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Property Codes Get A Final OK

October 21, 2005

By LOYD BRUMFIELD News Editor/Today Newspapers

Several months of meetings and workshops with citizens groups came to an end Oct. 11 when the Cedar Hill City Council unanimously updated the city’s property maintenance regulations and minimum housing requirements.

“It’s a special night for neighborhoods,” said Council member Wade Emmert, who headed a citizens advisory committee dedicated to property maintenance and housing. “It is my belief that no matter which side of the highway you live on, everybody is entitled to safe, clean neighborhoods.”

Emmert’s comments drew applause from the crowd during the short meeting. He also thanked committee members and the city staff.

“At the end of four separate meetings, there was a unanimous show of support adopting the minimum housing standards,” he said.

Council member Daniel Haydin, who seconded Emmert’s motion, was the first to make a motion to approve property maintenance regulations.

“The staff took a lot of initiative in working with other cities trying to find common ground on code enforcement,” Mayor Rob Franke said. “Johnny (Kendro) and Stacey (Graves, code enforcement officers), we appreciate all your hard work.”

Franke pointed out that this year’s budget calls for hiring a third code enforcement officer, which illustrates the city’s commitment to basic standards of living.

Most of the minimum housing requirements are common-sense regulations, including ensuring that homes and businesses be free of electrical and plumbing hazards.

In addition, the new regulations require that every residential dwelling unit (with the exception of efficiency apartments) have a minimum square footage of 120 feet and include a kitchen, bathroom and at least one bedroom

The property maintenance regulations also include requirements that properties be maintained in a “clean, safe and sanitary condition,” and yards and business areas must be free of “rubbish, garbage, junk or waste which constitute a public nuisance or which are contrary to the public health, safety and welfare.”

Also, residents are now required to keep their fences in good condition, although they are not required to have fences. Under new regulations, any missing or broken slats must be replaced or repaired, and leaning portions must be straightened.

Overgrowth of trees and shrubs must be curbed and can’t create hazards or obstructions, and residents and business owners are expected to keep their properties free from insect and rodent infestation, the new codes state.

Loyd Brumfield can be reached at cedarhill@todaynewspapers.net.

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