be located on any residential property, except when stored within a completely enclosed building.
   
• Outside Storage - Landscape materials, tools, mowers, trimmers, or the like stored outside must be fully screened, on all sides so as not to be seen, and must be behind the front building line of the house. Examples of “fully screened” methods permitted could include a wall, storage cabinet, fence, or landscaping installed with materials of a quality compatible with the immediate neighborhood. Items exempt from this screening include patio furniture, swing sets and similar equipment, and firewood neatly stacked behind the front building line and free of insects and vermin.
   
• Trash Containers - must be screened from view from any street and be located behind the front building line of the house. In the case of a corner lot, trash containers cannot be located in the side yard adjacent to a street. Trash containers can also be stored in a fully enclosed structure. Note: In addressing concerns expressed to Council from citizens regarding this specific screening provision, discussion was held regarding this item at the August 2010 Council meeting. At that meeting, Council requested that enforcement of this provision be "softened" over coming weeks so discussion may continue.
  
• Defacement of Property - No person shall willfully or wantonly damage, mutilate or deface any exterior surface of any structure or building on any private or public property by placing thereon any marking, carving, or graffiti. It is the responsibility of the owner or occupant to restore a defaced surface to an approved state of maintenance and repair.
   
• Grading and Drainage – in short, the Code was updated within several sections to more adequately explain the premise that property owners are responsible in providing correct and adequate drainage on their property and to accomplish so in a manner that does not cause a drainage problem for other properties or create a safety or health risk in general. Property owners are required to maintain their watercourse to prevent pollution and contamination from occurring. The changes also add language addressing roof drains and sump pumps.
  
• The violation fine was changed from a previous level of $100 to $150 (this is a PER DAY fine).

Blue Ash has a full-time staff member devoted to the enforcement of Blue Ash’s property maintenance standards. Strict enforcement regarding the following will continue:

• Properties and structures must be maintained in a neat, safe, and sanitary state of repair. This includes driveways, walls, fences, garages, swimming pools, etc.
   
• Cutting of high grass and weeds – violation occurs when grass/plants reach a height of 8 inches.

This represents just a brief summary of the changes made. Any questions or property maintenance issues should be directed to Rich Dole in the Community Development office at 745-8542, or via E-mail to rdole@blueash.com.